Eternal life begins with God’s gift of salvation, but it doesn’t end there.
Jesus said in John 10:10, ” The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The abundant life is a Spirit-filled Christian life. It is a life fulfilled by a nurtured relationship with Christ, spiritual growth, and personal maturity.
Paul explains how he lived abundantly in Galatians 2:20 saying, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
The abundant life includes purpose, resources, and disciplines. Second Corinthians 5:17 tells us that, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” In other words, Christ gives us a new purpose in life. And he states that new purpose in verse 20 saying, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” The purpose God has for leaving Christians on earth after saving their souls is to share His Gospel with others.
There are three resources that God gives to us to help us fulfill our purpose in life: the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the church of God. Each of these come with a promise to help spiritually strengthen us.
And the disciplines of the abundant life are essential for utilizing the resources. These include listening, reading, memorizing, studying, and applying the Word of God. Prayerfully submitting to the Holy Spirit is vital to fulfilling God’s will. And participating in a local church home is essential for personal spiritual enrichment and ministry fulfillment.
Doing God’s work God’s way is fulfilling and satisfying to the soul. It is the abundant life.
