The Value of Eternal Life

International Bible Study — March Edition 2023

Saturday, March 25, 2023  ·  By Bishop Samson Amajene

Text: Mark 8:34–36; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; 6:23

Program: An Enriching, Expository, and Interactive International Bible Study for Believers

Times: 7:00 PM Nigeria  ·  2:00 PM EST  ·  1:00 PM CST  ·  6:00 PM UK  ·  10:00 PM UAE

Introduction

Life is the most valuable gift God gave man because with life, we have our being, relate with God, communicate with people, imagine the experiences of others in the world, and find ways of developing our environment. We need to understand that God places so much value on human life, and there is no amount of money that can pay for your life. Your life is more important than money and material things, but in contrast, we often place value on the mundane things of the world rather than placing true value on things of eternal value.

1. The Brevity of Life — James 4:13–15

The shortness, limitedness, and temporal nature of life here on earth cannot be overemphasized. It is even as a vapor that appears for a while and then vanishes away in the twinkling of an eye. Because life is brief, we should use the time God has given us wisely — glorifying His name and making a positive impact in the world. We should apply our hearts to understanding when we boast of what we plan to do in the future. Only God knows what tomorrow may bring. It is therefore imperative for us to commit all our plans to God for Him to help us accomplish them. Our time on this planet is well spelled out in the Word of God — we are given seventy to eighty years, and if by reason of strength, grace, favor, and mercy, one can live beyond that time (Psalms 90:10, 12).

2. The Value of Eternal Life in Christ — Mark 8:34–37; Matthew 6:25; 10:30–31; 16:26

The irony of life is that we place more value on carnal things rather than paying attention to things of eternal value. Clearly, the most valuable thing in this world — that will stand the test of time and in the world to come — is for you to give your life to Christ and have a strong relationship with Him, and to be ready to see and be with Him when He comes to take His people home in the rapture (John 3:16).

Regarding the abundant material things this world offers, which many tenaciously seek after, Jesus taught us not to store up for ourselves earthly treasures that can be destroyed or stolen (Matthew 6:19–20). After all, we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it. Yet our core Christian values often get overlooked in our diligent quest for success and material comfort, and during these earthly pursuits we often forget about God. There is certainly no eternal value in living our lives for ourselves, thinking we may get the best out of the world system.

3. The Promise of Eternal Life — John 4:14; 5:24; 1 John 2:25; Acts 16:31

God has graciously promised everyone who believes in Jesus Christ salvation, eternal life, and forgiveness. When we repent of the sinful things we used to do, forsake them, and make up our minds to live in Christ, victory over sin, sickness, and Satan is certain. God is too faithful to lie — He has the power to fulfill whatever promise He made to you and me. We should therefore set our minds and hearts to believe and accept His promises at face value, and not doubt Him.

4. How to Receive Eternal Life — Romans 10:9–10; Acts 16:30–31; Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:6–7

There are several things involved in receiving eternal life, but many people think salvation just happens without any prerequisites. In order:

1. Acknowledge your sinfulness and wickedness in living without Christ, despite His vicarious death on the cross for us.
2. Be convicted by the Holy Spirit and have a contrite heart willing to turn a new leaf.
3. Genuinely repent of the burden of your sin with a heart yearning for freedom.
4. Accept Jesus Christ into your heart by faith as your personal Lord and Savior.
5. Be baptized in water, identifying with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
6. Accept the teachings of Christ as the basis for living and making decisions.

5. How to Keep Being Saved — Philippians 2:12–13; John 5:14; 8:11, 31; Luke 11:24–26; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11

Maintaining salvation in Christ is the most important aspect of the Christian life as we daily walk in a world full of sin and wickedness. To keep being saved, the following should be strictly adhered to as we endeavor to work out our salvation by grace and faith:

1. Refuse to sin again after becoming born again by faith.
2. Shut the door against backsliding — do not be lukewarm — and remain faithful to God no matter the trials and temptations you face.
3. Live an exemplary life wherever you find yourself in the world, doing exploits and serving in His Kingdom.
4. Be heavenly minded, not entangled with worldly affairs, and remain rapturable.

6. How to Help Others Receive Eternal Life — Matthew 9:37–38; 2 Corinthians 3:2–3; Romans 10:13–15

At the heart of salvation is the willingness of every believer to help other people become children of God through the preaching of the gospel of peace. Until that is done, we are wasting God's investment and resources on our lives. All the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the blood of Jesus, the name of Jesus, and the promises of God are for the singular purpose of saving souls. You cannot give what you do not have. One evidence of being saved is the Spirit's constraining you to minister the gospel to people for their salvation. Please do not take the ladder of salvation away after you have been saved from the pit of sin and death.

7. The Consequences of Not Being Saved — John 3:18–19; Romans 3:23; 6:23

The consequences of living in this world and dying without salvation in Christ are too heavy to bear. Everyone is going to live somewhere after we die — in eternity — Christians and non-Christians alike. The only way you can escape eternal separation from God is to give your life to Christ so you can be with Him in heaven. Otherwise, everlasting punishment awaits those who reject Him (Matthew 25:46).