Abundant Life
Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly”.
John 10:10
“Life” includes the physical, intellectual, and spiritual aspects. Physical life is considered abundant in a body that is full of strength and in perfect health. Jesus’ miracles of physical healing gave abundant physical life to those who were weak and sick (Matthew 4:24; 12:15; Luke 4:40).
But physical restoration was not the whole purpose of Jesus’ mission. A human being also has intellectual and spiritual life, which must also be made abundant, for “man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3). In a spiritual sense the word Life (zōē), means eternal life. When Adam and Eve were created, they had life (zōē), but lost it when they fell into sin (Genesis 3). Although, their physical life was prolonged, they were no longer conditionally immortal (Genesis 2:17).
Jesus came to restore the life that Adam had lost. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death” (John 8:51). This death is not the physical death, that happens to both the good and evil people, but the second death, which will ultimately destroy the wicked (Revelation 20:6, 14, 15). Jesus promised that in the judgment those who obey His words and have faith will be granted immortality (John 3:16).
The believer is given the promise of eternity at the moment he accepts the Lord (1 John 3:14; 5:11, 12). Jesus promised, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). Physical decay at death and the state of unconsciousness between death and the resurrection do not rob the believer of this wonderful gift. His life continues to be “hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3) to be translated into immortality at the resurrection day (1 Corinthians 15:53).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
