The Race of Faith and the Ultimate Goal
There is an ultimate goal and prize for the follower of Jesus: HEAVEN. With that heavenly vision ever before him, the believer will be careful not to entangle himself in anything that may cost him that great prize even if it seems afar off. Even the longest marathon ends, and so the long-distance runner never gets distracted; he keeps running so that he may win his prize and finish his race.
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
Many let go of the heavenly vision because they get distracted by sin and the cares of this world or because they think they have time. But sadly this attitude cannot win the heavenly prize any more than it can win a physical marathon. As born-again believers, we are in a race, whether we like it or not, and not everyone will win the prize because not everyone will finish or finish well. Some will be disqualified for not running according to the rules.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
“No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:4-5
The Race of Faith—Hebrews 12:1-2:
“1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Pressing Toward the Goal, Philippians 3:12-14:
“12Not that I have already attained,or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
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Have you given your life to Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior? He loves us so much that he, our creator, left heaven and came to earth, died for us on the cross, taking our sins upon him so that we may be forgiven and receive his righteousness. He conquered death by rising from the dead and made a way for us who were dead in sin to be reconciled back to the Father (God). What’s more, he has prepared a wonderful home for us in Heaven, where those who love him and obey him will spend eternity with him. Learn more here about how to be born again and have eternal life after this brief life on earth.
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