Title: Understanding God's Gift of Life and Faith
Introduction
I discuss the gift of life offered by Jesus, which goes beyond physical existence and encompasses
a life abundant, eternal, and purposeful. This life is deeply rooted in faith and can only be received
through faith in Jesus Christ. The speaker will reflect on key scriptures, starting with the Gospel
of John, to emphasize the importance of life from a biblical perspective..
Biblical Texts
Let us look at three powerful scriptures that lay the foundation for this message of greater life:
1. John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
2. John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may
have life, and have it to the full."
3. John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
The scriptures, written centuries ago, significantly influence our understanding of life, particularly
when we consider the greater life Jesus offers. They highlight the value of our received life and its
implications for our daily choices.
Contextual Understanding
1. John 15:13 – In John 15:13, Jesus emphasizes the greatest love, which involves laying
down one's life for one's friends. This sacrificial act of love goes beyond physical death,
demonstrating a daily act of selflessness. Christ's life modeled this love, and He calls us to
live the same way, putting others first in love.
2. John 10:10 – In John 10:10, Jesus contrasts His mission with that of a thief, who seeks to
steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus offers a life in abundance, focusing on purpose, peace, and
connection with God. This spiritual richness allows us to live according to God's will,
experiencing true fulfillment and peace that surpasses understanding, even in difficult
times. Jesus' life is meaningful, not shallow, and endures, not fading away.
3. John 3:16 – John 3:16 highlights the concept of eternal life as a gift given to believers
through faith, not earned through works or good deeds. Jesus' death and resurrection
offered a new, abundant life here and now, transforming our hearts and allowing us to
experience peace, joy, and hope in our present lives while anticipating a future with God.
The Problem of Born-Again Believers
Some believers misunderstand the concept of life in Christ. There are three common
misconceptions about life, death, and resurrection that I want to address:
1. Thinking that we have given our life to Christ: Many believe that accepting Christ means
giving up their life entirely. However, it is not the case. We come to Christ to receive life,
as we were spiritually dead due to sin. Life in Christ is not about giving up everything, but
about gaining a greater, more abundant life through Him. Accepting Christ means not only
giving up our life but also gaining a new life in Him, surpassing anything we could have
on our own. (Ephesians 2:1-2),
2. Believing that death is the way to heavenly life: Death is not the passage to heaven, as the
Bible teaches that the true way to eternal life is through Jesus Christ. Death is an inevitable
part of our earthly experience, but our ultimate hope lies in the resurrection promised by
Christ. Death is not the end, but a passage, and our relationship with Jesus Christ is the true
path to eternal life. (John 14:6).
3. Believing resurrection will bring eternal life: (John 3:16). The resurrection is often viewed
as the ultimate guarantee of eternal life, but it is a judgment for all, regardless of their
actions. Eternal life is a gift given to those with faith in Jesus Christ, and it is not just about
physical renewal but also spiritual transformation. Eternal life begins with faith in Christ
even before the resurrection.
The Principles of Life in Christ
1. The Life Jesus Offers is Greater: Jesus' life offers a purposeful, joyful life filled with God's
love, compassion, and peace. It involves sacrificing personal desires for others, reflecting
Jesus' sacrificial love. This life, not achievable on our own, is received through faith in
Jesus Christ, transcending worldly concerns and allowing us to live with eternal
perspective.
2. The Faith Connection: Our spiritual life is derived from our faith in Jesus Christ, who is
the source of all life. This connection is maintained through daily faith, prayer, and
obedience to His word. By living in His way, we allow His life to flow through us, bringing
peace and purpose to our lives. Our relationship with Christ is the lifeline that sustains us.
3. Immortality and Eternal Life: Immortality is a concept linked to our faith in Christ,
encompassing not just existence but also a relationship with God that extends into eternity.
Jesus' death on the cross provided spiritual life, which continues beyond death. The
resurrection of Jesus ensures believers will experience eternal life, which promises peace,
joy, and hope that will never end.
Application: Choosing Life
Deuteronomy 30:19 encourages us to actively choose life, recognizing it as a gift from God rather
than something we control. Our daily choices reflect our values on the life God has given us, such
as wealth, status, and success. By aligning our hearts with God's will and living in obedience to
His word, we can choose life to its fullest, recognizing that life is not ours to control but a gift from
God. The more we choose life in Christ, the more abundant life He offers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the life that Jesus offers is greater, more fulfilling, and eternal. It is a life that comes
through faith, and it is a life we are called to choose each day. As we live out this greater life, we
are not only transformed ourselves but also become instruments of God’s love and mercy to the
world around us. I encourage each of you to reflect on the life Christ offers and choose to live it
fully, every day. Choose life, for in Christ, we find the fullness of life, both now and forevermore.
