Today we will cover reason 7, the final reason in this study, for wanting salvation. All Scripture is taken from the ESV Bible unless otherwise indicated. All italics within Scripture are mine.
B. How do you get salvation?
g). For eternal life: What is eternal life? Holman Bible Dictionary defines it as “Life at its best, having infinite duration characterized by abiding fellowship with God.” Although this is correct, it’s not complete.
Eternal life is both a present and a future experience:
Present Eternal Life – “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life…” (John 3:36). “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Note the words in italics…“has” and “is.” Eternal life is a life in living fellowship with God–both now and forever.
Future Eternal Life – A man asks Jesus, “…Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18). The rich man views eternal life as a future inheritance, as he should. For Jesus responds in v. 22 with things he must do, and upon doing these things, “you will have treasure in heaven.” “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25), and “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (Gal. 6:8). Fellowship in life eternal means fellowship with the triune God.
Eternal life refers to two aspects of life: Duration and Quality. Duration is of course an unending life or a life to be entered into in the future.
In terms of quality, there are at least four characteristics of eternal life in the here and now:
i. Eternal life is a life given and conveyed (accompanied, lead) by God. Jesus says, “I give them eternal life…” (John 10:28). Eternal life is given to us, it is not earned. As a Christian, your life should be lead by God. Eternal life at the present is a life of walking with God, and God provides you the means. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8). “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ ” (2 Cor. 12:9a). Philippians 2:13 says, “…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” God works in Christians through the Holy Spirit, He provides the will to obey, and then He helps them do the things that please Him. He accompanies them through life.
ii. Eternal life is a transformation and renewal of life. “…but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” (Rom. 12:2). This has to do with your thoughts and will in regards to morality. Meaning, if you are truly a born again, Spirit–filled Christian, you will want to do what is right. If this is not the case, then something is wrong.
iii. Eternal life is a life fully opened to God and centered on Him. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom. 12:1). “Spiritual worship” is not just a ritual activity, as it was with Cain, but an involvement of heart, mind, and will. “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness” (Rom. 6:13). “Present” here means to put yourself in the service of, or become a slave to. It may also echo the language of sacrifice…be a living sacrifice as Romans 12:1 states.
iv. Eternal life is a life no longer living in sin; it’s a constant overcoming of sin. “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning…” (1 John 5:18). This by no means refers to sinless perfection, for that is impossible, but it does mean that you should no longer live a life characterized by sin. If there is no change in you, whether it be in your heart or mind, or you’re living the same life you lived prior to “being saved,” then you are not saved.
This was the last reason, in this study, to want salvation. To sum up what we’ve covered––there are 3 ideas involved with salvation, the 3 Rs: Rescue, Renewal, and Restoration. Rescue from sin and death; Renewal of your spirit to lead a morally pleasing life; and Restoration of a relationship with God.
Next time we will continue with our salvation study with “How do you get salvation? What are the conditions?” Don’t miss it! God bless!
Niki Ƹ>Ï<Ʒ
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