In this daily Bible reading Paul tells the Philippians that the value of knowing Jesus far surpasses all of Paul’s accomplishments, which were many. He gave up everything to follow Jesus. Paul realized that his walk of Faith and obedience to Jesus was necessary to attain resurrection from the dead and entry into Heaven.
Paul did not think that his future in Heaven was guaranteed. In this regard Paul said, “Not that I have already attained it, or have become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which I was laid hold of by Jesus Christ.” Paul did not believe his Salvation was assured. Rather, Paul continued to be diligent in working out his Salvation. Paul remained hopeful that he would make it to Heaven. We should have the same attitude and not think our Salvation is assured. Therefore, we should strive to live according to God’s Word, the Bible, and hope we will make it to Heaven.
The Bible says that we must ‘endure to the end’ to be saved. We cannot rest on assurance. The ‘assurance’ doctrine taught in many churches today is destructive. This doctrine demotivates people from obedience to the Word of God. Members of these churches think that their sins will not keep them from Heaven. Unfortunately, they are wrong. The Bible says that sins for which we do not repent will indeed keep us out of Heaven.
