Chapter 13: A Light On My Path

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“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears my word and

believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24

I recently discovered an interesting paradox in the teachings of Jesus. Consider that Jesus taught us in the above verse that those who believe in Yahweh [Him who sent Jesus] already have everlasting life and has passed from death into life. Then contrast this with the teachings of Jesus that he

will pick up his followers on the “last” day. I am wondering if this is a reflection on those Christians who are righteous yet worship Jesus instead of God? If I get the answer from God on the subject, I will let you know and try to explain it. For now, think about these words of Jesus. Interesting!

Then there is Apostle Paul’s teaching that when we are absent from the body, we are present with the Lord.

“So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at

home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Cor. 5:6-8

Exactly what is Paul talking about if he is not talking about our spirit- soul force and the real essence of us—being present with the Lord? I have to conclude that I will be with my God and His Son the moment I die. My

spirit-soul force will return to them and my body will return to dust. Later, at God’s appointed time, there will be a bodily resurrection. At that time, my spirit-soul force will be reunited with a new resurrection body. It will be a very exciting time. I am drifting a little, but bear with me. All this will be

tied together shortly. If you want more discussion on the resurrection, you will find it in the last chapter.

Paul also taught that the spiritual battle for our souls couldn’t be

fought with our flesh. We will need to put on God’s “spiritual” armor to make it to our heavenly home and to fight the good fight here on earth.