"We will never be able to draw a sharp contrast between light and darkness, good and evil, righteous and sinful, based on the works that we see. Even the best works of the holiest Christians in this life are imperfect. This is not a cop-out but biblical realism. We are saved by Christ's righteousness, not ours. We are being sanctified, but this work remains incomplete until we (individually and corporately) are raised in glory. In this respect, the church's existence as the harbinger of Christ's heavenly kingdom is ambiguous. The visibility of the church in this age lies, however, in the public preaching of the Word, the administration of the Sacraments, and the governance of the church under the Scriptures. Only by identifying the place where God is at work creating light out of darkness can there emerge a people who display, however inadequately, the effects of Christ's redeeming work that one day will be completed at His return."
How Simon Peter, John, and the other Apostles must have missed being with their Lord Jesus. And I imagine they longed for His return, as they lived out their lives for Him. I too long for His return. In a selfish way I must admit. And yet not completely selfish. I do love the Lord Jesus, and desire to see Him. He is what life is truly all about. But as Dr. Horton teaches us here, we shall have the struggle of flesh and Spirit until the day we die.
"Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." -St. Paul
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