Project Description
2013/05
What is Life?
Dark is the absence of light, and death the absence of life, but what is life? The sinner is described as being ‘dead in sin’. He is without spiritual life, but what is life? Christ defined ‘life’ for us as He prayed to His Father. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). The word ‘eternal’ speaks of a quantity of time that cannot be calculated, but also a quality that cannot be comprehended. ‘Eternal life’ is not only future for the child of God, but is also present. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life…” (John 3:36) Thus we see that life means knowing God, and Jesus Christ, who brings us to God. ‘Life’ must ultimately be defined in respect of our relationship with God. Our condition in sin is that of death. Our conversion by God is unto life; we are made alive in Christ. The consequence of this life is a relational knowledge of God.
This knowledge does not come from a religious upbringing (1 Samuel 3:7) or by being involved in religious service (1 Samuel 2:12). It is a blessing purchased by the blood of Christ, the blood which secures the new covenant (Hebrews 8v11). It is a knowledge marked by communion and fellowship (John 10:14-15), and a knowledge that results from the working of God in our lives (Galatians 4v8-9).
Relationships are enjoyed by mutual delight and by interaction. In simple terms, we know God as we delight in all that He is as the God of creation, providence and redemption. We know God as He speaks to us in His Word, read and preached. We know God as we meet with Him and fellowship with Him in the place of prayer.
There are many blessings to contemplate for the believer but here we rejoice in the truth that the believer is alive! We who once were God’s enemies, dead in sin, are now His living friends!
‘Eternal life’ is knowing God. Are you dead or alive?
Dr. Stephen Pollock.
From the Old to the Young
“Let it be our great care to enjoy God in His ordinances [public worship]. Enjoying spiritual communion with God is a riddle and mystery to most people. Everyone that hangs about the court does not speak with the king. We may approach God in ordinances, and hang about the court of heaven, yet not enjoy communion with God. We may have the letter without the Spirit, the visible sign without the invisible grace. It is the enjoyment of God in a duty that we should chiefly look at. Psalm 42:2: “My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God…” – Alas! What are all our worldly enjoyments without the enjoyment of God!”
– Thomas Watson; A Body of Divinity 1692
