“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” Philippians 3:12 Teaching and sharing truths of Christ, being equipped to endure to the end of this age and obedience after professed faith unto salvation, is a passion the Holy Spirit has placed on my heart, and with every occasion and opportunity of so doing, I first teach myself before others.
The hour is very late, and we live in an age when obedience to Christ and His commands are readily discarded in smorgasbord-style spiritual appetites. From many pulpits of western Christianity the flock is fed that which pleases the fallen mind of flesh rather than spiritually crucifying it in obedience to Christ. Few are led to first count the cost of being a follower of Christ as commanded at Luke 14:25-35 which keeps many in ignorance of true faith.
It was Jesus Christ the Son of God who said, “For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:36 Jesus Christ also said, “If you abide in My words, you are My disciples indeed.” John 8:31, and “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15, and “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13
The Holy Spirit of Christ also said, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep his commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him.” 1 John 2:3-4 I believe obedience or disobedience to Christ will determine one’s preparedness to faithfully endure to the end of this age, for obedience is one’s training ground unto faithfulness and endurance.
It was Jesus Christ the Son of God who said, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days…He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:29-31, meaning, we must prepare to endure the tribulation unto eternal life.
Marlin J. Yoder