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You said:

Ok, I see that you are putting the words in Paul’s mouth to say that death would be gain “only to Christ”, not to Paul himself or to us. You have Paul saying, “I wish it were for me too. But, God didn’t extend that option to me nor to you.”

You, Sir, are incorrect. I put no words into Paul’s mouth. I let his own words speak. I do NOT have Paul saying, “I wish it were for me too.” I am the one saying that, not Paul. Because he had that prerogative (to depart and be with Christ), he didn’t have to say that.

Again, Paul’s hope was in resurrection and NOT in death.

Again, if Paul had departed to be with Christ that would have been immeasurable GAIN for Paul.

Again, regarding “to die is gain,” the GAIN would be the magnification of Christ whether Paul lived or died.

I am definitely in Christ - there is no doubt. I do have the assurance of having eternal (eonian life). I have the Son and I indeed have life.

You keep stating time and again that if someone draws a conclusion other than the one you come up with, it is an absurdity. You are sounding like a broken record.

When we get together in the resurrection, and I’m sure we will, I will bring up this matter again with you, and then it is my opinion that you will indeed retract your statement about my words being “the most forlorn and pitiable words I have ever seen written on FreeRepublic.”

I am definitely in Christ - there is no doubt. I do have the assurance of having eternal (eonian life). I have the Son and I indeed have life.

You keep stating time and again that if someone draws a conclusion other than the one you come up with, it is an absurdity. You are sounding like a broken record.

Don't just tell me that I'm sounding like a broken record - refute me. Eplain why the conclusions I draw from your premises are not valid and not absurd. You say you have the Son and you have eternal (eonian life). What happens to your eternal life when you breathe your last in this life? Nothingness? For some unspecified period of time? If in death, "you got nuthin'" you ain't got no eternal life, neither. Eternal life is not nothingness. You say you have eternal life now, but if your life stops for some unspecified period of time then you don't have eternal life now.

Please explain how you, a living person, "have passed (perfect active indicative)from death to life."

Well, we shall see. I don't know who will see first, but I am certain there will be a lot more clarity on the subject when that happens.

Cordially,