Hebrews 11:40
Hebrews 11:40
God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
This verse conveys a much more humbling and convicting message. There has not yet been a delivery of the ultimate reward promised to believers in God. The ultimate victory of God over evil and suffering has not yet been achieved. We have access to even more evidence of God's faithfulness today than those who came before us. Why has God not yet delivered this? In light of this verse, the answer is us! At the Cross, all the promises of the New Covenant, including the victory over sin and death, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the countless privileges associated with our great salvation, were secured. By doing so, God's earthly land and kingdom promises will come true at the appropriate time. In addition, for over 2000 years, the Christian Church has been engaged in a spiritual battle that, although won at the Cross, will be fulfilled at the return of Christ. Today, those who are living and able to hear the gospel have even greater evidence of God's faithfulness than those who lived in the past. We can share in the rewards of those old heroes today because God has delayed the end of His plan (2 Peter 3:9) for our sake. We are blessed to be freed from the power of sin and death through the life-giving power of the Spirit in union with Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:17
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.
Jeremiah 9:24
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD.
Philippians 1:10
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.