PAUL'S STRAIT by George W. Amadon

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 7, 1859

PAUL'S STRAIT.

By George W. Amadon

I HAVE lately been examining Paul's declarations respecting his "desire to depart," his "strait betwixt two," &c. and the following thoughts are the result of the investigation. Some of the ideas are suggested by reading Mr. Ellis' Bible vs Tradition, to whom all honor be given for his persevering and useful labors in this direction.

In Phil. i, 21—23 the Apostle Paul declares that he was perplexed between two things, whether to choose life or death. They were both equally indifferent to him. He had no choice in either. But there was one thing, a third thing, that he had "a desire" for, and this other thing very plainly was not either of the other two. The other two things were life and death. But that which he "desired" was "far better" than either, that is, death or life, consequently any one can see it must be something entirely different from life or death, or else it would not be something else—it could not then be a third thing. Now what was it? Ans. "To depart and be with Christ." This, the Apostle regarded as entirely different from dying. Mark, Paul was in a strait betwixt two things,—life or death, he hardly knew which was best to choose, but immediately says he has a desire "to depart and be with Christ,"—therefore it is as plain as noon-day sun that "death," and departing and being with Christ, are two very different things. One thing, death, he regards the same as life—that is, he had no choice in either; but

"to depart and be with Christ," for this he has an "earnest desire." Why? Because, as he says, it "is far better." Far better than what? Far better than either life or death, especially death, therefore it is necessarily something completely different from death. Every one can see this point; and again we are brought to the conclusion that death and "departing and being with Christ," are diametrically opposed, and as unlike each other as day and night.

Having now clearly proved, as we think, that these two things are entirely different, we will briefly examine the phrase, "to depart and be with Christ," and see what it means; "for if it does not mean death," says one, "what does it mean?" In noticing this point, we shall be obliged to Paul for light on this question, and our quotations shall be from his writings; for as he preached a whole gospel and "kept back nothing that was profitable," he has spoken liberally on this point.

First, 2 Cor. v, 4. "We that are in this tabernacle, do groan, being burdened: (mark what for,) not for that we would be unclothed (or not, note this point,) but clothed upon that mortality might be swallowed up of life." Here seems to be the whole argument in a nut-shell, and clearly shows what Paul meant by wishing "to depart and be with Christ." It was to be "present with the Lord," in an incorrupt, undying body. But lest some should misapprehend the last clause of this text we will quote another verse which is so plain that "the wayfaring man though a fool need not err therein;" "This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (Then, mortality will be swallowed up of life.) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written. Death is swallowed up in victory." 1 Cor. xv, 53. We now begin to see what Paul meant when he said he had "a desire" to "depart and be with Christ," it was nothing less than longing for the full fruition of the Christian's hope, which takes place when we are "delivered from this bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Well, no wonder the Apostle had a "desire" for this. Any one who is the most scanty partaker of the Holy Spirit will have a like desire; and the great reason why the mass of "popular saints" have no relish for this wholesome truth is, that they are inflated with the idea of a "never-dying soul," and consequently clambering up to heaven some other way like thieves and robbers. But one more quotation explaining what is meant by having an earnest desire to depart and be with Christ.

Second, Rom. viii, 18. &c. "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us." (When? When we die? By no means, read on.) For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves. (Now mark the cause of all this groaning,) waiting for the adoption, to wit the redemption of the body! We here learn plainly and most unmistakably what Paul means by "departing and being with Christ," it was nothing less than the expectant desire of being "caught up to meet the Lord in the air," when the church militant becomes the church triumphant; "and so be forever with the Lord." And we now also see that "death," and "to depart and be with Christ," are just as different as up from down, as black from white, having no likeness whatever. Paul did not "groan" to die. Oh no. He did not most "earnestly desire" to pass through the scenes of dissolution. Far from it. But he did desire, most earnestly too, to be clothed upon "with his house from heaven," or get an incorrupt body, which event, (precious thought) by us all will shortly be realized.

GEO. W. AMADON.

Wawkon, Iowa, June 20th 1859.