‘We’

‘We’

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

I Thessalonians 4:17

Yesterday, we considered the heavenly congregation who will gather together at the Throne of Grace. According to the passage, it involves the ‘dead in Christ,’ and ‘we who are alive and remain.’ These two groups comprise that heavenly congregation. We realize, from the context, that both of these groups have a single thing in common: they are both ‘in Christ.’ This is really the critical issue. Are we in Christ or not? This has more to do with our desire for Christ than it does with our desire to be a part of that ‘congregation.’ If we have come to the place in life where we desire Christ; where we have embraced Him as the Gospel freely offers Him, we are members of His Body, and part of that great congregation which now exists both in heaven and on earth. While the purpose of this little work is primarily to edify those who are already members of that congregation, we would fail in our responsibility if we did not proclaim the Gospel. If you are not certain of your relationship with Christ, heed this invitation: ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.’ Embrace Christ as the Gospel freely offers Him. Come to know Him personally. He will transform you, and all of your relationships. He Alone can make you one of His Own. On His behalf we extend this Gospel invitation.

Our All-Powerful and All-Glorious Savior,
we praise You, that You are the only Redeemer of God’s Elect.
We rejoice, that You will gather into one all of Your people
in fulfillment of Your High Priestly Prayer.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning