JUST THINKING: This Old World Is Not My Home
Having turned 77 just over a week ago, I was just thinking about my life’s journey. I’ve already lived longer than any male on either side of my family. But one day, I will join all those who have entered that eternal rest because, like most of them, I have trusted Christ. This world, as the old hymn says, is not my home — I’m just passing through.
Taking God at His Word
When it comes to reading and believing God’s Word, I am a literalist and a realist. Oh, I do believe there are some types, shadows and analogies in the Bible. There are surely parables. But by far, what is said in the Bible is literal.
For instance, I believe the flood of Noah’s time was real. I believe the crossing of the Red Sea was a real event. However, there are those today that teach those were only symbolic lessons to bolster people’s faith.
When it comes to New Testament events, I don’t change. I believe Jesus was born of a virgin, contrary to what science says is impossible. I believe Jesus healed the lame, the deaf and the lepers. I believe Jesus walked on water… and so did Peter.
With no reservation, I wholeheartedly believe Jesus died on a cross and, three days later, arose from the dead — neither occasion being allegorical. I believer Peter, James and John saw Jesus literally ascend into Heaven… with the angel’s assurance that Christ would return the very same way.
Why Does All that Matter?
It matters greatly because there are those today who say the Bible is full of allegory, symbolism and analogy. My friends, that is definitely untrue. Yes, baptism is a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection. Yes, the elements of the Lord’s Supper are symbolic of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. But when it comes to the promises of God, what really matters is that God’s Word is true!
Jesus is coming again! Yes, I know some believe that He has already come. However, the 70 A.D. destruction of Jerusalem was a local event. When Jesus comes again it will be a global event. There will be no guessing as to whether He has actually come or not.
God’s Word is Pertinent Today
If the Bible is merely a book of history steeped in symbolism, why isn’t Hell symbolic? Jesus, who is the Word, said that Hell and the Lake of Fire are real. If the Bible is allegorical, why do we preach a literal need for salvation? Because according to God’s own Word, all who are born are really condemned and, unless they trust the real Christ, they are doomed.
Someone has said, “God said it, I believe it and it’s true.” Honestly, if God says it — it’s true. He cannot lie. His Word was not for yesterday alone — it is for every day of every century. That is why men are still being called to preach. That is why missionaries are still being sent. It’s because people need the Lord and because today is the day of salvation, people are still being saved.
Time is Running Out
I realize I don’t have many years left in my life’s journey. But in the remaining time I have, I want to do my utmost to tell people about the Christ who died for them so they could escape the wrath to come. The reason? Because without a doubt, time is running out.
Friends, may we be salt and light to those around us. May they believe this truth from God’s Word: “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (II Peter 3:13). The very first verse of the Bible says that God created the heavens and the Earth. He didn’t create a symbolic Earth or heavens. He created a literal Earth on which we live and literal heavens which we can see. If God created them real, why would the New Heaven and the New Earth be symbolic? Because they are going to be just as real as the ones existing today — but without sin to corrupt them.
Yes, this old world is not my home. I am already a citizen of the New Earth. Jim Reeves wrote the song “This World is Not My Home” years ago, and these are a few of its lyrics: “This world is not my home; I’m just passing through. The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.” I look forward to that day when I get the call to see my Lord face-to-face.
May each of us, as long as we have breath, do our utmost to tell others of Jesus — who died for all.
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Dr. Tom Mitchell
Dr. Tom Mitchell pens a column titled, Just Thinking, in which he addresses many topics relative to the Baptist Missionary Association. His Trailblazers series provides biographies of many BMA trailblazers from the past.
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