The Way to Everlasting Life with Assurance

When it comes to life, there is the argument of some that, regardless of the human body's ability to heal itself and to replace worn parts, everlasting life for man is completely out of the question. In order for life to be restored to man, with the prospect of living forever, God has provided us with the truth concerning the second life, the "word of life," which, if followed, will bring the obedient one into this position. (John 17:17; Phil 2:16)

As to the present life-span of man, life can be lengthened somewhat through obedience to God's laws and commandments, for this results in "length of days and years of life." Also, those possessing practical wisdom from God are blessed with "length of days," pleasantness and peace. Such wisdom is fittingly called a "tree of life" (Prov 3:1-2, 13, 16-18)

Following the truth will lead one to a knowledge of God's provision of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself a corresponding ransom for all." (1 Tim 2:5-6) Through this means only can man be restored to full spirituality as well as physical wholeness. (Acts 4:12; 1 Cor 1:30; 15:23-26)

Apart from God and His spiritual provisions there can be no indefinite continuance of life. As to forever living, Jesus said: This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you the only true God, and the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." (John 17:3)

Through Jesus Christ, regeneration to life comes. He is called "the last Adam… a life-giving spirit." (1 Cor 15:45) Prophecy designates Him as "Eternal Father" (Isa 9:6) and as the one who "poured out His soul to the very death," whose soul is ‘set as a guilt offering.' He, as such "Father," is able to regenerate mankind, thus giving life to those who exercise faith in the offering of his soul and are obedient. (Isa 53:10-12)

Now, as to the first Adam God created. God placed in the garden of Eden the "tree of life." (Gen 2:9) This tree represented God's guarantee of life "to time indefinite" to the one whom God would allow to eat of its fruit. Since the tree was put there by God for some purpose, undoubtedly Adam would have been permitted to eat of this fruit after proving to be faithful to the point that God considered satisfactory and sufficient.

When Adam transgressed, he was prevented from having the great opportunity to eat from the tree of life, God said: "Now in order that he may not put his hand out and actually take fruit also of the tree of life and eat and live to time indefinite." Then God followed His words with action. He would not allow one unworthy of life to live in the garden made for righteous persons and to eat of the tree of life. (Gen 3:22:22-23)

Concerning the righteous persons. "The fruitage of the righteous one is a tree of life, and he that is winning souls is wise." (Prov 11:30) The righteous one, by speech and example, wins souls, that is, by listening to him persons get spiritual nourishment, are led to serve God and receive everlasting life. Similarly, "the calmness of the tongue is a tree of life, but distortion in it means a breaking down in the spirit." (Prov 15:4)

The calm speech of the wise person helps and refreshes the spirit of those hearing him, nourishing good qualities in them, helping them along the way of life, but distortion in the tongue is like bad fruit, brings trouble and discouragement, damaging those hearing it.

The glorified Jesus Christ promises the conquering Christian that He will grant him to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (Rev 2:7) Again, in the last verses of the book of Revelation, we read: And if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the tree of life and out of the holy city, things which are written about in this scroll." (Rev 22:19)

Jesus Christ taught his disciples not to be unduly concerned about material things and asked: "Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span?" However Christ showed that by "seeking first the kingdom and God's righteousness" they would receive the needed material things. (Matt 6:25, 27, 33; Luke 12:25, 26, 31) By placing spiritual matters first in life and by continually taking in knowledge of God and his Son Christ Jesus, they would be in a favorable position to receive an unending future life-span, "everlasting life." (John 17:3)

To get life, one must keep his mind fixed "on the things above, not on the things upon the earth." (Col 3:1-2) To the one that hears, Jesus said: "He that hears my word and believes Him that sent me has everlasting life, and he does not come into judgment but has passed over from death to life." (John 5:24; 6:40)

The way to everlasting life with assurance, is to let the Holy Spirit guide us and not be led by our sinful flesh, and we must be willing to suffer as Christ did. (Rom 8:12-14, 17) We must be "imitators of God, as beloved children" (Eph 5:1), reflecting His divine qualities of peace, love, mercy, kindness (Matt 5:9, 44, 45; Luke 6:35-36), "being "blameless and innocent" of the things characterizing the "crooked and twisted generation" among whom we live (Phil 2:15), purifying ourselves of unrighteous practices (1 John 3:1-4, 9,10), being obedient to God's commandments and accepting His discipline. (1 John 5:1-3; Heb 12:5-7)

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