TO BE WITH CHRIST IS FAR BETTER.

 

To be with Christ is far better.
Philippians 1:23

 
THE presence of Christ here, is our chief joy,
  but we only enjoy it occasionally,
  and for a short season.
 
Something soon interferes and disturbs our enjoyment,
  but in heaven we shall enjoy his face continually.
 
We all acknowledge that to be with Christ in glory,
  is far better than to be toiling, sorrowing,
  and conflicting here below;
  but when we think of departing,
  the doubt creeps over the mind, and
  the suggestion is thrown in,
“If you should find yourself mistaken.
If you should have been deceived.
If instead of ascending to heaven,
  you should be thrust down to hell.”
 
This is painful,
  because there is generally a disposition to encourage fear,
  yield to gloom, and indulge suspicion.
 
But can the word of God fail?
 
Can the God of truth lie?
 
It is impossible!
 
And is it not said, “He that believeth shall be saved?
 
Do we not believe?
 
Have we not renounced everything within us,
  and without us, to trust to the Lord Jesus Christ alone?
 
How then can we be deceived?
 
Let us resist Satan.
Let us reject such insinuations.
Let us encourage hope, and
  look forward to the death as simply
  as departing to be with Christ, which is far better.
 

Where Jesus dwells my soul would be,

I long my much loved Lord to see;

Earth twine no more about my heart!

For ‘tis far better to depart.

 
James Smith 1849