Christ the Life Giver
Jesus says, “Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life.” John 6:47
The cynic says, “Seeing is believing.” For him or her ‘the proof is in the eating’ and there will be no acceptance of the goodness of the pudding until said party has devoured it. No doubt such persons will have to wait five hours to ensure that it ‘stays down’ and another day or two for confirmation that there are no ‘allergic reactions’. Such persons surely run the risk of missing out on eternal life since they would have to wait for physical proof as evidence of the same.
The cynic says, “Seeing is believing.” For him or her ‘the proof is in the eating’ and there will be no acceptance of the goodness of the pudding until said party has devoured it. No doubt such persons will have to wait five hours to ensure that it ‘stays down’ and another day or two for confirmation that there are no ‘allergic reactions’. Such persons surely run the risk of missing out on eternal life since they would have to wait for physical proof as evidence of the same.
The definition given for ‘believe’ is: ‘to have faith in’ or ‘to put trust in the truth of’’ something or someone. Belief therefore does not depend on being able to handle the physical evidence, but is assured that its effects prove it existence. (Whilst we cannot see the wind, we are sure of its presence because of the effects of its activity.) Hence, Jesus is not asking that we all die in order to accept that there is eternal life. He expects us to know that he has made provision for this eternal life by our knowledge and experience of him in life. And this can be seen in three (3) areas.
? As the originator of life. Jesus is divine hence he was present at the creation (see Gen.1:26) and continues to be present in every instance of procreation. He has secured life for us in the first instance.
? As the sustainer of life. In the passage from which our text comes Jesus speaks of himself as the ‘bread of life’. (John 6:25-59) He therefore presents himself as ensuring provision for life. He meets those basic needs of the human being throughout earthly existence.
? As the giver of new life. Jesus’ mission to this world was to provide for the salvation of souls. His life was given that we may be saved from our sins and so have a new life in him. Hence he told Nicodemus, “You must be born anew.” (John 3:3,7)
With all the provision Jesus has made for human life he shows his interest in human life. With his giving of new life he has provided for eternal life. This is fully available to all. It simply depends on belief in him. And now you have evidence to lead you to such belief – evidence that he has been actively involved in human life from the beginning and continuously. Yours is evidence that, being interested enough in your life thus far, he would be moved to make provision for life in the future – even beyond death. Such evidence should lead you to the acceptance that eternal life can be yours.
Prayer: Giver of life, Sustainer of life, Source of new life, remind me that beyond al this you will give eternal life. Hence strengthen my faith in you to accept this gift. Amen.
? As the originator of life. Jesus is divine hence he was present at the creation (see Gen.1:26) and continues to be present in every instance of procreation. He has secured life for us in the first instance.
? As the sustainer of life. In the passage from which our text comes Jesus speaks of himself as the ‘bread of life’. (John 6:25-59) He therefore presents himself as ensuring provision for life. He meets those basic needs of the human being throughout earthly existence.
? As the giver of new life. Jesus’ mission to this world was to provide for the salvation of souls. His life was given that we may be saved from our sins and so have a new life in him. Hence he told Nicodemus, “You must be born anew.” (John 3:3,7)
With all the provision Jesus has made for human life he shows his interest in human life. With his giving of new life he has provided for eternal life. This is fully available to all. It simply depends on belief in him. And now you have evidence to lead you to such belief – evidence that he has been actively involved in human life from the beginning and continuously. Yours is evidence that, being interested enough in your life thus far, he would be moved to make provision for life in the future – even beyond death. Such evidence should lead you to the acceptance that eternal life can be yours.
Prayer: Giver of life, Sustainer of life, Source of new life, remind me that beyond al this you will give eternal life. Hence strengthen my faith in you to accept this gift. Amen.
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