Resources/Articles
?? Prize Or Surprise ??
Some people love prizes. Others love surprises. Some do not like surprises. Others hate prizes. What best describes your view of prizes and surprises?
In Philippians 3:14, this apostle says, “I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” That passage means we will not live here forever. Is that a surprise? For some who are so absorbed in all the world offers, it is a surprise. Paul tells us the prize we should long to have. It is to attain unto where God and Christ are.
Many people are anticipating this “prize” of being in heaven, but may find themselves short of receiving it. There are conditions to obtaining this prize. Matthew 7:21 says, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Some prizes require your presence to win. This prize requires your obedience to receive it. It is not given to everyone who asks or wants it.
Those who will be surprised will be those who anticipate receiving the prize (i.e., heaven), yet have not obeyed the Father’s will. God would love to “call out your name” as one who receives heaven (2 Peter 3:9). That will not happen if your name is not entered into “the book of life” (Revelation 20:15). Only God can add your name to that book (Acts 2:47). Contact us to know how your name can be on the list of those who will receive the prize.
