I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14. But Paul says that he was “… reaching forward to those things which are ahead. (Colossians 2:9 Matthew 5:48) Nonsense, you may think, none of us can be perfect. Paul said it like this: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected but I press on …” He is speaking there about being perfect as Jesus is perfect coming to the whole fullness of God.

Read more here: What does it mean to fear God? (Ephesians 2:10) By this “ holy conduct and godliness” we hasten His coming. The more faithful and obedient we are, the faster the work He has prepared for us will be accomplished. With that strength and grace, we are able to overcome sin in our flesh when we are tempted, to the degree that we are obedient to the light and understanding that God has given us. With the strength and guidance God gives us by the Holy Spirit, each one of us can live without committing conscious, willful sin. “… that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:27. As disciples, we are to come to perfection in Christ, so that there is no spot or blemish in us. It is through the fear of God that we can hasten the coming of the day of God. “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God …” 2 Peter 3:11-12. It can leave us wondering: when will it all end? How long can God allow this to continue?īut did you know there is something that you can do to shorten these evil days? Warfare, poverty, innocents suffering, etc. When you think about the world in these times that we are living in, it isn’t hard to see that there is a huge amount of suffering going on.

Hasten the day of the lord