Though many do not like to talk about it, death is a part of man’s existence. As Christians, we should be dead to the old man and alive to God and Kingdom Living. Anyway, Death is something that everyone will have to face, naturally speaking. Yet, the Christian has hope in Christ that when we depart from this life, we will live again forever with Him. However, numerous individuals live without any regard for their eternal destination. The Christian has to be on the watch. This is demonstrated in paying attention your lifestyle, manner, and conduct.
There are Christians who live as if there is no standard of living for them after they have received Christ. Each of these groups of people are not prepared for their date with destiny; that is, the moment that they will stand before the judgment seat of God and of Christ.
Because of the sure promises of scripture, we must all prepare (watch) to meet Christ at His return or at our departure from this life. Therefore, we want to give three things that we can do to be prepared for our entrance into eternity.
1. Clothe Ourselves - In the scriptures, righteousness and good morals are likened unto clothing. We must make sure we are clothed with the attributes of proper Christian character and conduct.
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. Isaiah 59:17 (KJV)
2. Clean Ourselves – We must make sure that we are open with God about our weakness so that He can forgive us and cleanse us. Then, with His help, we must turn from thoughts and deeds that do not please Him.
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil. Isaiah 1:16 (KJV)
3. Clock Ourselves - To clock means to keep track of time. In order for us to be prepared for our eternal destination, we must be aware of the times that we are living in. In addition, we must know that we will only live for a specified length of time on this earth. Therefore, we must live with this in mind, which should help us to prepare ourselves continually.
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Romans 13:11 (KJV)
The Christian can be assured of His eternal salvation, but he must not take it for granted. Christ came to save us from our sins, which enables us to overcome them while we live. This prepares us for eternal life in the kingdom. Live in expectation of the kingdom. Are you watching?
Well, there you have it. For more topics of interest, I have included this and more information in my inspirational series entitled, “Is There A Word From the Lord? – Book III” which is available at Kingdom Builders Publishing.
Examining Your Discipleship: The “Enoch” Litmus Test
October 17, 2011 — RoderickImage by MSO Clipart
Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I good disciple of Christ?” We must all examine how we are progressing in our discipleship. We have all heard the expression, “You have to walk the walk and talk the talk.” The challenge upon Christians today is to make sure they walk in accordance with their faith. The Bible is filled with examples of those who pleased God. The writer of Hebrews says that Enoch’s testimony was that he pleased God. If the Christian follows his example, he can live a life that is pleasing to God. Though Enoch’s record is limited, we know that he had to do at least three things to have a testimony of bringing God pleasure. Every Christian should test their walk with Christ by Enoch’s example.
1. The Christian has to walk by faith like Enoch. If we are to walk the walk, we must live by faith.
Every Christian should have an unmovable faith in God and Christ. Without an unwavering faith in God, we will not be able to please Him. But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
2. The Christian has to walk with God like Enoch. Enoch’s record stated that he walked with the Lord. One cannot walk with God except there is relationship. In addition, one’s walk with God has to be characterized by holiness. The Christian’s life has to be one of holiness.
Without holiness, the Christian will not see the full manifestation of God in this life, or be a partaker of the life that is to come. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
3. The Christian has to walk in obedience like Enoch. The Old Testament passages give us no extensive record of Enoch’s ministry. Yet, in order for him to receive and report a prophecy as recorded in Jude’s epistle, we know that he had to be faithful to God in service.
The Christian has to walk the walk and talk the talk in order to fulfill his task, ministry, and function in obedience to the will of God. Enoch’s obedience to God was rewarded and so will ours. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. (John 12:49)
It is our hope that every Christian follows Enoch’s legacy and example. May our testimony be the same as his – We Pleased the Lord!
Well, there you have it! Until next time, continue to be steadfast and unmoveable in your walk with the Lord.