Eternal Life is in Christ Alone

In the quest for spiritual connection and eternal assurance, many individuals seek various avenues. From church membership to association with charismatic preachers, from engaging in church activities to fervent participation in good works, people endeavour to find fulfilment and assurance in their spiritual journey. However, amidst these pursuits, the essence of true connection with God often gets overshadowed. In 1 John 5:11, the apostle John illuminates this essential truth, asserting, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

1. External Means:

It’s undeniable that many individuals seek spiritual fulfilment through external means. Church membership, pursuit of prophetic ministries, and active participation in church activities are common pathways people embark upon in their spiritual journey. However, renowned theologian John Piper cautions against misplaced priorities, stating, “The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie. It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but endless nibbling at the table of the world.”

2. Illusion of Self-Righteousness:

Many individuals believe that their good deeds and charitable acts will secure favour with God. While these deeds are commendable, they fall short of providing true fulfilment. The apostle Paul emphasizes this in Ephesians 2:8–9, stating, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

3. Rituals vs. Relationship:

In addition to these pursuits, individuals seek a connection with God through intellectual comprehension or adherence to religious rituals. Engaging in Bible studies, pursuing theological training, and submitting to rituals like baptism are commendable endeavours, yet they cannot secure salvation.

Theologian J.I. Packer said, “One can know a great deal about God without much knowledge of Him.” Merely knowing about God or performing religious rituals does not bring about true intimacy with Him. This is because man’s problem is not intellectual; rather, it is primarily moral in nature. We all possess inherent inclinations towards thoughts, desires, and behaviours that are contrary to God’s divine laws.

4. Temptation of Emotionalism:

Another avenue often pursued is emotional or mystical encounters. These encounters do not substitute for a genuine relationship with Christ. Mystical and emotional experiences are subject to cultural, psychological, or neurological predispositions. Their subjective nature makes them susceptible to misinterpretation or manipulation by both human and evil spiritual forces.

Mystical and emotional experiences offer fulfillment momentarily, but they eventually leave individuals feeling unfulfilled in the long run. In John 4:13-14, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

5. Christ Alone:

In contrast to these fleeting endeavours, the ultimate solution lies in a personal relationship with Christ. Faith in Christ alone paves the way for salvation. As Acts 4:12 asserts, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” The apostle Peter echoes this sentiment, proclaiming in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

6. Heart Transformation

The notion of reciting a “sinners’ prayer” as a means of salvation is not substantiated in Scripture. Rather, salvation is a heart transformation that occurs through a genuine response of repentance and faith in Christ. As Romans 10:9–10 states, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

7. The cross:

The remedy to our rebellion against God’s moral principles and laws is found in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Jesus Christ, through His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection, provided a path to reconciliation between God and man. His act of atonement offered redemption and forgiveness for the sins of humanity and reconciled man to God by putting us in right standing with Him. Through faith in Christ and acceptance of His sacrifice, we are offered the opportunity for spiritual rebirth, transformation, and eternal salvation. Christ’s sacrifice is a demonstration of God’s love, grace, and mercy, offering hope and healing to all who will receive it. Embracing Christ’s sacrifice involves us turning away from our rebellion and embracing a life of faith, obedience, and service to Christ.

Conclusion:

The quest for spiritual fulfillment and eternal life is a profound journey embarked upon by many. While various avenues promise satisfaction, true assurance is found only in Christ Himself. As believers, let us heed the words of the apostle John and anchor our faith in the Son of God, Who alone offers eternal life.