The Path to Life 2 - Esesien Ita

Sometime ago we highlighted on eternal life as the true life, and as a gift of God. We saw a rich young ruler who knew about eternal life, wanted it, but who was not prepared for it because he was not ready to lay his all on the altar. He was not prepared to give his life to Christ whom he approached.

The path to life lies in the condition of our heart, not so much on what we do externally. Usually though, our deeds are a reflection of the state of our hearts, for, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Our way of life speaks much of how our heart is. The one who loves and uses foul, dirty language in speech betrays what they have within them. Those who care less about the less privileged, like the rich young ruler of Luke 18: 18 – 25 and his counterpart of Luke 16: 19 – 31, also show what they have within them. We can think of other examples.

Eternal life is a gift from God (Rom. 6: 23). It is never worked for. It is an inheritance given to those whom God has saved by His grace. If it were to be worked for none of us would get it, for none qualifies. The encounter of Jesus with the rich man was to show him his deficiency and let him know how unqualified he was to have eternal life despite his purported piety. Many believe they have done enough for God, and feel secure in that ‘achievement’ as a guarantee for heaven. They talk of ‘making heaven’ obviously in the sense of adequate preparation on their part. This was exactly that rich man’s mistake. We should not wait to find that out when it is too late.

Eternal life must be received by faith. That faith is transforming faith, that is, one that changes the individual from selfishness to selflessness, from speaking lies to speaking the truth, from sexual immorality to chastity, from hating to loving, from violence to gentleness, from rudeness to politeness, from cheating to honesty, generally from sinful passions to godliness. It is faith that brings the Holy Spirit into a person’s heart manifesting His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control in that life.

If you miss having eternal life, it were better you were not born at all. All who miss it must end up cursed and condemned to eternal punishment as Jesus said. You certainly wouldn’t bargain for that, would you? So why forget about the matter? You must take definite steps. Do not leave yourself at crossroads, wondering where to turn. Turn to Jesus! You need to go to the Master like the rich man did, but unlike him, not turn away at what the Lord tells you to do.

It is God who gives the condition of your relationship with Him. He sets the terms. You can only accept, not contend it. His term is, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved” (Acts 16: 31). When you believe on Christ as your Saviour and Lord, as the One who died for you on the Cross of Calvary, as the One who shed His sinless blood for you to wash away your sins, as the One who rose again from the dead for you, you will be saved. The Bible says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10: 9 – 10).

We recently celebrated the Passion Week when we remembered with gratitude the sufferings and death of Christ at Calvary for us. Behold the nail wounds for you! “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53: 5). Christ’s death and resurrection means life and peace for you. All is by grace, as the Scripture says, “It is by God’s grace that God has saved you through faith. This is not from you. It is the gift of God. It is not by what you do, so you cannot take credit for it” (Eph. 2: 8 – 9, Author’s rendering).

Will you say No to Christ? The Cross of Christ is the path to life. Embrace Christ today and experience His life and peace.