Christ's Offer of Eternity
The opening verses of John’s gospel provide us with unique perspective on God reaching out from the eternal into our world. Jesus, described there as “the Word,” takes on flesh and dwells among us. He is referred to as “the true light” coming into the world, and yet, shockingly, we are told that he is rejected by many. The created reject the Creator. However, for the ones who receive him, they become the very children of God.
At the end of Luke 2 we see Jesus as an infant being dedicated to the Lord at the temple by his parents. It is there that Simeon prophesies to Mary concerning her Son: “this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” This is the same message communicated by John in the opening verses to his gospel. This child from eternity is going to be a dividing line; the eternal destiny for every person will be determined by their heart response to this child.
2,000 years ago Christ came, bringing the offer of eternity with him. Through his death and resurrection on our behalf, we have the opportunity NOW to secure our eternity with him, simply by acknowledging our guilt before him and receiving by faith what he has done on our behalf. One day he will return, bringing eternity once again, this time for good. Are you ready? Is your eternal assurance based solely in Christ alone by grace alone through faith alone? If not, he stands ready to embrace you with open arms. In this Christmas season, may we rest in Christ and his offer of eternity, eagerly awaiting his return.
At the end of Luke 2 we see Jesus as an infant being dedicated to the Lord at the temple by his parents. It is there that Simeon prophesies to Mary concerning her Son: “this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” This is the same message communicated by John in the opening verses to his gospel. This child from eternity is going to be a dividing line; the eternal destiny for every person will be determined by their heart response to this child.
2,000 years ago Christ came, bringing the offer of eternity with him. Through his death and resurrection on our behalf, we have the opportunity NOW to secure our eternity with him, simply by acknowledging our guilt before him and receiving by faith what he has done on our behalf. One day he will return, bringing eternity once again, this time for good. Are you ready? Is your eternal assurance based solely in Christ alone by grace alone through faith alone? If not, he stands ready to embrace you with open arms. In this Christmas season, may we rest in Christ and his offer of eternity, eagerly awaiting his return.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
February
2024
July
Being Smart with Smart PhonesFighting for Joy During the HolidaysThe Patriarch of PeaceMe and MaxChrist our ShepherdPromises of PeaceGrief and the HolidaysWhy the Old Testament is ImportantWalking Through PainBiblical Sexuality: Further ResourcesThe Sin of SodomSexuality ResourcesWhy a Fall FestivalSexuality and the GospelPlanning for PeopleThreat or Opportunity20 Traits of Biblical CommunityPeace Through Scripture MemoryThe Rat Race RiskWho I Am In ChristChild-like HumilityAn Animated Tour of PhilippiansPsalm 33Life TogetherShould I Forgive an Unrepentant Person?Advent Booklet: Devotions for the Advent SeasonPractical PrayerAdvent | Comfort in SalvationComfort in AfflictionRemember That God RemembersA Theology of Racial ReconciliationA Practice of Racial ReconciliationQualifications of an ElderLook UpChasing EternityChasing Eternity: WisdomThe Season of LentChasing Eternity: WorkChasing Eternity: TimePiano LessonsDiscovering Spiritual GiftsLiving the Dream: Repurposing SinLiving the Dream: ProsperityPancake DelightLiving the Dream: GuiltLiving the Dream: Cultivating FaithfulnessLiving the Dream: Forgotten?Faithfulness in Times of PlentyLiving the Dream: TestingLiving the Dream: CourageLiving the Dream: The Joseph StoryPreparing to ShareChasing Eternity: Life and DeathChasing Eternity: Wise WordsConversations With ChristWhy a Spring Fling?I Love Youth RetreatsBible Reading ResourcesPraying with NehemiahDrawing Your Self-PortraitJesus Style CommunityEncouraging EldersA "One Another" LifeLearning from Physical StrugglesParents Being ParentedThe Cure for LonelinessThe Loneliest Time of the YearSpending the Day with GodCreation Points us to ChristChrist's Offer of EternityIn EverythingRemembering God in the MessBeing Real About our StrugglesYou FailedUnderstanding GloryA Great Big Thank YouThe Treasure of LightAn Open Letter LifePictures of God's StrengthOverwhelmed Before the LordLove as a DebtResources on God and GovernmentConnecting Kids and MissionsJericho's Time-Tested LessonChristmas with ZacchaeusResurrection RefugeTrusting in the Midst of TroubleCreating Sacred Times and Spaces