Finish the Race

“I [Paul] only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:23–24, NIV 1984).

My Musings – “If only I might finish the race.” Paul was not talking about deconversion here – abandoning the faith. He was talking about “completing the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” This should be the deep desire of all true Christians.

I use the adjective “true” to distinguish between those who claim to have saving faith in Christ, including those who claim to have later abandoned that faith. For the truth is if you get it, you can’t lose it; and if you lose it you never had it. “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” (1 John 2:19, NIV 1984).

Unfortunately, there are some who remain who “do not really belong.” For they “never had it” either. It is easy to see that those who “[go] out from us” never had it. It being true saving faith. But it is not always that easy for those who “have remained.” These are those who “honor [God] with their lips, but their hearts are far from [Him]. Their worship of [Him] is made up only of rules taught by men.” (Isaiah 29:13, NIV 1984). But eventually, “by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven. Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:20-21, 23, NIV 1984).

My Advice – Paul had it. He finished the race. He never lost it. “I [Paul] 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 4:6–8, NIV 1984).

How is our race going? Is it moving to completion? Here are some clues. Compared to the task God has called us to, do we otherwise “consider [our] life worth nothing?” As we labor for the Lord are we filled with a “[longing] for His appearing?” Have we “[gone] out from the [Church]?” Truly get it and we’ll never lose it.