November 16, 2021: SOAP #4366:  2Corinthians 3-6

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 5:4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
5 Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 We live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

OBSERVATION: Here we find another verse, verse 5, that says the same as yesterday’s SOAP.  (2Corinthians 1:2)   God has given us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee for what we will receive in life following death!  This passage tells me that God’s purpose in creating man is not in this earthly, mortal life.  God’s purpose in creating man is in our life after death.  Just as our mother’s womb was preparation for this life, this life is preparation for our heavenly life. 

APPLICATION:  I can see what surrounds me, but I live by faith in what God has prepared for me.  Although I cannot see the future life, I am absolutely convinced that it will far exceed my present life.  I just need to consider what God has given me as a guarantee of what is coming!!!   He has given me His Holy Spirit!!!  The presence of the Holy Spirit in me is my proof that God has much in store for me in the next life. 

I am designed to live with God in heaven, however sin will keep me from enjoying what God has prepared for me.  Jesus died as payment for my sin and when I asked, He forgave me and cleansed me from all unrighteousness! (1John 1:9)   Those who carry their sins into eternity will be unable to live in the presence of the Holy God.  God has prepared a place for the devil and his angels; those carrying their sin into eternity will join them in hell. 

PRAYER: Lord, you are faithful and just.  You forgive me and cleanse me.  You make me your home as you prepare my home in glory! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!