The Gist of Eternal Life
The Gist of Eternal Life
Jesus gives the gist of eternal life in John 17:3, where we read, “And this is eternal life that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Tracing the word translated “eternal” in the Book of Hebrews yields a pentagon of truth. Initially, we discover eternal salvation in Hebrews 5:9, where we read, “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”
Fearfully, we encounter the teaching of eternal retribution in Hebrews 6:2b. This verse closes with the words “eternal judgment”. Of course, this refers to hell. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment”. The ominous words of Hebrews 9:27 serve as a sobering reminder.
Believingly, we read about eternal redemption in Hebrews 9:12. Within the context of this verse we read about “the eternal Spirit” (v.14) and “the eternal inheritance” (v. 15). The precious blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:22-28) is our only hope of redemption.
Expectantly, we look for a word about eternal reward. In Hebrews 11:6 and 24-26 we read, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. . . . By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” Believers will have a missing reward, a meager reward, or a massive reward.
Gratefully, we find the principle of eternal security many times in the Bible. For example, we read from Hebrews 12:2 and Hebrews 13:5b, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. . . . For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) stated, “In God’s faithfulness lies eternal security.”
Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe, pastor, Bible teacher, conference speaker, prolific writer of Christian literature and theological works, refers to the “security of the believer” as well as the “security of the deceiver.” Satan would love for an unbeliever to have a “false assurance” of salvation only to stand unprepared and unsaved before the Lord Jesus Christ, the righteous judge of all the earth.
From 1 John 5:11-13 and 20 we read, “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. . . . And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” Here again, as in John 17:3, we have the gist of eternal life.
The Oregonian carried a story some time ago about a sign ordinance in Portland, Oregon. There was an issue about some “Where Will You Spend Eternity?” signs. Actually, the question is a paradox because we can never spend eternity. Remember, eternity never ends. It is hard to wrap our mind around this concept.
Dr. Lewis A. Drummond (1927-2004) asks, “When everything else is over and said and done, only one thing ultimately matters: Do you know God? Can you face eternity with Him?” Will you have eternal rejoicing or eternal regret? Allow me to encourage you to repent and place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.
By Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, pastor First Baptist Church of Spanish Fort 30775 Jay Drive Spanish Fort, Alabama 36527
Author of Sound Biblical Preaching: Giving the Bible a Voice Available on Amazon.com and WORDsearchbible.com
http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Biblical-Preaching-Giving-Bible/dp/1594577684
http://www.wordsearchbible.com/products/Sound_Biblical_Preaching_1476.html
http://www.webspawner.com/users/franklinlkirksey / fkirksey@bellsouth.net / (251) 626-6210
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