The Daily Word of Righteousness

Laying Hold on Eternal Life, continued

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)

Do we have to endure temptation in order to receive the crown of life?

Must we patiently endure suffering and imprisonment (of whatever kind) if we would receive the crown of eternal life?

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)

Does the Christian have to put to death the lusts of his body in order to attain the resurrection unto life?

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify [put to death] the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:13)

Is the first resurrection something we must attain by laying all else aside, by seeking to live by the power of Christ's resurrection and to share in Christ's sufferings? How many Christians today are counting all their accomplishments as garbage in order that they may win Christ? How many are seeking to live by His resurrection and to share in His sufferings? How many Christians of today have eternal life?

Are we claiming in this essay that only the fervent disciples of Christ have enough eternal life to attain the first resurrection from the dead? Yes, this is precisely what we are stating.

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection [out-resurrection] of the dead. (Philippians 3:10,11)

Are we required to continue patiently in well doing if we would inherit eternal life?

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: (Romans 2:7)

Do we have to "do good" in order to be raised unto eternal life?

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:28,29)

Can those who do not know the Lord attain the resurrection of life by doing good? If we do not believe this, then it must be the Christians who attain the resurrection of life by doing good.

What is the relationship between eternal life and doing the will of God?

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (I John 2:17)

Does the Christian who is living in hatred have eternal life dwelling in him or her?

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (I John 3:15)

It seems from the above verse that eternal life is a form of life that dwells in us rather than eternal existence.

To be continued.