Life has at least three dimensions. It is external, eternal and internal. It isn’t hard to distinguish between the three.
External life is the life that is seen. It can be measured objectively. Your external life will be recorded at your death: He or she lived eighty-five years, four months, three days. External life is precious. It must be protected. There is a moral obligation to extend it within reason. However, there is a time for everyone’s external life to end.
Eternal life is that life that continues. It deals with salvation. It means that the life of the individual shall continue even though the external life ends. It is forever by its definition. Most Christians live like this is the only life that is worth having.
However, internal life is why eternal life was given. Jesus didn’t merely wish to extend our lives. He wasn’t saying, “Come to Me and I will give you life everlasting but don’t bother Me again.” He was saying that He would give a life that is worth living for eternity.
His offer is much more precious than most Christians realize. That is why they flock to churches which promise to give them solutions for enjoying their external lives. They merely see the extension of this physical life. They cannot see beyond. They have no vision of internal life.
Internal life is vision. It is purpose. It is fulfillment. It is knowing that you are here to do something bigger than you are. It is connecting with God to see Him do miracles. (I wonder how many Christians actually believe in any miracles.) Internal life gets us beyond our present circumstances. It shows us that these good and bad things have a purpose in preparing us for heaven.
Internal life is the intention of eternal life. It is the “string” theory of life.
Many Christians believe the question to ask is, “Will I live forever?” I believe the question that should be asked is, “Is my life worth forever?” That answer doesn’t come at the end of external life. You can answer that question now.
John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
1 comment:
I believe the spirited soul lives forever. A man is such a spirited soul, unlike animals and plants that have only soul and body. We are tripartite, body, soul and spirit. Like it or not, we will live forever. The only question is: after this, where do men live, in the City of God, or in burning fire of Hell, forever? See you in the former. You will know me, for I have written this on your blog, pastor!
Anthony Chia
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