And I appreciate your worry and blessing. You may never know exactly how much, but it is more than you can imagine!
Yet, I am not a good man. I have killed (legally, don’t get me wrong), raged against God himself and severely mangled every Commandment (well except the adultery one, my wife is truly terrifying).
When the rapture happens, I shall not ascend. I know that. Accept that. It simply is.
But.
The Lord is my General. I shall not fail my duty.
Someone has to stay and fight evil. We are told that. A man who did evil and repented sounds like a solid soldier. Rearguard is not always a badge of shame. Yet atonement is also a thing to be considered. I do not feel worthy. None of us are, really, but I am really far from the people who would be raptured.
I do not fear the delusion. He talks to me, always. I know we personally are different creeds, but I will not be fooled, thanks to His grace and strength. He rules, not us.
We all owe a death, to join our Lord in joy everlasting. Lord, make my death mean something. Not a “welcome home” but a “you did well.” Not done that often in my life.
Would love to be one of the ones who ascends, but that is about as likely as me lifting a car over my head.
You probably will - you witness and live in his path. I know we are told, “judge not, lest you be judged” but you are a good and godly person.
Just spare me a thought once you get up there, OK :) Figure I’ll need all the help I can get. Besides - could I really miss a fight?
May he bless you and keep you safe in his arms. And, though you don’t like this aspect - May the Virgin receive you into His blessing. (it doesn’t hurt, and you have helped me)
Join the crowd. Although I have never physically killed someone, there is the heart issue that Jesus refers to. As for the rest, guilty.... Matter of fact, I STILL struggle with keeping most of them. (In my heart)
I was talking with some co-workers one day about that topic, how the heart could be just as much sin as the actions and one person, who made no claim to being a Christian, did provide tremendous insight. He said that's because it's all a matter of self-control. Some people just have more self-control, enough to not act out on their impulses.
Just spare me a thought once you get up there, OK :) Figure I’ll need all the help I can get. Besides - could I really miss a fight?
I'll be praying for you NOW. There's more than enough warfare going on here on the spiritual level to engage in. It's really a matter of becoming aware of it.
Ephesians 6:10-18 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,...
Prayer is a powerful weapon with which to wage spiritual warfare with.
And I know you've done your share when things were coming apart in England a few months ago. A lot of us were praying for you then.
The real battle is with the spiritual forces behind the terrorists and those who we call enemies (like liberals and the liberal mindset). They are after men's souls for eternity. It's really eye opening when you realize that the unseen spiritual realities are more significant than our present material reality.
And, though you don’t like this aspect - May the Virgin receive you into His blessing. (it doesn’t hurt, and you have helped me)
I really do appreciate you sentiment. I know you're doing out of sincerity of heart.
God is a warrior, you know....
Exodus 15:3 The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.