Christians recognise eternity is of paramount significance, seeing it is forever. We also recognise our call by Jesus Christ to go into the world and make disciples of all nations, teaching people to observe all Jesus has commanded us. Jesus finished Matthew 28:20 by saying, "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." The big picture of eternal salvation is very important, but the scope of Christ's sacrifice was greater than providing life after the death of our physical body: Jesus desires to be with us always, and we should want this for everyone today. Jesus has a new life for us to enter into daily by faith as we heed and obey Him.
A choice to repent and trust in Christ should not be decided upon simply to avoid hell and secure a place in heaven - at least that alone should not be our motivation. Hopefully our eyes have been opened to how great God is, how He has demonstrated His love for us, and that He graciously invites us to commune with Him. When we share the Gospel with others, I trust it is with the aim others would come to faith in Jesus - not just for eternal life - but so they can enjoy unbroken fellowship with Jesus Christ their Saviour from now on through eternity.
People need Jesus today, not just after they die. Jesus has promised to be with us always if we will follow Him, for He will never leave or forsake us. Why should we be content a person in pain, grief, sorrow, fears, or trouble is "saved" when it is evident they have a desperate need for the forgiveness, peace, and victory today? That struggling person, believer or unbeliever, needs Jesus right now. Christianity is much more than eternal security, though we have it in Christ. It is a life lived with Jesus for Jesus today. It is a life reconciled to God. It is a life led by the Holy Spirit, marked by holiness, and a desire for all others to know Jesus so they too can be born again and start living with Him in relationship right now.
It is a fine thing to desire that others would experience eternal life with Jesus forever, but how about today? How might a relationship with a risen and glorious Saviour change everything?
A choice to repent and trust in Christ should not be decided upon simply to avoid hell and secure a place in heaven - at least that alone should not be our motivation. Hopefully our eyes have been opened to how great God is, how He has demonstrated His love for us, and that He graciously invites us to commune with Him. When we share the Gospel with others, I trust it is with the aim others would come to faith in Jesus - not just for eternal life - but so they can enjoy unbroken fellowship with Jesus Christ their Saviour from now on through eternity.
People need Jesus today, not just after they die. Jesus has promised to be with us always if we will follow Him, for He will never leave or forsake us. Why should we be content a person in pain, grief, sorrow, fears, or trouble is "saved" when it is evident they have a desperate need for the forgiveness, peace, and victory today? That struggling person, believer or unbeliever, needs Jesus right now. Christianity is much more than eternal security, though we have it in Christ. It is a life lived with Jesus for Jesus today. It is a life reconciled to God. It is a life led by the Holy Spirit, marked by holiness, and a desire for all others to know Jesus so they too can be born again and start living with Him in relationship right now.
It is a fine thing to desire that others would experience eternal life with Jesus forever, but how about today? How might a relationship with a risen and glorious Saviour change everything?