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LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Jun 9, 2024
  • 3 min read

Today’s Reading:

1 Timothy 6:11-12

 "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called…...”   (v. 12)

The scripture in Eccl. 3:11 tells us that God has put eternity in the hearts of men. What then is eternity? It means infinite or unending time; timeless existence, time without end; state of existence outside time; a state said to have neither beginning nor end; everlasting. It follows, therefore, that the life we have will exist for unending time, having a timeless existence. The scripture has proven beyond doubt that there is heaven and there is hell. Those who do the will of God will go to heaven, while those who refuse him and his Word will end up in hell. It then means that each person lives for eternity, either in heaven or in hell.


Gladly enough, we read in John 3:15,16 that God so loved the world that he gave his only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. This life is called “eternal life.” Jesus himself said in John 6:47 that he who believes in him has everlasting life. He further, in John 17:3 defines eternal life – “that they may know the Father, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom You have sent”. Apostle John in 1 Jh 2:25 confirmed that the Father had promised believers eternal life. In Today’s reading, Paul encouraged Timothy in V12 that he should lay hold on eternal life, to which he was also called and had confessed in the presence of many witnesses. Apostle Paul confirms in 1 Tim 1:2 that the hope of eternal life had been provided by God. Summarily, “eternal life” is a gift of God to believers, through Jesus Christ. It is “forever”, having no end, and spent with Jesus in heaven, the abode of the Father. It means that when life ends on earth at death, it shifts and continues living in heaven above, forever. How does one get/receive “eternal life”? It is a gift from God, which He gives through his Son, Jesus Christ, who won it for mankind through his sacrifice for sin on the cross, and victory over death by his resurrection. Eternal life cannot be earned or worked for, it is too expensive! It cost Jesus Christ his life to win it for mankind. All it takes is to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, accept it, believe it and then ask him for forgiveness of your sin. As you believe it in your heart and confess it with your mouth, you are saved (Rom 10:9). Now you have a new birth, and eternal life becomes your portion.


It is important to know that it is possible for one to lose the gift of eternal life once received free from God. Some of the actions that one can take and so rub one of eternal life include: actively going back to earlier confessed sins; straying away from faith in God; acts of ungodliness; yielding to temptations; living in unrepentance; and love of money. These are highlighted in our Today’s reading in Vs 3-10. On the other hand, believers are commanded and encouraged to lay hold on eternal life, holding tightly, especially in this end time. Paul, in V11 of our Today’s reading, commanded that believers should flee those above-listed pitfalls. Then should pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness and fight the good fight of faith.


As you journey through the earth, keep the hope of eternity with Jesus Christ in focus, as you lay hold and hold tightly to eternal life.

                                                                                                CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sins against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness. Thank You Lord”.

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend/pastor/priest.



Prayer:

  1. Father in heaven, thank you for preparing eternal life for mankind.

  2. Lord Jesus, we cannot thank you enough for winning eternal life for us through your sacrifice.

  3. Father, please help us to do all it takes to keep laying hold on eternal life to the end. We will not lose our grip on it.

  4. Lord, please wake the church up from its sleep and focus it on eternity with you in the kingdom of Your Father.

  5. Father, help the church to impact our nation positively so that everyone is focused on eternal life with God above.

 
 
 

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