Why Doesn't the Idea of Eternal Life Appeal to me?
CONVERSATIONS:
The immediacy of this present life, the tangibility of this world, and our separation from God (Isaiah 59:2)--these are the most possible reasons why the idea of eternal life does not appeal to many of us.
And yet, there remains in each of us a tugging at our hearts, a gnawing feeling that we were meant for so much more than this life has to offer. Have you known this feeling, that you were meant for something more? Describe it here.
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The Bible says: He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Our separation from God because of sin makes it difficult for us to see beyond this present life and world, and to connect with our Creator with certainty. These are deep reasons why many people feel empty, aimless, defeated, and robbed of joy.
But this is precisely why Jesus came. He said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) He described the motivation behind His mission earlier in the Gospel of John: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice on the cross as payment for the penalty of man's sin, enables those who place their faith in Him to be forgiven of their sins and to be granted eternal life.
But what is eternal life? Jesus Himself defines it in John 17:3 as He prayed, "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Jesus described eternal life, not just as a quantity showing an infinite length of time, but more as a quality of life, where one is in a relationship with God. Eternal life is a life spent with God, beginning from the moment one's relationship with God is restored here on earth (John 1:12) onto eternity. Jesus laid down His life in order that we might experience and enjoy what God had originally intended for us: a life abundant, which is life with Him. Who else would know better how our lives could be made full, but our Creator?
We can enjoy eternal life as eternity with God after this life here on earth; but we don't have to wait for life here to end. We can enjoy eternal life with God even now while we live on this earth and in this present life. Does the idea of eternal life enthral you now?
If you would like for your relationship with God to be restored, ask Him through prayer, by faith, based on His promise in John 3:16, to forgive you of your sin and to be Lord of your life from now on. Jesus already paid for your sins. You only have to ask. Prayer is talking with God. You can pray something like this:
"Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. Thank You for dying on the cross in my place and for purchasing forgiveness for me. Please forgive me, and be my Lord and Savior. I stand on Your promise in John 3:16 that since I believe in You, You will spare me from eternal death and grant me eternal life -?a life in relationship with You beginning today. Thank You, Lord. Amen."
If you had asked Jesus by faith to forgive you and be your Lord and Savior, you can be certain that you have eternal life even now. Study and meditate on John 5:24 and 1 John 5:11-13. Write these verses in your journal and what they mean to you.
If you are already in a relationship with God, how are you enjoying your life with Him? Are you making the most of the eternal life that Jesus bought for you?
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Let's pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for not leaving us on our own in the face of our sin. Life would have been meaningless without You. Thank You for our Savior, Your Son Jesus, whose sacrifice purchased forgiveness for our sins, restoring to us an eternal relationship with You. Thank You for eternal life and the wonderful privilege of knowing You and Your Son Jesus from now till eternity. We love You and are grateful to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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