Abundant Life

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

These vibrant words from our loving Lord set forth His purpose for coming into the world. There are at least two glorious thoughts emphasized in this statement.

1. Jesus came to give life here, in this present world.He is the Creator and Sustainer of life (John 1:1-3; Col. 1:17). He intends for us to live a rich, full life. To this end, He has given His inspired world to direct us (Pro. 3:6; Isa. 61:8; Jer. 10:23). William Barclay tells of a Roman soldier who came to Julius Caesar with a request for permission to commit suicide. He was a wretched, miserable, dispirited creature with no vitality. Caesar looked at him and said, “Man were you ever alive?” When people try to live apart from Christ, they are not really living the rich, rewarding and satisfying life that God intends. Indeed, they are not living at all, but according to Paul, are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1).

The Greek word translated abundance literally suggests “an exceeding measure or something above the ordinary.” This is not a mere physical blessing but rather a spiritual abundance, which lifts the soul, once lost in sin, to walk with Christ daily. This is the good news of the overflowing grace of God (Col. 3:1-4). The abundant life in Christ provides a daily purpose and spiritual guidance through His word (Co. 3:16; Phil. 1:21). In Christ we are complete (Col. 2:10).

2. Jesus came to give mankind the opportunity to enjoy abundant life in the hereafter.At the close of our sojourn on earth there awaits “an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior”(2 Pet. 1:11; Rev. 2:10). Because Christ died for our sins, Christians have a hope of salvation in Him (1 Cor. 15:19-20).

Thus, from beginning to end, the Christian life is one of abundance. This life begins with obedience to the gospel (Gal. 3:26-29; 2 Thess. 1:7-9). Through being “baptized into Christ”one has access to “all spiritual blessings” (Eph. 1:3-7). By continuing to “walk in the light,” Christians are able to enjoy fellowship with God both in this life and in the life to come (1 John 1:7-10; 1 Tim. 4:8; 2 Tim. 1:1). Do not pass up such a life!

Eric