He has promised us eternal life. 1 John 2:25
Many Christians think the term 'eternal life' refers to their future in heaven once they leave this world. But in reality, it is every believer's 'present' possession.
David Jackman - Eternal life begins here and now as the Holy Spirit takes up residence in a follower of Christ ... planting the very life of God within his soul. We enter a personal relationship with Him through faith, uniting us with the Lord now and forever.
Apart from receiving the gift of salvation, a man owns his sin and faces judgment when he dies. Since God has promised us eternal life through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, why turn to anything else? It is not something that we have to work for (or deserve). This is seen throughout Christ’s ministry ...
When they let the paralytic down through the roof on a stretcher in front of Jesus, He said to him, 'Son, your sins are forgiven'. What had the man done to deserve this? ... nothing.
When a known prostitute dampened Jesus’ feet with her tears, He told her, 'Your sins have been forgiven'. What had she had done to 'earn' His pardon? ... nothing.
When a thief uttered through unimaginable pain 'remember me when You come into Your kingdom', Jesus' response was 'today you shall be with Me in Paradise'. This man was hanging on a cross next to our dying Savior. Where were his works? ... he had none.
The Lamb of God forgave them all.
For by grace, you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Even though the Lord grants eternal life apart from works, people chain themselves to spiritual systems that demand obedience to the law in a vain attempt to atone for their sins. Out of pride, they desperately want to play a role in their own salvation and therefore reject ... 'The Promise'.
Satan loves that.
No comments:
Post a Comment