The One Guarantee Beyond this Life:
Discovered through a 10-point Conversation
1. As human beings all of us are born with a special light in our hearts – a special sense to understand that there is a greater life and purpose beyond our current reality. What is that light?
John 8:12>> "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
John 1:4, 9>> "In him [Jesus Christ] was life; and the life was the light of men. . . That [Jesus Christ] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
2. Something has been there telling our hearts that the uncertainties of this earthly life and the impartiality of death do not offer any true guarantees or satisfactory conclusions. What then can we make of this fleeting, volatile, earthly life?
Psalms 90:9-10>> "For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."
Psalms 39:5>> "Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth[Heb.palm of the hand]; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity."
James 4:14>> "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
1 Corinthians 15:19>> "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."
3. Therefore, as we would pause and consider that there must be something beyond this fleeting life, we would realize that only one unassailable guarantee is available – there is one great, unfailing promise offered to us and our loved ones. What is that one promise, that one guarantee?
1 John 2:25>> "And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life."
Titus 1:2>> "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began."
1 Timothy 4:8>> "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."
4. We have been given the answer from the scriptures which explains why we all have a hope beyond this finite earthly life. But is this promise of eternal life an automatic reality for all, or does this guarantee come with conditions?
John 3:16-17>> "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
1 John 5:11-12>> "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."
5. Yes, we see that the one guarantee beyond this life comes also with one condition: to believe in the Son which God says he is the Father of. But are we to take the declaration literally that God says he has a Son – an offspring of God’s own infinite nature, the express image of God’s own person, and one who came after God in chronology of existence? Is that exactly what it means to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
Hebrews 1:2-4>> "[God] hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son [Jesus Christ], whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who [Christ] being the brightness of his [God’s] glory, and the express image of his [God’s] person. . . Being made[Gr.Brought into existence] so much better than the angels, as he [Christ] hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he [God] at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?"
Colossians 1:15-17>> "Who [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of [over] every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."
John 16:27-30>> "For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from[Gr.issued out of] God. I came forth from[Gr.issued out of] the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from[Gr.issued out of] God."
John 14:28>> "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater[Gr.older] than I."
6. Well, the scriptures make it very clear that God has a literal Son – a Son equally divine as God himself, and logically following God his Father in order of existence. Jesus Christ is the only Son of this divine kind, hence he is the first-born and only-begotten – the first and only who came out from God’s own being before anything was ever created. We are not told just how this took place, but the record is there to tell us that it did take place. Now, how would we fare for eternal life if we do not accept this record of how Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
1 John 5:10>> "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son."
John 3:18, 36>> "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. . . He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
7. Friend, to be a recipient of eternal life, we individually must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. So then, are the identifications, “the Christ” and “the Son of God,” one and the same thing? Should the very conviction of believing that Jesus is the Christ correspond exactly to believing he is the Son of God? Should all those who are true Christians understand that Jesus the Christ is one in the same as the only literal Son of God?
Matthew 16:15-18>> "He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. . . . [U]pon this rock [this truth that I am God's Son] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Mark 1:1>> "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
Luke 4:41>> "And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ."
John 11:27>> "She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world."
John 6:68-69>> "Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God."
John 20:31>> "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
8. From what the scriptures have testified up to this point, we all can know for sure the guarantee of eternal life and the conditions involved – it is simply the central belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Conversely, we can likewise realize those things which will fall short of eternal life if we neglect this central belief. Let us evaluate ourselves just to make sure we are not deceived:
a) Will I gain eternal life if I simply try to be a good person without reference to religion?
Isaiah 64:6>> "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."
b) Will I gain eternal life if I just believe that there is a God?
James 2:19-20>> "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
John 14:1>> "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me [Jesus Christ]."
c) Will I gain eternal life if I merely profess the name of Jesus?
Matthew 7:21>> "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
d) Will I gain eternal life if I not only profess the name of Jesus, but perform acts of piety, like engaging in religious exercises, both in private and public settings?
Matthew 7:22-23>> "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
e) Will I gain eternal life if I happen to exercise more zeal than the average church member, even witnessing to others and gaining converts to my church?
