WHY BELIEVERS LONG TO SEE JESUS

There are only two kinds of people in this world:  those who are in the image and likeness of the Lord, and those who are not.  God, as born again believers know Him, is a Triune Being, a Trinity (Mt. 3:16-17; 28:19; Jn. 14:26; Acts 2:33; Rom. 15:30; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; 13:14; Eph. 2:18; 5:18-20; Col. 1:6-8; 2:9; 1 Thes. 5:18-19; 2 Thes. 2:13-14; 1 Tim. 3:16; Ti. 3:5-6; Heb. 2:3-4; 1 Pet. 1:2; 1 Jn. 4:2; 4:13-14; 5:7; Ju. 20-21; Rev. 22:16-18; etc.).

When a lost man, one composed of only a body and soul, one born only of the water of a physical birth, becomes a born again believer, he is described being "born of the Spirit" (Jn. 3:1-8).  Prior to his new birth, he is described as being dead spiritually (Eph. 2:1, 5-6, 11; Col. 2:13).  Now, existing as a triune being (1 Thes. 5:23), he is said to be, once again, in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26; Rom. 6:4-5).  However, even as born again believers, we still have to wait until we meet Jesus, face to face, before we are fully and completely made into His likeness (1 Jn. 3:2).

It is interesting that when Jesus spoke with His disciples prior to their being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), He encouraged them not to fear those who have the power to destroy only their bodies, but who have no power over their souls; He said to fear the One who has the authority to destroy both their bodies and their souls (Mt. 10:28; Rev. 20:11-15).  Notice that He did not refer to them in their present state as being made of body, soul, and spirit.

 

Following Pentecost and the disciples becoming spiritually alive, there is a hint concerning the battle which goes on within the believer.  The Apostle Paul mentioned it in several places in his writings, but none so clear as that of his own internal struggle between his flesh (his soul) and his spirit (Rom. 7:15-25).  Notice that the verbs are present tense; his struggle only occurred after he was born again. 

This battle over the control of the body, like Freud's Id being pulled in two directions by the Ego and the Superego, can only be won by going to the Scriptures.  Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."  As believers, we must allow the Word of God to help us follow our spirit, and not let our soul, our carnal man, be in control (Rom. 8:6-7)!

 

Born again believers are at war with the world, their own flesh, and the Devil!