"For We Know That It Is So"

You know, Paul has really been on the same thought since chapter three; it's just that he keeps widening the perspective. In the beginning of chapter three, he shares about how people read our lives, and how the glory of the Lord is revealed in us; and then continues through chapter four explaining how we should never give up, seeing that we have this 'living ministry' that is being looked upon by others; and now here in chapter five, Paul gives us a reason that we should not only press on, but the reason why we should be an example of hope. Some people try and sell Jesus to others as if once they receive Him into their hearts their lives will be perfect, or free from worry and pain; wrong reason to come to Him; to say the least. The reason that we come to Jesus Christ is to be forgiven of our sins and to be given eternal life with God; nothing else really matters that much, because those two things are what it is all about. Moreover, the main event is eternal life with God; that is the 'Gift of God'; eternal life with Him, starting right now!!! Amazing, isn't it? "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whomsoever beleiveth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." This Jesus declared to Nicodemus in John chapter three; and as He declared it, He made sure to mention the fact that we are condemned and need to be saved. It is this condemnation we are delivered from that is the reason for our different outlook on life; where we walk as one's who know what the future holds for us, and know that whatever this life here puts upon us, it is not going to make any difference, what soever. Therefore, as people see our lives, what they should be reading is the life of someone who has their hearts fixed upon another place; and not just any place, but a place set up for them for all eternity. This is the kind of stuff that makes a difference in not only the way we live our lives, but also the way people see the Hope that is within us. You have to know this: what we show others about the 'Gift' we have been given matters; it matters a lot!!! "Now He that wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that. whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: For we walk by faith, not by sight: We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. For we must all appear before The Judgement Seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in His Body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:5-10)