Words of Farewell

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

II Corinthians 13:11 (KJV)

Paul, in concluding his second letter to Corinth, ends with some final words of instruction. In this one short verse we writes to the brethren four things they need to do and states what the outcome of that will be.

Be Perfect
Paul writes to the brethren to be perfect. Other translations say to be complete or to aim for perfection. This is an admonition to continue growing in Christ. As a Christian aims for perfection, they will learn more about what they need to do (Hebrews 5:12-6:3), and will strive to be more and more dedicated to Christ.

Just as Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, encouraging them to be perfect, I would exhort you to aim for perfection. Study the scriptures often (Acts 17:11), learning more of the Lord and of the Lord's will. As you better learn and understand what the Bible contains, seek to apply it to your life.

Be of Good Comfort
Paul next tells them to be comforted. There is comfort to be found in Christ and in following Christ. There are rewards to be found in Chriist, which is a comforting thought. If you are truly following Christ, there is peace to be found while in this life (Philippians 4:7). If you continue to follow the Lord, then there is the promise of eternal life (Romans 2:7).

Brethren, be comforted. There is much in this life that can be discouraging and troubling. Bear in mind what comfort there is to be found in fully following and trusting in the Lord. It will be of benefit both in overcoming life's trials and in encouraging you to continue serving the Lord.

Be of One Mind
Paul encourages the brethren in Corinth to be united. The unity that he tells them to have is found only in the Lord (I John 1:7). If we seek first to have unity with the Lord, then we have unity, and agreement, with those others who are united with Christ. If we seek first to have unity with other men, then we turn our backs to Christ. True Christin unity with men cannot come at the expense of the Truth, at the expense of God's word, or at the expense of serving Christ. That way is a lie, and in that way lies spiritual death. Do you want unity? Then put God first, serve Him, and you will be united with those who do the same.

Again, this same exhortation must be heeded by you. Be of one mind. Seek unity and agreement. But not at the expense of truth and righteousness. Do not allow unnecessary division to enter the church.

Live in Peace
Paul next tells the Corinthians to live in peace. Christians are to live a quiet, peaceful life as much as they are able (Romans 12:18, I Thessalonians 4:11).

The same admonition is good for all of us today. We should strive to lead quiet, sensible, peaceable lives. As much as is up to you, live with those around you in peace.

God Will Be With You
Paul writes that if the Christians in Corinth do these things, growing and aiming for perfection, living in such a way as to be comforted by God's promises, being truly unified in Christ, and living in peace with those around them, then God will be with them. The other side of this is that if they do not do these things, then God will not be with them.

If you want God to be with you, you too must do these things. Study the word of God, make application to your lives, and so aim for the perfection of Christ. Live in such a way that the thought of God's judgment does not bring fear, but comfort. Be of one mind, united in faith and obedience to the Lord. Live in peace with the others in the community, that opportunities to teach and convert others may arise. Do these things diligently and zealously, without growing tired. If you do, then the Lord will be with you.

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

II Thessalonians 2:13-17 (KJV)

The Church Directory is Not the Book of Life

Occasionally people seem to confuse the congregation's directory with the book of life. Some outside the body of Christ tell Christians, “You think you're the only ones going to heaven.” Some in the body of Christ think, “Well, I go to church, and it's a good church, so I'm okay.” Both of these make the mistake of thinking that having your name in the church directory is the same as having your name in the book of life.

And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 4:3 (KJV)

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 3:5 (KJV)

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:12-14 (KJV)

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Revelation 21:27 (KJV)

One thing that is quickly seen in each of these passages is that people are not written into the book of life as a group. They are written as individuals. Paul describes these individuals as “fellow laborers,” that is, those who are diligently working to further the cause of Christ. In the book of Revelation, it is stated that those who “overcome,” that is, patiently endure the trials and temptations of this life while leading a Christian life, will not have their name blotted out of the book of life. We see also that having one's name in the book of life is dependent on obedient action, for such is what we will be judged by. We also see, by comparison, that those written into the book of life are pure and blameless before God, nor being defiled or spotted by sin.

