Focusing on Heaven where our Lord Jesus is and not so much on worldly affairs

Colossians 3:1-4

Click for a description of the mark of the beast.
Click for a description of the image of the beast.

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-3

Paul is teaching the Colossians that our Lord Jesus Christ is sitting on a throne at the right hand of God. The laws of the Old Testament [the laws of Judaism] are not there with Him to judge us by. He rules from His throne by the mercy, grace, and forgiveness of God according to the Holy Spirit who lives in us. The laws are of this world, but the Spirit is of a Heavenly source. In that light, the Apostle Paul [through the Holy Spirit] is saying to the Colossians that they should not focus on the laws of the Old Testament but to focus on Jesus Christ. Likewise, we should focus on Jesus Christ and not on earthly requirements.

Like the Colossians, all born-again Christians have died to our past way of life, our past lifestyle, way of thinking, and way of behaving. Now, our life is with Christ in God. Our born-again experience is the Gospel of Jesus Christ written on our heart in the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Colossians needed to know that being right with God is through Jesus not by written laws. Jesus Christ is returning, and when He does we will have a home with Him in glory, the New Jerusalem.

This is the Gospel in a verse, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

Today, the most prominent thing on this earth that people have set their mind to is the entity that has power over physiology to give them what to think, feel, say, and do. This atheistic entity enlivens the image of the beast to live and speak through people as their minds are taken off God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. Today’s culture is groomed to the mark of the beast by what they are given to say and do.

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“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:1