Romans 10:2-3>> "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."
f) Will I gain eternal life if I believe my religious affiliation represents the children of the kingdom, or because I believe I am already a part of God's chosen people, having his special favour?
John 8:31-33,36-37,39,42-44>> "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?. . . If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. . . . Jesus said unto them [the unbelieving Jews], If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do..."
Matthew 8:10-12>> "When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
9. Friend, it should be evident from the scriptures that absolutely no religious position short of believing that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God – no matter how popularly esteemed, zealously advocated or sincerely followed – none such will guarantee us eternal life. The one central condition, the one essential necessary for admission into the kingdom of God is this: confessing the belief that God has a Son, and that Son is Jesus Christ. This Sonship of Christ is the very basis of salvation, period. If we deny Christ is God’s true Son, we are already condemned, regardless of our religious endeavor. This is exactly what the scriptures have said and always will say:
1 John 4:15>> "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God."
Acts 8:36-38>> "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."
John 3:18>> "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
10. Friend, do you now realize why you have ever felt an abiding faith that transcends this finite life? Do you realize that Jesus Christ is that light of life who has been drawing you to recognize this? Do you want to share in the one guarantee upon which he has promised (and already demonstrated by his own resurrection) to take us beyond this life? Will you graciously accept the condition under which this eternal inheritance is offered? Will you confess that he, the Jesus Christ of the Scriptures, is the true Son of God, God’s literal offspring? We pray that you may confess before the universe the truth about the identity of him who came to save us. We pray you would confess that he is the Son of God and not deny it. This can be the beginning of eternal life for you. Will you accept this guarantee. . .today?
1 John 5:5,13>> "Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?. . . These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
John 8:24>> "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I [Jesus] am he [the Christ, the Son of God], ye shall die in your sins."
Matthew 10:32-33>> "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."
John 20:31>> "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
AMEN.
Shared with you out of love, in the service of the gospel,
Evangelist C. S. Lawrence.
https://t.me/EvangelistCSLawrence
Discovered through a 10-point Conversation
1. As human beings all of us are born with a special light in our hearts – a special sense to understand that there is a greater life and purpose beyond our current reality. What is that light?
John 8:12>> "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
John 1:4, 9>> "In him [Jesus Christ] was life; and the life was the light of men. . . That [Jesus Christ] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
2. Something has been there telling our hearts that the uncertainties of this earthly life and the impartiality of death do not offer any true guarantees or satisfactory conclusions. What then can we make of this fleeting, volatile, earthly life?
Psalms 90:9-10>> "For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."
Psalms 39:5>> "Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth[Heb.palm of the hand]; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity."
James 4:14>> "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
1 Corinthians 15:19>> "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."
3. Therefore, as we would pause and consider that there must be something beyond this fleeting life, we would realize that only one unassailable guarantee is available – there is one great, unfailing promise offered to us and our loved ones. What is that one promise, that one guarantee?
1 John 2:25>> "And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life."
Titus 1:2>> "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began."
1 Timothy 4:8>> "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."
4. We have been given the answer from the scriptures which explains why we all have a hope beyond this finite earthly life. But is this promise of eternal life an automatic reality for all, or does this guarantee come with conditions?
John 3:16-17>> "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
1 John 5:11-12>> "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."
5. Yes, we see that the one guarantee beyond this life comes also with one condition: to believe in the Son which God says he is the Father of. But are we to take the declaration literally that God says he has a Son – an offspring of God’s own infinite nature, the express image of God’s own person, and one who came after God in chronology of existence? Is that exactly what it means to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
Hebrews 1:2-4>> "[God] hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son [Jesus Christ], whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who [Christ] being the brightness of his [God’s] glory, and the express image of his [God’s] person. . . Being made[Gr.Brought into existence] so much better than the angels, as he [Christ] hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he [God] at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?"
Colossians 1:15-17>> "Who [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of [over] every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."
John 16:27-30>> "For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from[Gr.issued out of] God. I came forth from[Gr.issued out of] the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from[Gr.issued out of] God."
