Porter,
So when God makes me immortal or undying it is a finished work. It is all clear sailing for me for ever after.
Immortality is great and all, but I see it as merely a side benefit of the real prize of winning Christ. I'm not ignorant of the fact, that this might be an unpopular view, but I'm totally fine with that.
Mistakes, misunderstandings and ignorance are easier to admit and accept as I realize the flawed state and condition of my character - hence the need for the Second Man, the New Man, so the old man and his flaws can die. Like Ray said, this is a process that takes a lifetime.
What we have now is merely a "down payment" for the promise of the redemption of our souls. The finished work is that of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for the atonement of our sins. All that is left to do, is to get the sin out of the sinner, as Ray would say. I die daily, but I'm not there yet. It's like that verse from John.
Joh 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
I do wonder, though, is it possible to win Christ in this lifetime? Is this what Paul meant?
2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Paul endured to the end, his old man died, and Christ lived His life through Paul. It sounds like Jesus will give Paul a reward for being a good and faithful servant in this life. So, what is the goal, and when is it accomplished?