It’s A Question Of Faith
John 10:27-30
From the most ancient of times man has held fast to the idea of life after death. Cave dwellers in what we refer to as pre-historic times drew pictures on the walls which illustrated their faith. The Egyptians and many others buried tools, treasure, and even food with their departed to ensure their comfort in the afterlife. In Egypt, China, and other places slaves, wives, and even armies were buried to ensure the security of the deceased. People have always sought and longed for eternal life. Remember the legend of the “Fountain Of Youth,” and how in generation after generation explorers have died searching for it to no avail. And scientists have hypothesized, theorized and experimented in their search for the secrets of life. And though many of the elements of life have been discovered in the lab, and medicine has increased the lifespan, no one has even begun to understand it all.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6); And He also promised,” That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15). That’s right! Jesus made that promise to those that believe with all their hearts that He indeed is Lord.
So! How does one come to have eternal life? .. Certainly not by claiming you’re spiritual and that you believe in God. James answered that question in his epistle. He wrote, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble” (2:19). Jesus said, “I am the way.” That means He’s the only way.
Eternal life is not contingent upon being a member of a particular church. Eternal life is not contingent upon practicing religious rituals. Eternal life is contingent only upon a intimate relationship with Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and if He is your personal Savior He will also be your Lord, because if you don’t allow Him to be your Lord, you haven’t really accepted His freely offered gift of Salvation. Jesus promised us eternal life when He said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). Jesus imparts eternal life to true believers, but He warned, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” Matt. 7:13-14). Faith in Jesus means trusting Him even when life throws you a curve. It’s remembering that God is truly at the helm, and He’s working things out for good for those who love Him and trust Him.
The test is what do you do in tough times? Times when you feel very much alone. If you’re steeped in faith, Christ will sustain you. Yes you may be a church member. Yes, you may take communion as often as possible. Your observance isn’t a matter of just going through the motions. You need to trust Him with every fiber of your being.
Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” That means you, me, and everyone we know. Sin is anything that is out of God’s will. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Hebrews 9:22 tells us that, “without shedding of blood is no remission (from sin).” Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” And John 3:16 and 17 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 15:3-4, “I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” and Romans 10:9-10 says, ‘That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
If you need to make a new confession of faith do it now. If you want to know Jesus as your personal savior, just ask Him to come into your life.
