Quotable

Christ’s presence is real and abiding in believers. As one great hymn puts it: Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow—blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! [Chisholm]

This is “the hope of glory” (Col:1:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
See All...). In Christ, the Holy Spirit, who “is the earnest [down payment] of our inheritance,” has “sealed” us “until the redemption of the purchased possession [the whole person, body and soul]” (Eph:1:13-24 [13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. [15] Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, [16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; [17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: [18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, [19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
See All...). Our eternal destiny involves His presence until our redemption is completed. As Jesus told His disciples, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Mt 28:20). Although Jesus would no longer be physically present with His faithful followers, the Spirit whom He would send to take His place would be. By faith we realize that presence now! The Spirit of Christ is both with us and in us (Rom:9:1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
See All...b)! As did Jesus, Hebrews tells us the people of this promise, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb:13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
See All...). In this light, Jude's benediction becomes glorious: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in His presence of His glory blameless with great joy to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”

—Larry DeBruyn​