There is a danger in the current misunderstanding of the role of forgiveness in the Divine redemption. The prevailing belief is that the bulk of salvation is denied us while we are living in the world.

It is assumed that all that is available to us now is forgiveness, accompanied by some eternal life and freedom. The remainder of redemption, the fullness of eternal life, deliverance from spiritual bondage, obedience to God, and conversion to the image of Christ, are assumed to be gifts that will be given us after we die or at some other vaguely outlined time in the future.

The concept is, we have forgiveness now and the rest will come later.

It indeed is true that we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit to a future day of redemption. But there is no passage of Scripture that implies that the day of redemption will take place in Heaven or as we rise to meet the Lord in the air.

It is our belief that the day of redemption will take place in the earth and that some aspects of it have begun already.

It does not require a great deal of insight in order to understand the danger of waiting to die to go to Heaven in order to be redeemed, if the Holy Spirit has begun the process now. It reminds one of the parable of the ten virgins.

The transformation of our personality takes place, not on the basis of where we are located but on the basis of seasons of Divine working as the Holy Spirit deals with us personally. It is possible for us to miss the plan of redemption when it appears in its season if we are waiting to receive redemption in Heaven.

If we are looking to physical death to make us ardent followers and companions of the Lord Jesus we are acting apart from any basis in Scripture or reason.

Now is the day of salvation. It is now that the Lord Jesus is coming to His Church and cleansing the members of His Body from sin. Seasons of refreshing and restoration are proceeding from the Presence of the Lord.

Soon the blood of sinners will be flowing like water. Judgment is coming because the nations of the world have refused to obey the moral laws of God. They are not recognizing the kingship of the Lord Jesus. They are not doing the things He has commanded. God is not pleased with the disobedience of the nations and will demonstrate His wrath.

In the day of the Lord's fierce anger we must be able to walk in two worlds at the same time. We must have our eyes open on the earth but especially in Heaven. We must be assured constantly that our loved ones are safe in the arms of Jesus.

We must live and move and have our being in Heaven at the right hand of God if we expect to be of any use to mankind during the days of judgment that are ahead.

To be continued.