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=> Email to Ray => Topic started by: Craig on November 29, 2006, 01:07:51 PM

Title: Phil 1:21-26
Post by: Craig on November 29, 2006, 01:07:51 PM
> 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to
> live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not
> know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions,
> having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much
> better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
> 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all
> for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your proud confidence
> in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.
>
> I know you commented on II Cor 5:8, about how being abscent from the body
> does not automatically mean being present with the lord, but I was
> confused by the meaning of the verses above where Paul talks about "having
> a desire to depa rt and be with Christ". The fact that he contracts being
> alive with being away from Christ, it sounds as though he is implying that
> to die is to be with Christ, immediately. If you could clarify these
> verses, I would be most grateful. thanks in advance.
>
> Jason


Dear Jason:

Things are not always what they "sounds as though."  Paul knew that "the living
know that they shall die, but the dead know not ANYTHING" (Ecc. 9:5).  Therefore,
to Paul, when he died, he would be "immediately" with the Lord, even though it might
not literally happen for seveal thousands of years.  Paul SPECIFICALLY stated how
and WHEN he expected to be resurrected to life--"AT THE LAST TRUMP" (I Cor. 15:52),
NOT immediately upon death.

God be with you,

Ray