@Dcopymope
Agree, I am sure by Pauls writings that there is a smile on the face of the Lord when He is able to say -
" Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord."
Paul wanted to hear the " Well done"...and we know that he did.
At the end of his life he had the confidence that he had
run well.
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"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
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Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. "
He had run a good race and he encourages us to do the same.
If everyone ended up the same at the end...there would be no reason for Paul to tell us :-
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"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. " If there was just 'a calling' which was the same it wouldn't worded that way. Paul talks about
the High Calling...
I personally believe that we are all called to this high calling ( which I believe is the blessing of the "FULLNESS of Joy "in His presence) ...but not all want to press toward this prize...they are just "happy to be going to heaven"...
Just like .."
Many are called and few ( choose to be)
are chosen. "
A classroom where some pay attention...and drink all the truth offered...and still want more. Other like the back of the classroom so they can get away with doing the least they can, they are there...but their hearts and passion is not 'there'.
( I am a great believer in the Tabernacle patterns which confirms all things scriptural :) )