So will it be at the appearing of Christ. The Christians who have died with the Life of the Lord Jesus in them will be caught up to meet the Lord, as will the Christians who are alive at that time and are walking in the Spirit of God.

But the "Christians" who have lived in the appetites and impulses of the flesh, whether they are dead or alive at the coming of Christ, will not have the eternal Life required in that Day.

All of us need more of the abiding Presence of the Holy Spirit and the Life of Jesus in us during every moment of our time and throughout every aspect of our personality and behavior.

As part of our preparation for ruling with Christ, and for the first resurrection (which is associated with our ruling in Christ—Revelation 20:4,5), we first must suffer. The cross and the crown go together.

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17)

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)

Paul linked knowing the power of Christ's resurrection with knowing the fellowship of Christ's sufferings.

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death; (Philippians 3:10)

The Book of First Peter shows us the necessity for our suffering and comforts us with the hope of the "glory that shall be revealed."

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (I Peter 1:7)

It is through suffering that we are brought to the place where we cease from sin and live no longer "in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." It is through suffering that we experience the power of resurrection life and are prepared for the body fashioned from resurrection life.

Another way in which God views our pursuit of eternal life and glory is as a business transaction. The grace given to us in Christ, and the gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit, are pictured as sums of money. We can apply the money in a businesslike manner, earning interest and making a profit. Or we can refrain from using the Divine money, keeping it out of circulation. God is displeased with the latter action. Lack of diligence in the use of God's money is one way to be unprepared when Jesus appears.

And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:20,21)

To be continued.