I may not have the time to write again for awhile (I have nine children that keep me happily and busily occupied), so I just wanted to add "one last thought."

 

Paul's prison epistles, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians have quickly become my most favorite books in the Bible (in addition to Daniel, of course!) Especially Colossians. Read and savour these, my friends. A dear teacher once taught me that these books, while indeed referring to our future hope, are mainly about "realizing in the here and now" those things that Christ has made true of us... by faith.

 

I believe it was Watchman Nee that gives a good explanation of Hebrews 11:1. While I'm not quoting him exactly, his definition goes something like this, and helped my understanding: "Faith is the substantiating of (or, realization; or, making real in our experience; in other words,  in "the here and now") things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (or, knowing that what Christ has said of us is true, already true now.) This is what the themes of Ephesians through Colossians deal with. Paul speaks, in the past tense, of the things that Christ has already obtained for us, and he desires for us (and himself) to KNOW these things... to KNOW Christ.

 

Here are a few of my favorite Scriptures that I'd like to leave with you today. Colossians 3 "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God [and where we are seated "in Him."] Set your affection on things above, not on the things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, WHO IS OUR LIFE, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory." When our minds dwell where they should (on things above), the result will be that our walk will be where it should be (heavenly!) 

 

Another Scripture that has been a blessing is Colossians 2:6 "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord [by faith], so walk ye in him [also by faith.]" (and the context.) There are many others.

 

Paul was not only an instrument of writing God's truth, but his life was a pattern and example of that same truth. We do well to study his life and the truth which it exemplified. Sir Robert Anderson, in his book called Forgotten Truths said this of Paul: "If the Apostle Paul, after such a life of saintship and service, was in doubt [or, in any way doubtful - the author's implication is that Paul was not in any way doubtful, by the way] as to his part in the resurrection, no one of us, unless he be the proudest of Pharisees or the blindest of fools, will dream of attaining it. In fact we shall dismiss it from our minds." When we study the themes of Ephesians through Colossians, it becomes clearer that Paul was striving, not to be qualified for the resurrection (or rapture), but "to KNOW CHRIST." This was his highest aim! This is Christ's desire for us (as revealed in His word, through Paul), and is my desire for us, as well. God bless you.