John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but receive eternal life.
Eternal life is a “benefit” of believing in Jesus, God’s only Son. And that makes a HUGE difference – eternity is a really long time, and nothing anybody can do to us can take that away from us. It’s important that we be right with God before eternity begins.
In fact, you don’t have to wait until after you die to enjoy the benefits of eternal life with God. When you turn to Christ, He comes to you now. He is with you, He will never leave you or forsake you.
There are some other pretty great “benefits” that we can receive right here in this life when trust in Jesus. For example, Ephesians 1:5 says “He (God) predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” We are adopted as His sons.
As adoptees, we get a new family! Family relationships aren’t nearly as strong as they were 30-40 years ago. Families are struggling, many have fallen apart. With brothers and sisters in Christ, we have a new family. Our church family, but even more extended than that. Have you ever met someone for the first time, find out they are a believer, and feel an instant connection with them?
As brothers and sisters in Christ, united by a common Father in Heaven, we have a family that extends all over the world. And we have relationships in our church that we might not have at home. We care for each other, we love each other, we are there for each other. We need each other. Church is where we cultivate these relationships!
Another benefit that’s available to us right now is found in Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul talks about the fruits of the Spirit. We are probably familiar with them, but they include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I don’t think anyone could argue that these aren’t good virtues to have. Yet we can’t have them on our own. They come from the Holy Spirit as we turn over control of our life to God, through Jesus, His only Son.
So we have eternal life in the presence of God, we have a family that really cares, and we have deep inner love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. All provided without asking, when we turn to Christ. Maybe “benefits” is not the best term to use, but they sure sound good to me…
No comments:
Post a Comment