Eternity

How does one inherit eternal life?

"Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Mark 10:17 NKJV

God has put this question into the heart of mankind.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11 NKJV

"In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began." Titus 1:2 NKJV

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:5-7 NKJV

Eternal life is gifted to the person who believes in Jesus Christ. When a person believes, we know by their actions.

What people do tells us more about them than what they say.

The rich young ruler was unable to let go and trust in the mercy of God for his eternal life. When you are given the opportunity to let go and trust God, how will you answer the Good Teacher? Is eternity important to you? Or will it be your earthly love of sport, friends, career, family, money?

"So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'" And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!" Mark 10:18-24 NKJV

Eternal life has a cost. Notice the rich young ruler was given an instruction, then an invitation. The invitation has been sent out, however some don't recognise it because they stumble over the cost.

"And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You." So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time-houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions-and in the age to come, eternal life." Mark 10:26-30 NKJV

Eternal life was a reality and hope the early church held dear to their hearts. Father gave us an understanding of what eternity is. May we let it burn in our hearts like it did for those we read about in the Bible. May their stories remind us again of our destiny in Him. In Jesus Name.