Eternal life in Christ

In God there is peace and, therefore, eternal life means serenity. It means a life liberated from the fears which haunt the human situation. In God there is power and, therefore, eternal life means the defeat of frustration. It means a life filled with the power of God and, therefore, victorious over circumstance. In God there is holiness and, therefore, eternal life means the defeat of sin. It means a life clad with the purity of God and armed against the soiling infections of the world. In God there is love and, therefore, eternal life means the end of bitterness and hatred. It means a life which has the love of God in its heart and the undefeatable love of man in all its feelings and in all its action. In God there is life and, therefore eternal life means the defeat of death. It means a life which is indestructible because it has in it the indestructibility of God himself.

—Wm. Barclay, on 1 Jn 5.11-13

Once through the portal

In the moment of our awakening, there will be no sadness, no regrets, no fear, no doubts. What we felt before will have no place in the life beyond. The faithful will possess full knowledge, complete confidence, perfect love. Once through the portal, when the eyes are opened, all attention will fly to the glory of God and the victory of Christ. Any feeling of dread will fall away even as corruption is transformed into incorruption. Peace and joy and ultimate satisfaction will be ours. May we fix them firmly in mind now, so that our passage, whenever it may occur, will be one of confidence and certainty in the promise of God.

Blessings in this life are good

O Soul, God’s blessings in this life are good and pleasant. He gives you enjoyment in so many ways. Yes, life is hard, and suffering at times seems to overwhelm. But most of life’s activities contain the potential for joy. So do not let troubles keep you from what is good. All must be done within the confines of divine permission, of course. But God made life to be pleasurable. Now, how much more pleasurable will eternal life be? Do nothing that will put your celestial inheritance at risk. Do everything to guarantee God’s approval on the last day. Lock in on your goal, and enjoy the ride!