gtcotr/ws061913
When a person is born
again they become a new creation in Christ. Old things pass away and all things
become new. Along with salvation come many new creation realities. Blessings,
benefits, and opportunities abound for the new believer. One new creation
benefit is the reality of eternal life.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten
Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
This is the promise of
God to all who believe and receive salvation through Christ. Herein is our key
scripture:
Key Scripture:
1 John 2:25 And this is
the promise he has promised us even eternal life
The Gospels record
several incidents where people approached Jesus with questions concerning
eternal life. One such occurrence is mentioned in the Gospel of Mark chapter 10
verse 17.
Mark 10:17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
In the continuing account Jesus led this man on a
journey in order to answer his question. The conclusion makes plain the fact
that eternal life is not given as a reward for our works nor does it come from
a strict adherence to God’s law. Rather eternal life is a reality for those who
put God first in their life. It is a matter of the heart. Eternal life is the
free gift God gives to those who put their trust in Him and follow Christ.
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony: that God has given us
eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who
does not have the Son of God does not have life.
We who are in Christ have eternal life. Eternal life is
a reality for every child of God.
Every person will exist forever … the only question is
where. There is eternal life in Christ and eternal death without Christ. The
choice is ours to make. When a person passes from this life into the next they
will enter eternity. The souls of those in Christ will enter heaven, a
temporary dwelling place, awaiting final reward. Those souls without Christ
will enter hell, a temporary place of torment awaiting final judgment.
When God shall have concluded His whole work on the
earth, final judgment will come. The devil and his angels along with death and
hell will be cast into the lake of fire which will burn forever continually
consuming the souls of men in torment throughout eternity.
Those individuals who have been saved by grace through
faith will be with the Lord forever under a new heaven and on a new earth
wherein dwells righteousness and there they shall forever dwell throughout
eternity.
Support Scripture: Titus 1:2, Luke 10:25, Luke 18:18, Revelation
20:11-15, Revelation 21:1, 2 Peter 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:17
As a new creation in Christ we have a promise from God
of eternal life.
Important Points:
1. Every person will exist forever. The
question is where.
2. Every born again believer becomes a new
creation in Christ.
3. The ultimate benefit of being born again is
eternal life.
4. If you are in Christ you will never die.
