Passing Over! (part 2)

As we noted yesterday, there was a “passing over” associated with Israel’s DELIVERANCE FROM BONDAGE as well as with their ENTRANCE INTO THE PROMISED LAND (the inheritance given them by God). With both the beginning of their journey and the arrival at their destination there was “pass over” significance. God’s great work is still that of providing the guidance and the means to get us from where we are to where He desires us to be. Do we recognize the significance of a “passing over” associated with our life in Christ?

Paul pointed to our blessing in Christ when he wrote…
“Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER LAMB, HAS BEEN SACRIFICED.” ( 1 Corinthians 5:7 ESV)

When we were united in Christ ( Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12) we were DELIVERED FROM BONDAGE to sin by His blood ( Revelation 1:5) and for us began a new journey; a walk in a new life ( Romans 6:4) as a new creation. ( 2 Corinthians 5:17) Spiritually speaking we have “passed from death to life.” ( John 5:24) However, the full blessing is not yet realized. What God has in mind for us is not just for this life. There is also a PROMISED LAND for us to which He desires to lead us. It is a point in our own journey when we will “pass over” from this physical realm into that which is eternal and of a completely spiritual nature.

Paul encouraged…
“(50) I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. (51) Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but WE SHALL ALL BE CHANGED, (52) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and THE DEAD WILL BE RAISED IMPERISHABLE, and we shall be changed. (53) For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. (54) When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ (55) ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ (56) The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, who gives us the VICTORY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” ( 1 Corinthians 15:50-57 ESV)

The journey of Israel had been made out of BONDAGE and toward the PROMISED LAND, but those who were guilty of disobedience and unbelief did not get to enter. ( Hebrews 3:16-19) Following the forty years of wandering in the wilderness Joshua had the privilege of leading the nation of Israel into their inheritance. That was not the end of the picture, but merely a shadow of a grander one to come.

The Hebrew write stated…
“(8) For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of ANOTHER DAY later on. (9) So then, THERE REMAINS A SABBATH REST for the people of God, (10) for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. (11) LET US THEREFORE STRIVE TO ENTER THAT REST, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.” ( Hebrews 4:8-11 ESV)

When we pass from this realm we will “pass over” into the eternity of God. Because of our hope in Christ, death will be but a door into a glorious inheritance and reward that Jesus has prepared for those who are His. ( John 14:2; 2 Timothy 4:8) Let us continue striving to enter that eternal rest.

Have a great day LIVING IN FAITHFUL PREPARATION AND JOYFUL ANTICIPATION OF OUR FINAL CROSSING OVER!
Carl

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