Better things that accompany salvation

Hebrews 6:9 But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. We are reminded of what the author was doing in chapter 6. He was explaining why he was going to press on in explaining why Jesus was the mediator of a better covenant than what the Jews had received through Moses. In verses 2-8, he explained the first of two cases: some had heard the good news and God had not given them faith to believe, so repeating what they had already heard about Jesus would be fruitless. In this verse, he took up the case of those who had heard and were ready to move on to maturity. He was convinced that they were the “ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled.”  The author was convinced of “better things” concerning this group of readers, things that accompany salvation. In the next verse, we learn what those “better things” were. How was the author convinced that these readers were saved? He had either seen or heard of the fruit of their lives. When someone is born again, it is evident to all who know Jesus. I’m reminded of the selection of the first deacons in the church in Jerusalem. The twelve disciples called the congregation together to inform them that they needed to dedicate themselves to the teaching of the word rather than be distracted by serving tables. They said,“Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task” (Acts 6:3). How were they to pick these men? Pick them based on the testimony of their lives. Being full of the Spirit was so evident that it was as if these men had a dove image pasted on their foreheads. “Go pick the men with doves pasted on their foreheads.” Today, I want to encourage you to be that type of person—a person in whom the evidence of salvation is observable and undeniable. If we live to love with Jesus, there won’t be any question about where we stand with Jesus. We were saved to be lights in this world. Ambassadors for Christ. We will have many opportunities today to show the “better things” that accompany salvation. Father, grant that today we may be filled with the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Magnify Your name in Your people today, for Your glory. I invite you to visit livetolovewithjesus.com to receive more encouragement to live to love with Jesus. Also, would you consider posting a review of the podcast and inviting others to follow? Thank you so much.