“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” – John 6:63
The Bible is often referred to as the “living” Word. One reason is because its words are just as relevant today as when they were first penned under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God. The Bible has not become antiquated because it was written thousands of years ago, instead it can be applied to us today just as it was applied to the lives of Moses, Daniel, David, Peter, Paul and others who lived before us.
Its intent is to show us God and how we can have a personal relationship with Him. The need has always been the same; the solution has always been the same. To know Christ is to know God. The way to the Father is through the Son. The way to the Son is clearly stated in the Bible for He is the Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1,14)
A personal relationship with Jesus, the Son of God, results in everlasting life for the believer. John 3:16 affirms this. “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.” The Bible repeatedly teaches that Jesus came to become the Saviour of the world. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:3,7)
It is only through the verses of Scripture that the souls of men can find eternal life, and eternal life is received from Christ only upon receiving His forgiveness of sins and accepting Him as one’s own Saviour. The carnal views of immortality and how to attain it are empty, deceitful, and offer no hope for humanity. It is only the truth of God’s words recorded in the Bible that provide spiritual redemption and everlasting life for the believer.
Jesus said there was no other way to heaven except through Him. John 14:6 records His words; “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There is no “act of the flesh” that can provide what Jesus made available by His death, burial, and resurrection. There is no specific church, no type of service performed, no amount of money given, no prescribed words to say to earn salvation. It is completely unattainable except when given as a gift from God. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8) That free gift is given when a person accepts Jesus’ forgiveness for their sins and receives Him as their Saviour. It’s a simple act of faith, and God responds by giving His gift of life with Him forever in heaven.
In the Bible, it also speaks of a time when Jesus will return to gather God’s children and take them back to heaven to live with Him forever. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) There are indicators in Scripture that point to that time as coming soon (2 Timothy 3, 2 Peter 3). When Jesus does appear, it will not matter what you’ve done in your life, it will matter whom you have chosen to trust with your soul… God or the world. Only one will lead to eternal life in heaven.
If you’ve never asked Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Saviour, you can do that today. Simply bow your head where you are and pray. He longs to hear your voice calling out to Him, and He will not refuse you (John 6:37). He will welcome you with open arms, forgiving every sin, and making you a child of God. It is only God’s plan of salvation that gives eternal life to a sinful soul. Jesus gave His life that you might live forever with Him because He loves you. Why not pray and receive Him as your Saviour today?
I was once a sinner, but I came
Pardon to receive from my Lord:
This was freely given, and I found
That He always kept His word.
There’s a new name written down in glory,
And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine!
And the white robed angels sing the story,
“A sinner has come home.”
For there’s a new name written down in glory,
And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine!
With my sins forgiven I am bound for Heaven,
Never more to roam.
(From “There’s a New Name in Glory” by C. Austin Miles)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13
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Where will you spend eternity?