LIFE EXPERIENCED

Terry R. Baughman

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave not only brought joy to His followers but hope to every believer. The resurrection remains as proof positive that there is life beyond this existence. All the claims and promises made during the ministry of Jesus are authenticated by this one grand event. Jesus’ promises of eternal life are verified by His own victory over the grave. According to Paul, had He not risen from the grave our faith would be in vain, but because He lives, victorious over death, hell and the grave, there is power in His promises and authority in His claims.

When God’s Word declares “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:15), you can stake your life on it. He has not only promised abundant life now but everlasting life in eternity! It’s a win-win situation, a better life now, and in the age to come, eternal life (Luke 18:30).

Jesus spoke of a life-giving drink, water that permanently quenches thirst. He said if we would drink of it we would never thirst again! Not only that, but Jesus promised this drink would become a fountain of living water within us that will continue to spring up in our lives producing everlasting life! (John 4:14).

Think of it! Life without the dread of death or the deadline of existence. No more funerals, memorials, or saying good-bye. Life without limit! Jesus has promised us life at it fullest. When we shall live again it will be life beyond the cloud of conclusion. There will be no gray distant future of certain termination. It will be life without an ending!

The contrast is clear and the choice is stark. Choose life or death, sin or salvation. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Stated this way there is really only one choice. Why would anyone choose not to live?

The choice is clear. It’s only life!