John 14:28>> "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater[Gr.older] than I."
6. Well, the scriptures make it very clear that God has a literal Son – a Son equally divine as God himself, and logically following God his Father in order of existence. Jesus Christ is the only Son of this divine kind, hence he is the first-born and only-begotten – the first and only who came out from God’s own being before anything was ever created. We are not told just how this took place, but the record is there to tell us that it did take place. Now, how would we fare for eternal life if we do not accept this record of how Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
1 John 5:10>> "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son."
John 3:18, 36>> "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. . . He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
7. Friend, to be a recipient of eternal life, we individually must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. So then, are the identifications, “the Christ” and “the Son of God,” one and the same thing? Should the very conviction of believing that Jesus is the Christ correspond exactly to believing he is the Son of God? Should all those who are true Christians understand that Jesus the Christ is one in the same as the only literal Son of God?
Matthew 16:15-18>> "He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. . . . [U]pon this rock [this truth that I am God's Son] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Mark 1:1>> "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
Luke 4:41>> "And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ."
John 11:27>> "She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world."
John 6:68-69>> "Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God."
John 20:31>> "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
8. From what the scriptures have testified up to this point, we all can know for sure the guarantee of eternal life and the conditions involved – it is simply the central belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Conversely, we can likewise realize those things which will fall short of eternal life if we neglect this central belief. Let us evaluate ourselves just to make sure we are not deceived:
a) Will I gain eternal life if I simply try to be a good person without reference to religion?
Isaiah 64:6>> "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."
b) Will I gain eternal life if I just believe that there is a God?
James 2:19-20>> "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
John 14:1>> "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me [Jesus Christ]."
c) Will I gain eternal life if I merely profess the name of Jesus?
Matthew 7:21>> "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
d) Will I gain eternal life if I not only profess the name of Jesus, but perform acts of piety, like engaging in religious exercises, both in private and public settings?
Matthew 7:22-23>> "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
e) Will I gain eternal life if I happen to exercise more zeal than the average church member, even witnessing to others and gaining converts to my church?
Romans 10:2-3>> "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."
f) Will I gain eternal life if I believe my religious affiliation represents the children of the kingdom, or because I believe I am already a part of God's chosen people, having his special favour?
John 8:31-33,36-37,39,42-44>> "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?. . . If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. . . . Jesus said unto them [the unbelieving Jews], If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do..."
Matthew 8:10-12>> "When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
9. Friend, it should be evident from the scriptures that absolutely no religious position short of believing that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God – no matter how popularly esteemed, zealously advocated or sincerely followed – none such will guarantee us eternal life. The one central condition, the one essential necessary for admission into the kingdom of God is this: confessing the belief that God has a Son, and that Son is Jesus Christ. This Sonship of Christ is the very basis of salvation, period. If we deny Christ is God’s true Son, we are already condemned, regardless of our religious endeavor. This is exactly what the scriptures have said and always will say:
1 John 4:15>> "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God."
Acts 8:36-38>> "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."
John 3:18>> "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
10. Friend, do you now realize why you have ever felt an abiding faith that transcends this finite life? Do you realize that Jesus Christ is that light of life who has been drawing you to recognize this? Do you want to share in the one guarantee upon which he has promised (and already demonstrated by his own resurrection) to take us beyond this life? Will you graciously accept the condition under which this eternal inheritance is offered? Will you confess that he, the Jesus Christ of the Scriptures, is the true Son of God, God’s literal offspring? We pray that you may confess before the universe the truth about the identity of him who came to save us. We pray you would confess that he is the Son of God and not deny it. This can be the beginning of eternal life for you. Will you accept this guarantee. . .today?
1 John 5:5,13>> "Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?. . . These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
John 8:24>> "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I [Jesus] am he [the Christ, the Son of God], ye shall die in your sins."
Matthew 10:32-33>> "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."
John 20:31>> "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
AMEN.
Shared with you out of love, in the service of the gospel,
Evangelist C. S. Lawrence.
https://t.me/EvangelistCSLawrence