Life: Physical and Spiritual Existence

Life is a sacred gift from God, encompassing both our physical existence and the spiritual relationship we are invited to have with Him through Christ.

Physical Life

God created humanity with the capacity to reproduce and bring new life into being (Gen 1:28). Our natural life begins at conception and ends at death. Life is sacred – God gives and takes away, which is not our prerogative (Job 1:21). Thus we are not to commit murder and should seek to protect the unborn, the elderly, and disabled.

Life on earth is a one-time opportunity

The body God gives us is the 'container' of our life, to be cared for, nourished, and not abused. This includes taking precautions for our well-being by avoiding destructive substances, eating moderately, exercising, and having adequate rest (1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 7:1). Our minds and emotions also need to be controlled by the Spirit who gives life and peace (Rom 8:6).

Spiritual Life

At creation God breathed His life into us, but it was choked off by sin (Gen 2:7; Isa 42:5). The tree of life, first mentioned in Eden (Gen 2:9), reappears in Scripture as a symbol of eternal life and healing, ultimately restored in the new creation for those who overcome (Rev 2:7; 22:2). In His grace, God sent Jesus to restore fallen man's relationship with Him (Jn 3:16; Act 2:23). This is variously referred to as Eternal Life, Resurrection Life, or Life in the Spirit. The condition is that we "receive Him" by repenting of our sin and walk in a new way of life (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:12; Rom 6:4; 2 Cor 5:17).

Jesus declared "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (Jn 14:6). This profound statement affirms that Christ alone is the path to reconciliation with God. He is not merely a teacher pointing to truth – He is the truth. He does not just speak about life – He is the source of life itself.

It is only during our natural lifespan that we are given the opportunity to become a Christian. Our response to His offer of salvation determines whether we will spend eternity with Him in heaven or without Him in hell. None of us knows how long our earthly life will be, thus it is important now to ensure Christ is your Saviour and you are walking with Him in obedience (Lk 12:42-46).

The decision to follow Jesus must be made on earth

The benefits of eternal life cannot be overstated. Jesus said "I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish" (Jn 10:28). Our life is 'hid with Christ in God' – a place of blessing, security, and protection (Col 3:3). Jesus came to bring us 'abundant life', to live life to the full (Jn 10:10). The Holy Spirit becomes our 'support person', prompting, guiding, sustaining, rebuking, and comforting us as we need (Jn 14:26; 16:8-15).

Living the Christian Life

While our salvation was entirely accomplished by Christ on the cross, our rewards will be dependent on a righteous lifestyle and good works we have done on earth (Mt 16:27; 1 Cor 3:8). We should discern and be doing what we see God doing, not self-directed activities which eternally amount to nothing (Jn 5:19; 1 Cor 3:12-13).

Real life from the divine source comes when we connect with God and give Him the rightful place by loving Him with our whole being and putting His goals ahead of ours (Mt 6:33; Mk 12:30; Jn 14:6). Satan's aim is to destroy life by encouraging humanity to focus on self and the present, oblivious to long-term repercussions (Gen 3:1-4; Jn 10:10).

Will it be spent for ourselves, or advancing His Kingdom?

God has provided a guidebook for life – the Bible. It provides nourishment for spiritual life and it is imperative we live by its principles (Ps 119:9,11; Mt 7:24-27; Col 1:10). Baptism indicates we have made a decision to die to the old self-centred life and live a new life in Him (Rom 6:4,11; Gal 5:16).

Our lifestyle reveals our inner motivations – whether we are outwardly focused givers or have a self-centred attitude (Prov 4:23; Mt 15:19; Lk 6:45). The ability to forgive is integral to the Christian life (Mt 6:12; Lk 23:34). Death is unavoidable and life is unpredictable. We do not know what life holds for us but we do know who holds our future (Prov 27:1; Rom 8:28).

Reflection and Application:

How are you stewarding the physical life God has entrusted to you?
Have you received the eternal life Christ offers through repentance and faith?
What steps can you take to live more fully for God's purposes?
Are you prepared for life's unpredictability with a solid foundation in Christ?