well, at least no one starts building a house unless they first count the cost, ya. But wandering is a kind of...well, i don't want to say "good thing" per se, but a vital period, at least. We do not know yet what we will become, which is somehow distinct from "ppl perish without a vision," in some way that i am not seeing. Something about a counterfeit for every concept or something
I hear what you are saying. we are not speaking of basic salvation here...but of our high calling...the Phil's thing...
"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." The prize being union of the Bride with the Groom.
Not everyone in heaven is the Bride! ( but you'd have to read back through this thread)
I think by what you have written in your posts before, that you believe that you and me have no idea if at the end we will be saved or not. right?
I firmly believe that we are saved soundly,
but it is our 'calling and election' which is 'weighed in the balance' and will be tested as by fire.
Paul said RUN...I
hear Paul saying run, every day...if Paul needed to press forward for the High Calling, then I need to much
more so!!
It costs! ...and I've heard you say..people want Jesus to do all the work and then just free coasting. He did, for our salvation , but He did
not for our calling and election. To us Paul says- "
Make your calling and election sure.."
He does enable us and strengthen us to do what we 'as ourselves' cannot do.
Our part is to focus, Abide, be established, stand firm, fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold of all He has for us, while keeping the atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving. ( these to me are the works needed which will be tested by fire)