Is it possible that we on earth can partake of heaven now? Not in it's fullness, but in part. Does that mean that we are or can be exempt from suffering? Absolutely not! Hebrews 5:7,8 tells us of Christ, "In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered," Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 16:24 "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." And Hebrews 12:2, "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. And thus:
The cross is the way, by which we on earth
Can taste now of heaven by means of new birth.
For Jesus gave life by which we can boast,
Ascended and sent us His Sweet Holy Ghost.
More sure than our feelings, Is God's Holy Word,
By which He speaks clearly, His voice we have heard.
And yet in our being we're made to feel sure,
That Christ through His death, our salvation secured!
So now by His nature we're made to partake
Of His divine glory, our old self forsake.
For He has now given to us the Great Promise;
His Spirit to dwell both in and upon us.
And thus for the journey, He gives the great store,
Of all that He Is, of Whom we adore.
And so by His passion we're made now to grow,
That others, His Splendor and Glory will know.
For He Is the Source, of our true righteousness,
And holiness, by which we will see His fullness.
So let us draw near Him and sing to Him songs,
For we shall be with Him, for Whom our soul longs!
Michael E. Wood
July 9, 2010
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