Paul Knew For Sure
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
1 Corinthians 13:9–10 NIV
Things didn’t always work out according to his own plans and ideas, but Paul did not murmur or question. His assurance was this: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:8 NIV).
When his tired, bruised body began to weaken under the load, he said in triumph, “We know that if the earthly tent [our bodies] we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands” (2 Corinthians 5:1 NIV).
The world called him foolish for his belief that men could become partakers of eternal life through faith. But he realized exultantly, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 NIV).
Every one of these triumphant affirmations rings with the note of hope and the assurance of life immortal. Though the Christian has no immunity from death and no claim to perpetual life on this planet, death is to him a friend rather than a foe, the beginning rather than the end, another step on the pathway to heaven rather than a leap into a dark unknown.
For many people, the corrosive acids of materialistic science have eroded away their faith in everlasting life. But let’s face it—Einstein’s E=MC2 equation is no satisfactory substitute for Faith + Commitment = Hope.
Paul believed in Christ and committed his all to Christ. The result was that he knew Christ was able to keep him forever. Strong faith and living hope are the result of unconditional commitment to Jesus Christ.
Our Father and our God, I believe in You and Your Son. And I am convinced that You are able to guard and protect me against the evil one until Jesus comes again. Until then, increase my faith as I pledge my firm commitment to Him. And help me to live so that others will find Him too. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Billy Graham, Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2010.)