Killing Pride for the Sake of Eternity

In my preparation for my sermon on pride I came across a verse from the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” with which I was unfamiliar. Its focus points forward to what followers of Christ can anticipate upon crossing over into eternity:

On that day when free from sinning, I shall see thy lovely face!
Full arrayed in blood-washed linen, how I’ll sing they sovereign grace!
Come, my Lord! No longer tarry! Bring thy promises to pass!
For I know thy power will lead me till I’m home with Thee at last.

It goes without saying that eternity is a long time. Over and over again Scripture emphasizes that those who cross over into eternity remaining in their pride will be judged accordingly and separated from God for all of eternity (cf. Isaiah 2:11-12). And so addressing our pride NOW is of utmost importance. This is something Paul addresses in 1 Timothy 1:15-16:

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”   – and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

Paul identifies here as the chief of sinners, one steeped in deepest pride before the Lord and unworthy of his mercy. And yet he also recognizes that Christ came to die for him, so that he might experience God’s mercy and receive not only forgiveness of sin but also the promise of eternal life. When you and I are willing to confess our pride like Paul, we too can trust that Christ’s mercy and forgiveness assures us that we will be with him for all eternity.