From the world of boxing we got the expression “down but not out.” That’s because a boxer can be knocked off his feet, but until he receives the count of ten…he’s not out.
In 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 the apostle Paul talks about how “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” The earthen vessels he’s talking about are our bodies. And Paul points out how we’re “hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed…perplexed, but not in despair…persecuted, but not forsaken…struck down, but not destroyed.”
Did you get that last part? It translates into “down but not out.” God provides you the count of ten, so to speak, with your own life and freedom to choose life or death.
When you put your faith in the love and life of Jesus, your earthen vessel may still be pounded and come to an end. But your actual life will not be destroyed. You will live forever.
You may be knocked down, but you will not be “out.”
I just mentioned to someone last night that I believe that more than I believe there’s a plate in front of me at dinnertime. I believe that “He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus…” My faith doesn’t rest on my own abilities, deeds, or status. My faith rests on God…where the only true and good rest resides.
You may not have years left to investigate whether or not the Christian claims of eternal life are true. And you may not have months left to determine whether or not the Christian God exists. You may not have days left to make a decision to trust in the Creator of the universe. You may not even have hours left to ponder whether true love exists and where it came from.
But while there is still breath in you, you do have time to knock on Heaven’s door. I promise you…Someone will answer with open arms, a smile, and everlasting life.
In Faith, Hope, and Love,
