Philippians 1:19-26 " For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the SPIRIT of JESUS CHRIST, according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also CHRIST shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is CHRIST, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with CHRIST; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; that your rejoicing may be more abundant in JESUS CHRIST for me by my coming to you again."
Why would anyone ask a truly born again Christian if he really believed GOD's WORD ? Why would any truly saved person question the authority and absolute truthfulness of what the LORD has said ? HIS WORD is forever settled in Heaven (Psalm 119:55 pictured above). Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but HIS WORD's will never pass away (Matthew 25:35). Yes, we may accept this intellectually, but do we sincerely embrace this truth and demonstrate it by our actions ? Take the subject of death, for example, Paul actually wanted to die -- he had "a desire to depart, and to be with CHRIST" (v.23), noting that death for the believer was "far better" and viewing it not as loss but as "gain" (vv. 21,23). Do we genuinely believe this ? Do we have a strong yearning to be with CHRIST ? Are we looking forward to it with joy unspeakable, or are we so attached to this world that we are quite comfortable remaining here longer ? Do we dread our appointment with death, fearing it even though JESUS CHRIST has removed it sting (1st.Corinthians 15:55 pictured below).
Consider the matter of the Rapture. Is it actually our "blessed hope" and joyous expectation ? Do we love HIS appearing ? "The Rapture is a wonderful event, but hopefully it will happen later. I have an amazing vacation planned." "My team might be in the Super Bowl this year, and I would hate to miss that." "I'm going to be married next year; I'd like that to happen first." "I'm greatly looking forward to retirement soon." Do we honestly believe that being with the ONE WHO loved us and gave HIMSELF for us is "far better" ? Detachment from the world's pleasures can only be solved by attachment to JESUS CHRIST. The closer we are to HIM, the more we will want to be with HIM. GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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