Subscription Lists
'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
Once called, God does not change His mind.
If you are discouraged, feeling like perhaps God has changed His mind about your calling in Christ, God only changes His mind about how He deals with you based on your reaction to His guidance. But the callings of God are without revocation:
"From the point of view of the Gospel (good news), they [the Jews, at present] are enemies [of God], which is for your advantage and benefit. But from the point of view of God’s choice (of election, of divine selection), they are still the beloved (dear to Him) for the sake of their forefathers. For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.
Just as you were once disobedient and rebellious toward God but now have obtained [His] mercy, through their disobedience, so they also now are being disobedient [when you are receiving mercy], that they in turn may one day, through the mercy you are enjoying, also receive mercy that they may share the mercy which has been shown to you—through you as messengers of the Gospel to them." - Romans 11:28-30
This was spoken by Paul concerning the status of the Jewish race. However, God is not a respecter of person, or races, or nationalities. Therefore, as we have received the Holy Spirit, we have been bought and paid for by a very high price: His death on the cross.
He may discipline you, He may test you, but He will never let you go spiritually. If you rebel, or turn your back on Him, He will deal with you accordingly. But He will not condemn you to hell. His judgment of you depends upon many factors - your knowledge, your natural abilities, you mental capacity, your background, etc. The issue becomes a matter of reward. The parable of the pounds, illustrate how Jesus Christ judges.
We are judged according to what He has given us. We are not responsible for anything else. He will not take the Holy Spirit from us .It is He by whom we are sealed by the Holy Spirit for our salvation. And it will not be revoked. The Holy spirit will not leave us. There are many ways God has of working out our salvation regardless of our spiritual condition. And your "Talent" can grow - the more you grow spiritually, the greater your original talent given to you for spiritual investment will grow and grow. In this manner, your original capabilities and gifts of the Spirit will expand continually.
Some see Jesus only from a distance, and therefore they are known by Him personally only from a distance. There is very little intimacy perhaps. If you drift far from Him, He may become distant from you. Not to destroy you, but to discipline you. Our afflictions are not meant to destroy us, but to test us. Our troubles and doubts are allowed so that we can grow if we will draw close in prayer, and cast our cares, concerns, and weaknesses on Him. Actually, we are commanded to do so. By doing so, we draw closer to Him and He will draw close to us.
How far are you from Jesus?
He will draw close to you as you draw close to Him.
Remember, and never forget His promise:
"Let your [a]character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will] not, I will] not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! Assuredly not! - Hebrews 13:3 (AMP)
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "'Christ in You...'" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.