What happens before the resurrection? What happens to believers who die before Jesus comes back.

The Apostle Paul is Rome ca 61 A.D. He is in jail awaiting trial and he writes the following to the Philippians: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." (Philippians 1:21-24)

In this writing we see Paul is tired from all the travels, a shipwreck, stoning, beatings, being in jail and it is personally at this point he desires to depart the world and be with Christ.

Did you hear his words "BE WITH CHRIST!" However, he knows he has a job to do and so he continues to work for the Lord.

Five years later Paul is again in prison and in Rome ca. 66/67 A.D. and he the circumstances are that he knows he will die for his faith in Christ and he writes these words to his good friend Timothy: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Paul knows he will be with Jesus and he knows that he will be raised from the dead on "That Day" (the day of Jesus' final appearing, the day the dead are raised and we are taken up to be with Jesus forever.)

As we live out our lives here on earth, with eyes looking "That Day," we are to fight the good fight of faith, not with human weapons but with divine power. We are to finish the race hanging tightly to Jesus all along the way.

Fight the good fight!

Finish the race!

Keep the faith!

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