This is not to say that working and assembling with a sound, solid congregation is not important. It most definitely is. But identifying yourself with the most faithful congregation in the world will not gain you entrance into heaven. Having your name in the directory will not get your name into the book of life.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12 (KJV)

Paul writes that Christians should work out their own salvation. He is not instructing us to create our own rules or system by which we can be saved. He is instructing us to be aware that salvation is on an individual basis. As such, we need to work towards salvation on an individual basis. Each of us is responsible for having faith (Hebrews 11:6, I Corinthians 15:1-19, Matthew 16:16, Acts 8:37). Each of us must repent of our sins and turn to God (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19). Each of us must confess Christ continually (Romans 10:10). Each individual must be baptized (Acts 2:38, I Peter 3:21). Each individual must engage in obedient works (James 2:14-26, Ephesians 2:10). And each individual must be sure not to waver and fall away (Luke 8:13, Hebrews 6:4-6).

You may convince yourself that you are doing well, even without putting in much effort (I Corinthians 3:18). You may convince others in the church that you are solid, on the basis of coming to assemblies. Everyone you worship and work with may be in the book of life. But your life must truly be in accordance with God's will if you wish to have your name in the book of life. Are you diligently laboring in the same way as those who labored with Paul, striving to teach others the gospel (II Corinthians 5:11) and doing good to all men (Galatians 6:10)? Are you striving to overcome sin and temptation and live a life in accordance with God's will? Do your actions reflect a focus on spiritual things, a trust in God, and a willingness to submit your will to His? Are you free from sin?

If not, then your name, according to the scriptures, is not in the book of life. While it is important to identify and assemble with a scripturally solid and faithful church, we must make sure that the local directory is not the only place our name appears. We must faithfully strive to have our name written in the book of life.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

In most things that we do in life, we compare how much it will cost with how much we will gain from it. When we purchase something, it is because we have decided that it is worth the cost. When we choose not to purchase something, it is often because we have determined the cost is too high. We often use this way of reasoning in many aspects of our lives. Choosing to follow Christ is no different. There are costs and there are benefits, and we must each choose whether serving the Lord is worth it.

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:26-33 (KJV)

Christ speaks plainly here: we must be prepared to give up all that we have in this life, even our own families if necessary. Sometimes one's family members are unwilling to accept one's faith and Christian obedience. We must count the cost and determine if it is worth it. Christ tells us that such a sacrifice, if necessary, is well worth it. In Mark 10:29-30, we are told that if we must give up our physical, earthly relatives, we gain a great number of brothers and sisters in Christ. Indeed, in choosing to follow Christ, we greatly increase our family. Similarly, we may lose some of our friends and acquaintances. (I Peter 4:3-5) We must each consider whether the benefits outweigh that cost.

One of the costs of following Christ is that we must stop living self. We must give up sin, we must give up self-will, and we must be willing to give up our pride and submit to the Lord's way.
Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

I Corinthians 15:34 (KJV)

And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done."

Luke 22:41-42 (KJV)

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

James 4:6-10 (KJV)

We must weigh the costs of following the Lord. But we must also weigh the benefits. One of the benefits of living for Christ is a degree of comfort and fearlessness in this life. We live in a time where many wish they could have some comfort, for a great many reasons. In Christ, there is great comfort and peace. Paul writes to the church in Philippi that the peace of Christ goes beyond what we can understand (Philippians 4:7).

In order to receive the comfort offered in Christ, we must first be in Christ (I Peter 5:14). If we are not in Christ, then we do not have the peace and comfort which He offers. Being in Christ requires having come to faith and obedience (Galatians 3:27).

Part of this comfort offered by Christ is in knowing that the Lord cares for you (I Peter 5:7). In Matthew 6:24-34, Christ makes a promise to those who follow Him. That they will be taken care of and provided for. Now, notice that this passage does not say that His disciples will be wealthy or well off. Nor does He say that they will be of good health. Nor does He say that nothing bad will occur in their life. The only promise made is that we will have what we need for as long as we need it. While a far cry from the “gospel of health and wealth” that many advocate, it is nonetheless a comforting thought.

Part of the comfort offered by Christ is knowing that there are others who obey Christ who will be there to help us and work with us in the Lord's service (II Corinthians 7:6). As in all things, it is comforting to know that others are with us. More importantly, we have the promise that God is with us (Matthew 18:20). The Lord who will strengthen us is always with us, if we live in faith and obedience (Philippians 4:13).

Among other benefits, the greatest is that of the hope of eternal life. It would be hard to find a cost that would outweigh such a gain. Anything that may occur in this life, even this life itself, is temporary and will pass. What the Lord promises those who follow Him is an unending life of peace and joy in the very presence of God.
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:22:23 (KJV)

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Revelation 21:1-7 (KJV)