Is Abundant Life in the Bible Different Than Eternal Life?
Share
Have you ever heard someone say they have an abundant life? Did their words make you pause and wonder about your own life or the life of a loved one? Or maybe they are thankful to have eternal life with God? What is written about abundant life in the Bible? When I say there is an abundance of paper towels in the pantry, that means there are many rolls of towels. When I say I have eternal life with God, I am sharing my faith. Is abundant life in the Bible different from eternal life?
What Is Abundant Life in the Bible?
Scripture shares how Jesus said He came to give an abundant life to those who believe and place their faith in God (John 10:10 NIV). That abundant life Jesus promised is one filled with meaning, purpose, joy, and strength for the spirit, soul, and the body. Jesus gives us a life filled with the love of the Father. Does that mean we won’t have trials? No. We all have trials and times of stress. However, the overflowing love that the Father has for His children is more than we could ever comprehend.
Having many possessions or accolades does not mean having an abundant life. An abundant life is promised to us the moment we accept Christ. Not possessions, not praises. We are loved by the Father. Our spiritual abundance comes from God, not from things.
Jesus shared that He came so we might have life and have it more abundantly. When we accept Christ into our lives, when those troubles arise, we are comforted knowing we can go to Him at any time.
Our bodies may fail, but our spirit can be comforted with the Lord. We can be filled with the hope of Christ and live an abundant life (Romans 15:13 NIV). Reading Scripture daily can help us understand abundant life in the Bible.
What Are the Characteristics of Abundant Life?
Have you ever met someone who was overflowing with the joy of the Lord? Did you pause and consider how the life of that person was abundant with His blessings? The Bible shares the source of abundant life. Can you think of stories that help answer the question about abundant life in the Bible? Scriptures share about the poor people and the rich people. Have you noticed if there were differences in how each person handled their situation? Jesus was not considered to be rich in belongings. Often, people helped Him along his journeys. The people gave Jesus food to eat. His physical nourishment was given by friends and strangers. His spiritual nourishment was provided in abundance by the Father.
Scripture tells that abundant life is given by the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:23-23 NIV). The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. There are times when we may have an abundance of love and joy and peace. Other times we may lack joy and peace. Yet because of God, we are given an abundant life.
The abundance given to us by God is special. We are called to rely on God and not ourselves. We are called to live our faith in action. The way we express our gratitude to God for His love and forgiveness is important. He has given us abundant life and eternal life with Him.
Sharing His love and glory with others will help them and help us to have a deeper relationship with God.
Why Does God Promise Believers This?
We are created by God. We are His children. He loves us more than we could ever imagine. His love is eternal. His love is forever. Yes, we fall short at times and sin. God sent His only Son to save us so that we could have eternal life with the Father (John 3:16 NIV).
God never goes back on a promise. He doesn’t say one thing and does another. His Word stands firm.
God cares about our souls, not how many possessions we have or how many awards sit on a mantle. Seek Him first and always. Think of the way Jesus entered Jerusalem. He rode on a donkey, not a prize horse. Scripture tells us that the meek and humble will inherit the earth.
God promises eternal life with Him when we make the choice to accept Him into our hearts and souls.
I want to live an abundant life in Christ, not a life filled with too many “things.” When I have extra supplies, I want to share them. Donating food and clothing to the local shelter is one way to help people in need. Sharing my testimony or listening while someone shares their faith journey are ways to show the love of Christ.
I love God so much that I want others to know Him, too.
God promises believers that we will have abundant life with Him because He loves us.
Is There a Difference between Abundant Life and Eternal Life?
Recently, a dear friend passed away. This precious woman of God showed faith in all her words and actions. She lived an abundant life, a life filled with the promises of God. Knowing her eternal life was with God, she shared her faith journey as part of her daily walk with the Lord. From checking on sick neighbors, to taking flowers to new friends, to sharing a beautiful smile and kind words with everyone, this friend had an abundant life.
Her life on this earth ended and now, she is with God. Her family and friends rest in knowing the love she had for the Father and the love He has for her.
At the memorial service for our friend, many tears were shed. Yet in our sorrow for losing a friend and loved one, we rested in God’s assurance and His plan.
When we have abundant life, we recognize the love and gifts God gives. When we accept Him, we recognize this life on earth is temporary. Our eternal home is with the Father.
Scripture tells how David wrote about joy being found in the Lord. David experienced many twists and turns in his life. His decisions were based on selfishness at times. Can we all relate to making poor decisions? When we go to the Lord and ask for forgiveness, we are given forgiveness.
Abundant life comes when we accept Jesus. Eternal life comes because we accept Jesus and acknowledge the Father.
Have you been at a church service when the pastor asked if anyone would like to come forward and accept Jesus? Sometimes people go forward. Other times, people may wait until they are alone with the clergy. When we accept Jesus, we are humbling ourselves and recognizing the need for Him.
Do you have an abundant life? Do you know Jesus? When my pantry is full, I thank God. When I am able to help others, I thank God. I am thankful to know an abundant life does not mean I have extra towels. An abundant life means I am filled with the hope and joy of the Lord. That abundant life also means I have an eternal home with God. Thank You Father for loving us and providing the opportunity to know You and have abundant and eternal life with You. Amen.
In His Name,
Amen
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/stockimagesbank
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.