The Race
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:24
24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
We as believers are in a race. However, this is not a race for salvation, it is something much different. Race comes from the Greek word stadion {stad’-ee-on}(G4712). It is the same Greek word in Revelation 21:16 for furlong.
16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
1 Corinthians 9:25
25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
This is not referring to salvation, because salvation is a free gift. 1 Corinthians 9 is referring to a prize or a reward. It is the incorruptible crown that is earned. Salvation is a gift, Romans 6:23.
23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Yeshua Messiah our Lord.
Paul talks about this race to his son Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Paul had expected to receive the crown of righteousness and be a part of the bride. This why in Revelation 3:11.
11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
If one does not strive for this and be temperate, they could disqualify themselves. Another one more worthy could come a long and take their crown. There is a limited number to the Bride. It takes a lifetime of living the will of God.
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