Posts Tagged ‘ Eternal Life ’

Advent 2022 – Day 24: John 3:13-15

No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

John 3:13-15, ESV

At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.

Jesus came to live amongst us, teaching the truths of God and proving them with miracles, signs, and wonders.

Even the religious elite could see it, but they could not understand without help.

And Jesus was that help to Nicodemus and others willing to listen, but we tend to be an obstinate lot.

Yet, God came to us, showing us how we are to be saved.

What does Jesus tell us about salvation?

He tells us that only Jesus has made the trip from heaven and back, that only those who believe in Him can ascend.

He tells us we must believe He is the only source of salvation, and it is in His death on the cross we find forgiveness and are saved.

God came to us as a man to save us by taking our punishment on Himself, and we must believe this to be saved.

Maybe people who lived in Old Testament times did not understand this in detail, but they knew where salvation was found: in God alone.

Christ has come and given us the Holy Spirit who leads us to Christ’s cross and forgiveness of sins and hope for eternal life.

May we seek the Lord who has saved us and shown us the path to eternal life.

Advent 2022 – Day 23: John 3:5

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:5, ESV

At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.

Jesus came to live amongst us, teaching the truths of God and proving them with miracles, signs, and wonders.

Even the religious elite could see it, but they could not understand without help.

If the most religious and smartest could not understand the ways of God, what hope could the rest of us have?

Yet, God came to us, showing us how to understand how we are saved.

What does Jesus tell us about salvation?

Born of water: baptism does play a role, but this also tells us that only humans can be saved. (Fallen angels cannot be saved.)

Born of the Spirit: only those who believe and receive the Holy Spirit can be saved. (John 16:7-15)

This is difficult to comprehend, but only by trusting the Holy Spirit and the truth of the gospel of Christ can we inherit eternal life in Christ.

Jesus came to bring us life free from sin and in eternity with Him.

Christ has come, and we must seek the wisdom of His Holy Spirit and forgiveness of sins. (James 1:5; 1 John 1:9)

May we seek the Lord who has offered us His Holy Spirit, salvation, and eternal life.

VerseD: Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:6, ESV

Be thankful to God for the goodness He has shown us in offering us eternal life through Christ.

VerseD: Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18, ESV

The faith we have in Christ – the Suffering Servant – gives us hope of eternal life while knowing this life will be hard.

VerseD: John 11:25-26

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:25‭-‬26, ESV

No one wants to die. It is our God who takes away the fear and permanence of death if we believe and trust in Him.

VerseD: James 5:13

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

James 5:13, ESV

We can give thanks to God in everything, but we can also ask for healing and peace. Whether He grants that request in this life, we can praise Him that we know we await eternal life free from pain and suffering.

VerseD: Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3, ESV

This world causes us so much pain and misery, but our God can comfort and heal us, ultimately healing our souls and granting us glorified bodies in eternity. Let us worship such a powerful, compassionate God.

VerseD: Proverbs 22:4

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4, ESV

We think too highly of ourselves far too often, but if we truly “look inside our hearts,” we would see our need for God. Seek Him today and find eternal life.

VerseD: Isaiah 26:4

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Isaiah 26:4, ESV

We like to think we understand this world and life, but it is God alone who knows everything and has the power to grant us eternal life.

VerseD: Luke 1:37

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Luke 1:37, ESV

We are unable to to do anything to earn our salvation from God’s wrath or eternal life of joy and peace.

But our Creator and Savior God can and has made a way for us through Jesus Christ.