A given Biblical fact is that eternal life is offered to those who seek it. In practically the same breath, we hear of the abundant life. Only thing, is that abundant living can become as a grain of sand, hard to find.
Now, how can that be? The scriptures tell us that if we seek, we will find and if we open, He will enter. The problem is that once we allow Jesus in our lives, we mustn’t allow sin to reign in our mortal bodies. Where Jesus is, sin can’t abound. Forgiveness of sins took place on the cross. The ultimate sacrifice was offered, and our sins were covered by the blood.
Jesus willingly gave His life as that ultimate sacrifice. That is seen in John 3:16. “God so loved the world so much that He was willing and sent His only Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but obtain everlasting life.” That sacrifice paid the only price that would atone for the world’s sin.
The abundant life is a yielded life. In Romans 6:10-14 we find that Jesus’ death on the cross was a once and for all act. It covered the sins of all people for all time. Just as Christ gave His life for us, we need to surrender ours to Him. He has made us free. We are new creatures with a new game plan for life. We must present ourselves to Him alive and well, ready to live the life He intended for us.
Jesus also said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. We no longer would have to seek our way through life without dependable directions. Jesus would be the light of the world! In verse 32 He states, “and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”
Now that we have the Truth and we know to follow Jesus’ example, will we? The directions have been given and demonstrated. All we must do is abide in the light and follow that light wherever it shines.
Jesus made it clear in John 13:34-35. ” A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. Thereby, we are indeed able to live the Truth.
I have listed seven steps that help in following Jesus:
- Hearing God- Believe with all your heart.
- Accepting God- Receive the call of salvation (make it personal).
- Knowing God- Knowledge of God as it is revealed in the Bible.
- Following God- The life He has shown us to live by example.
- Obeying God- Jesus instructed us to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves.
- Growing in Grace- Choosing the path of Grace. As God has shown Grace to others, we must strive to do the same.
- Trusting God- Putting our focus on God. Seeking His timetable and not trying to make God’s will fit our desires.
J.W. 2/21/23
John W. Sangwin 