Two Options
The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.
(John 3:35-36)
John penned similar words in 1 John:
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
(1 John 5:11-12)
The vital principle animating living beings, the very life-force itself, is given eternally to those who believe in the Son! Conversely, those who reject Jesus through unbelief continue to remain under God’s just wrath. The conclusion of the matter appears to be quite clear: We are given two options–believe in the Son or reject the Son. Eternal life or eternal wrath–the choice is ours. Jesus is the object of faith, He is the source of our abundance and joy here and now and eternally.
I am reminded of God’s words regarding His Son to the gathered crowd at the baptism of our Savior:
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)
Not only is God the Son loved by God the Father, God has given Jesus all authority and supremacy. He has been given first place over all creation. He is the preeminent Logos, humbling Himself by becoming flesh and exalted by God to the highest. Paul tells us in Colossians:
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. (Colossians 1:18)
We are also told in Philippians:
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
Jesus’ constant mantra while His feet walked this dusty earth was “Believe”: Believe my Word. Believe my miracles. Believe I AM in the Father and the Father is in Me. Believe I do only my Father’s will. Believe I came from God. Believe I came to seek and to save the lost. Believe! Believe! Believe!
Take It to Heart
The personal relationship each one of us has with Jesus is the source of our joy. He has saved our lives, blotting out our sins and bringing us eternal life!
“Hast thou, O my soul, felt the weight of thy own guilt and misery, and been enabled, in reality and truth, to lay hold by faith of the blood of Christ for thy redemption, and faithfully to devote thyself to him in heart and life? Then hast thou a sure foundation to go upon: let it be thy constant care firmly to depend upon these and such like blessed declarations; look to Jesus for every blessing thou standest in need of. Has Christ brought life and immortality to light? Then look unto him and live. Is there redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins? Then throw all thy guilt upon his atonement. Has he blotted out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against thee? Then shake off self-righteous dependences, and legal fears also. Did he die for thy sins? Then let his goodness and love lead thee to unfeigned repentance; let the sense of thy sins break thine heart, but encourage thy hope in the gospel.” (K.H. Von Bogatzky)
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