[227 words]
Wouldn’t you love to face eternity with confidence? You can!
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).
Paul knew a glorious welcome awaited him!
He knew he would hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).
He knew his name would be acknowledged before the Father (Matt. 10:32).
He knew that God’s grace was bigger than his sin.
He knew the mercy and love of the Lord was more powerful than his rebellion.
He knew it was not about how he started (persecuting Jesus and the Church—Acts 9:4), it was about how he finished.
The Good News of Jesus Christ: We are all sinners (Rom. 3:23), but Jesus died and rose again offering us hope (1 Thess. 4:13-14; Eph. 2:12-13).
When it comes to running the race of life (1 Cor. 9:24), it is not about how we start, it is about how we finish.
Bart Warren
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY