Jesus and his followers head to Jerusalem for the annual Passover festival. 6. We live in a culture that sells us happiness and advertises good life to those who can afford it. Life is intelligent, sorrowful, and full of regrets. Seeking the meaning of your life needs be a lifetime pursuit. How to Get to Heaven According to the Bible: Its NOT by Being Good. The Value and Dignity of Human Life Chee-Chiew Lee | Singapore Life is a gift from God. This page last updated: September 12, 2022, Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need by David Platt. 3, for a calling to be truly from Christ we must have a "Damascus road" experience., According to Pace and Wheeler Ch. He identified himself as the way [to the heavenly Father], the truth, and the life; and clearly indicated that knowing him is equal to knowing God Himself (John 14:6). To believe in the Word of God. To a much greater degree, it is the product of a developed theological reflection and grows out of a different circle and tradition. God, as the author of life, brings meaning to life. Satan is a defeated foe who is in his last act of rebellion. God calls Christians to follow Christ and be lights to the world. As complex as these matters may seem, Christians can find help in God's Word. This is echoed in John 20:22 when Jesus breathed new life (symbolizing the Spirit) into the disciples. We need Gods person and presence and power to navigate through both. We can ask Him into our hearts, to change us from the inside out. 3:20). 2 Corinthians 4:4), who deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9; cf. How can we cultivate the benefits and avoid the pitfalls? The Apostle John clearly saw the coming of Jesus as corresponding to the creation account in Genesis 1 (cf. I pray that youll experience the fullness and abundance of life in Jesus Christ! Even our good work doesnt make things right between us and God. Its important to surround yourself with friends who are Christians and can support you in your walk. Jesus answered him according to his beliefs and quoted the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and Lev. It is the culmination of all the goals we have in life. From a Christian perspective one would say that life is action, faith, belief, and relationships. That calling is to know God and to become more like Christ as you obey Him out of love. Jesus encourages us to enter the narrow path that leads to life. Im so grateful to have been able to encourage you through this article. No matter how hard we try, we never seem to get everything exactly right. This is because we live in a world of brokenness. Life is such a loaded word. Greg! Everyone looks for happiness, one way or another. He believed that his salvation was dependent upon his faith in God and his works of the Law. To share the love of God. Men and women are to honor one another, deeply care for each other, and enjoy serving. In this article, I describe how you can be sure you get into heaven and not leave it to chance. Becoming a Christian in this life is learning to know God and experience His love. The gospel according to jesus what is authentic faith. The verb became (egeneto) does not mean there was a change in the deity of the Word; rather, he took on a human nature (cf. Life is growth, change, and experience. Jesus' love was costly love (John 13:31-32). Jesus said He came so His followers may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10 All rights reserved. John applies the title of the Word to the person of Jesus who is the creator of all things (cf. This Christian decision-making process can help us make wise decisions. Life doesnt come easy to those who are Christians. Had Jesus of Nazareth been a Roman or a Greek, certainly his contemporaries would have left behind statues in his honor. Luke (2:4152) states that Jesus as a youth was precociously learned, but there is no other evidence of his childhood or early life. A better English equivalent might be daddy or papa. Its time to get ready to face another day on the job. No one comes to the Father except through me. The real meaning of life must, therefore, be viewed from the lens of, and be found in, the Life-Giver. What can we do to reorient our lives to deal with busyness? Why cant we base the meaning of life on relationships, career, or personal happiness? They will help you grow in knowledge of Gods way and in acting on that knowledge. Modern civilization marks his birth by dividing time B.C. People who are in countries going through the devastation of war or famine have very little food and clothing. 6:23). This is what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. When things go wrong, when plans fail and people let us down, how can we deal with disappointment? God has designed life so that when we seek to make Him look good (= "glorify Him") by obeying His commands, we inherit a blessing (3:9). Jesus defined eternal life when He said, "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" ( John 17:3 ). The article has truly peaked my interest. More fortune does not simply represent more meaning. This is the reason God created Adam, the first man and placed him in a garden to work it and take care of it (Gen. 2:15). Job: Trust in God, no matter what. Jesus is the life. The very first verse of the Gospel of John informs us, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). Naturally, this means it is God's will that we avoid any kind of sexual immorality. We are to put God first in our marriage. Life has purpose and meaning. In the early evening, after arriving in the home, he has supper (John 12:1 - 2). In a rapidly changing world, amid a deluge of ideas and opinions, how can we clearly see what is right and wrong? This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Sometimes life is tough! Life is full of emotion, miracles and facts. May God richly bless you for you have been an inspiration to me and my wife. A Christians perspective about life is very different from our culture. This is important for every human being because God created us to have a sense of worth. All rights reserved. Humility isnt valued very highly today. No one comes to the Father except through me" ( John 14:6 ). the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting." In this view, eternal life commences after the second coming of Jesus and the resurrection of the dead, although in the New Testament's Johannine literature there are references to eternal life . The person was asking what good works he must do to inherit eternal life (v. 16). Its in Gods love that fear and anger will be quenched. Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:23, 1012). This shortest of all New Testament gospels is likely the first to have been written, yet it often tells of Jesus' ministry in more detail than either Matthew or Luke (for example, the miracle stories at Mk 5:1-20 or Mk 9:14-29).It recounts what Jesus did in a vivid style, where one incident follows directly upon another. The Apostle Paul tells us that those who have been reconciled to God (the Father) through the redemptive work of Jesus are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). Jesus condemns their hypocrisy. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus." Having a close relationship with God enables them to face the . Privacy Policy and I believe the second most important thing in life is my relationship with others. It is deliberate, purposeful, unselfish love rather than emotional, impulsive or self-serving love. In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus is portrayed as the fulfillment of the Jewish Scriptures, the long-awaited Messiah who stands at the intersection of salvation history. By practicing Christian living, we will demonstrate the values that Christ has and the love He shows. God has given you gifts, talents, skills, relationships, so be a good steward of them. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Other parts of the New Testament - such as the Pauline epistles which were likely written within 20 to 30 years of each other, and which include references to key episodes in the life of Jesus . Our work is supposed to be a display of Gods greatness, and therefore in everything we do, we are to do it with the right motive: for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). From time to time we all struggle with jealously. Find ratings and reviews for the newest movie and TV shows. God works all things out for the good of those who believe and trust Him. Jesus not only brings life into a fallen world, but also light. In Genesis 1, Gods first recorded spoken, creative act was to speak forth light into existence, which separated the physical light from the darkness (Genesis 1:35). Spring 30 AD approx. The history of Christian reflection on the teachings and nature of Jesus is examined in the article Christology. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? Paul wrote some inspiring and beautiful sentiments, such as, In everything give thanks. But is that literally realistic? Jesus came to actually fix the ship. The way He does this is by sending Jesus. Jesus is our life. We cant focus on God and on our idols at the same time. I pray that youll experience the fullness of all that God has for you. And sin is what leads us into brokenness (Rom. In this case, it was a resurrection to physical life, not a resurrection to glory and immortality. Thank you for signing up to receive email newsletters from Answers in Genesis. What I mean is hopeless for this life, the here and now. What Is the Purpose and Meaning of My Life. Read Article Download PDF. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . It can push us into wrong actions or freeze us into inaction. We can also learn to be corrected and led on a better path because God cares for us (Heb. Perhaps youll find that God is speaking to you through your life and through His Word, the Bible. All the riches, learning, and experiences in life end up being empty. What is the real secret of satisfaction and contentment? Christians believe that choosing to follow Jesus Christ makes life immeasurably better. We are the beloved children of God, created by our heavenly Father to reflect His glory, walk in His love, and do His will in our lives. Pingback: Why am I? Why is everyone so busy today? Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. He created a plan for us to grow, live by faith, and return to live with Him someday. Is the World Wide Web playing a part in rewiring our brains? Jesus is the air that we breathe and its Jesus who gives us our daily dose of energy. Life can be hectic and harried. Our world and our lives can seem perpetually on the brink of disaster. 7. He has given us commandments to live by and strategies through the life of Jesus. Does fantasy really not hurt anyone? His trip to Lazarus' house in Bethany began in Jericho, which is 17 miles (27.3 kilometers) away. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pursuitbible_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_22',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pursuitbible_com-narrow-sky-2-0'); Many people live ensnared by the things in this world and its no wonder that anxiety, fear, and depression are the result. The benefits are priceless. Believing in Christ means we have everything we need. Luke 1:35). Often when humans dont understand why bad things happen, they begin to blame, which leads to bitterness and feeling of hopelessness. I have been struggling to find my purpose in life for the last five years. Our Rabbi Jesus | His Jewish Life and Teaching. Thus, in his lifetime Jesus was called Jesus son of Joseph (Luke 4:22; John 1:45, 6:42), Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 10:38), or Jesus the Nazarene (Mark 1:24; Luke 24:19). Jesus commands us to love one another even as He loved us. It was not like God was lonely and needed someone with whom He could talk and share His feelings about things. The Bible presents foundational values that are perfect and beneficialyet most reject them today. He is the author of 13 books in the New Testament (possibly 14 if we include Hebrews), which lays out important foundations of Christian faith we believe today. Here, the sinful desires of humanity to be like God (Genesis 3:5) are replaced with the divine invitation to imitate His Son, Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:48). God gave us the Bible to teach us the best way to live and to give us examples of others to learn from. Are we developing our personality and character to resemble Gods? Life is all about knowing God, experiencing His beauty and divine purpose, His miracles, and Creation. What about your most important life choice? Marriage requires lots of grace and forgiveness. He offers the strength and refuge we need. So, what is life all about? Why am I here? Our understanding of the meaning of life is important because it shapes our way of life. Life is not an endless pursuit to get more. He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. Thank you so much. Two wrongs never make a right. ). Very helpful explanation David of the meaning of life. Our worldview only affects how we think and reason. We are the beloved children of God, created by our heavenly Father to reflect His glory, walk in His love, and do His will in our lives. Please let us know if you have suggestions for future articles, and let us know any questions you would like answered. Gods way is the way of love. How do we live the life Jesuswants? Jesus isnt just a good man who did good things and taught great lessons. The . Im a husband, a father, pastor of a church in Northern California, and a life-long student of the Scriptures. This is highky interesting, i love the simplicity of it. King Solomon: Fear God and keep His commandments. Jesus referred to himself as the temple. They are probably the verses you turn to when you are confused, lost, or losing hope. God is God and He works all things, including your life, according to his purposes. As you do, youll gain confidence in how God leads you. Your calling in life is your identity in Christ and cannot change no matter what career path you choose to go down. Calvinism: A Southern Baptist Dialogue. It is to know Jesus Christ, whom God has sent. How Can Christians Stay United in a Divided World? The world we live in and the life of every person has a purpose and is not just the product of chance, random events, and biological selection. Jesuss incarnation inaugurated a new creation whereby the light of the Word shatters the darkness of sin and gives new life to those who trust in him. Heres how applying purpose, preparation and perseverance can help us achieve the most important things in life. 2008 Ray Clendenen. Its the way of peace. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. That is, Forrest Gump was wrong; . Job was among the most prosperous men in the Bible, known for his life example of a blameless, sincere man who suffered. As a start, we encourage you to read The Way of Peace now. The alarm startles you awake. What do you stand to lose if youre not paying attention? Here are five ways to refresh yourself and make time to recharge and prevent burnout. There it is! Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. Jesus taught us to walk the straight and narrow path and He showed us that we can all overcome temptation just as He did when Satan tempted Him on the mountaintop (Matthew 4:1-11). The world is awash in religious information but floundering when it comes to developing spiritual discernment. Contentment was to be found in Christ, not in their circumstances. Jesus told Martha, "'Your brother will rise again.' Martha said to Him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day'" (John 11:23-24). To seek the kingdom of God. But Christian living has challenges. Our worries can easily spin out of control. (before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini - or the year of our Lord). Notice that work is a blessing from God, not a curse. Ultimately, we pray that our efforts in these days point to our Savior. Marriage is a partnership and God has designed us to work things out accordingly to His word. Knowing that Jesus is the perfect representation of God, the best thing we can do in life is to believe in him. Jesus says that there is an enemy, a thief, whose main goal is to steal, kill, and destroy Gods purpose and meaning for the world. We have to make a choice in who we are going to put our hope in, because we cant have both. John 6:46; 1 John 1:2). Ive been a believer all my life, but you expressed it in a way that opened several fresh and new insights for me, during a season of my life when I needed this message. Parents are a childs best teacher, counselor, and coach when they have Biblical strategies. As we have been fulfilled with Gods love, we must also share it with others, through bearing one anothers burdens (Galatians 6:2) and discipleship (Matthew 28:18-20). Its the way our loving God wantsand commandsus to live. Life-giving relationships, children, creative arts and expression are beautiful things we experience in life. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:45). Thank you for writting this article and God bless you. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. John describes the Word as being with (pros) God, which is a relational term showing that the person of the Word5 was with the person of God (the Father, cf. Meaning in life comes from a deeper place than just the physical world and the things that we are usually so busy living to get more of. How can we keep Gods instruction to fear not? We sometimes face complex situations with no clear right choice. In the Holy Scriptures, God indicates that His people can become holy as well. [Link opens in a new window]. The Bible defines Jesus Himself as the author and giver of life, but also as the definition of life itself. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. From now on you do know him and have seen him.. https://www.facebook.com/groups/452093384872399/?fref=ts. John 3:19, 8:12; 12:35, 46). Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Derek Lawson. What Is the True Meaning of Life? We have something worth living for, and if needed, worth dying for. Jesus begins to predict his death and resurrection. What does it mean that everything is meaningless? Ecclesiastes is a book of the Bible, one of the Wisdom books, that explains how life in this world can be meaningless. Life According to Jesus in 321 28,673 views Apr 29, 2016 Have you ever wondered what Jesus makes of the big issues: God; the World; and You? When we know God as our Father, we can learn to trust and receive love. Jesus Born in a Bethlehem Manger: Significance & Meaning. The Bible says that it was mankind that choose to not follow Gods ways, but to go our own way. Life is growth, change, and experience. Those are some popular answers we might have heard, and although some views are biblically relevant, could life have a deeper meaning? The crux of this command is to understand how Jesus loved us. Jesus is life. But what does the One who designed and created us say? Preparing for and running a marathon reminded me a lot of the challenges of the Christian life. These core Christian values canand willchange the world. Many are passive, even apathetic. Love. Growing up, boys are often told that big boys dont cry. Or do you dread the day ahead and think, I hate my job? Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The ultimate goal of humans pursuit of wisdom and knowledge is to understand God, the greatest of all (Proverbs 9:10). Everyone lives forever in either heaven or hell. This one verse tells us three very important things about the Word (logos), who is identified as Jesus (John 1:17). Obviously, God did not need to create man. "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it. Are you personally filled with joy and happiness? Jesus is the One that the Father has sent. Now its everywhere. Jesuss coming into the world, however, now separates between spiritual light and darkness (skotia).12 Spiritual darkness came into [the] world through Satans temptation of Adam and Eve, when they chose to believe Satans words over Gods Word (Genesis 3:15; cf. Jesus says that if we would turn from our own ways, believe in Him, and follow Him as the Lord, the Boss, of our lives, He would begin to restore Gods design in us. We are to learn to think and act like God because He wants us to be His children forever! Life is experiencing genuine thankfulness, healing, spiritual gifts and anointing from the Holy Spirit. It Is So Painful to Care: How Do I Conquer Apathy? In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Gen. 1:1). When life is difficult, how can we make sense of what doesnt seem to make sense? We overcommit and put hours upon hours into pointless things. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Long Answer What is the meaning of life? The knowledge of God leads us to worship and love Him more. The Word became flesh in order that through his sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, Jesus would bring about eternal life to all who trust in him (John 3:1516, 11:2526, 14:6). John 20:2211), but because of Adams disobedience, his descendants are born in sin, which issues a loss of spiritual life and causes mankind to walk in darkness (John 8:12; cf. How is it possible for humans to become holylike God? Try downloading another browser like Chrome or Firefox. But what does this wonderful promise meanespecially when bad things happen? Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35 ESV). He sends out the 12 disciples to heal the sick. Elsewhere, the gospel of John points out that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18, 36; 14:6). 1. I have had an on again and off again relationship with God over this time. Please refresh the page and try again. For instance, war victims, natural disaster casualties, stillborn babies, etc. God, our loving Father, wants us to find happiness and joy. Mistakes are bound to happen and its pretty much a guarantee that there will be disagreements. Jesus is God himself who lived on earth in a human body (Colossians 2:9-10), and he is the only mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5). God is not only the author of life, He is our Father. I learned how to run with endurance in a much deeper way. I hope that youll take the time to consider what the Bible says about the meaning of life. We are shaped by our choices, and some have life-or-death consequences. Life is intelligent, sorrowful, and full of regrets. However, the Bible has much more to say about the characteristics of eternal life. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." And no matter what path you go down in your career, follow Christ, make disciples, and do Gods will. Read Article Download PDF. So we exist because he wants us to enjoy life as he does. The author believes before we examine the meaning of life, we need to first embrace the miracle of life. We will receive the disciplines that only a loving Father can give. The word was (n),4 which signifies existence, points to the Word already existing in the beginning. The pre-existence of the Word is an incredible claim, but it is one that Jesus made himself in his debate with the Pharisees (John 8:58) and when he prayed to the Father (John 17:5). And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Scripture To Consider: "Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. What Is Life from a Christian Perspective? Many feel frustrated they didnt do better or judge others who fall short. Internet Explorer is no longer supported. God raised Him from the dead. As a pastor, and also a chaplain for the local police department in the past, Ive gotten to be a part of some of the best and worst times of peoples lives. He wants us to find the true meaning of life in Him first, in seeking His Kingdom (Luke 12:31). But this is not the primary point John is making here, as the Old Testament often speaks of Gods Word as his self-expression in creation, revelation, and salvation (Jeremiah 1:4; Isaiah 55:11; Psalm 107:20).10 By stating that all things were made through him [logos], John clearly is referring to the Jewish understanding of Gods Word as the means by which creation came into being: By the word [logos, LXX] of the Lord the heavens were made (Psalm 33:6). Whether people try to live a good life or not, the conclusion is the same: Life goes on. Or are we being distracted by other passions? Since the prologue of John (1:118)9 clearly speaks of the deity of Jesus, it is not surprising that this finds an equally emphatic declaration throughout the gospel narrative (John 5:18, 8:58, 10:2835) and at its end and climax when Thomas professed his faith in the resurrected Jesus: My Lord and my God! (John 20:28). As the one who is at the Fathers side, the Word makes the Father known to us (cf. We see life as an opportunity to love others and to serve God faithfully. Jesus came so that we can have life because He is the embodiment of life. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World? God wants a relationship with us and obedience. They are absolutely meaningful. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! The context of John 1:118 makes it clear that the Word is clearly a person and not an abstraction (i.e., as Unitarians believe), for example, people become children of God by believing in his name (John 1:12). Third, the Word as his nature is deity.6 The Word is not only distinct from God (the Word was with God), but the Word is God (theos).7 An equally decisive statement about the deity of Jesus is made in John 1:18: No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known. Once again John not only speaks of Jesus as pre-existing and being relationally with God (the Only God, who is at the Fathers side), but clearly states that he is God (the only God, monogens theos8). But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. 1. That path/assignment can change, but your identity in Christ is your foundation. The purpose of his life is to give us abundant life in him (John 10:10). What Is the Meaning of Life According to the Bible? John 1:118 is often referred to as a prologue because it forms an introduction to the gospel of John and is the interpretive lens by which to view the rest of the gospel.