Today’s reading.. (Joshua 20,21), (Isaiah 26,27), (Hebrews 10)

When we do our readings at the start of every day we like to look for something positive and encouraging to think about and comment upon, but we cannot ignore the scriptures which tell us we must show in the way we live our hope and our faith in that hope. We are sad that some claim the Scriptures justify them in thinking and saying that once you are saved – you are always saved – regardless of your subsequent behaviour.. Our readings today in Hebrews ch. 10 spells out very plainly that this is not true.

We read, “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment” [v.24-26] and v.29 says such have “outraged the spirit of grace” that has been theirs because of their initial faith.

The chapter ends by encouraging the reader to make sure they “are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” And we should also note how the previous chapter ended with the words, “Christ will appear a second time … to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” May all those who are reading these words be in that category and experience the blessings from God given in today’s ch. 26 in Isaiah. “You keep him (or her) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.” [v.3].

And as the godlessness of this world eventually leads to Divine judgement those who really trust God will fully take to heart v.20 & 21 in that chapter, “Come my people, enter your chambers and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by. For behold the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.” The divine care at the time of God’s ultimate fury will also involve, said Jesus, the angels gathering his elect to safety (Matt 24 v.31) Let us all develop such strength of faith that we never sin deliberately.