Satisfying life

Read > Romans 5:12-21

My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10).

There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”

The message began appearing on the sides of London’s red buses in 2008, courtesy of a group comprised of self-proclaimed atheists and secular humanists. They raised more than $113,000 for the ad campaign. It’s interesting to note, however, that some believers in Jesus also contributed to the project. Their reasoning for providing limited funds? They think that the ads are so poor that they actually point people to God!

One thing the ads subtly communicate is the idea that those who are in Christ are not “enjoying life.” But is that true? Jesus said, “My purpose is to give [Christians] a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10).

The apostle Paul stated: “Even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death” (Romans 5:17). He highlights the fact that in Jesus we have received the gifts of righteousness (v. 17), new life (v. 18), and eternal life (v. 21).

Our Lord has provided those blessings and others, including grace, peace, love, and salvation. In Adam there is only sin, death, and condemnation (vv. 12, 17, 18). And as we consider this great divide, there’s at least one more important distinction to discuss. In this life, all people – including believers in Jesus – will face tough times (John 16:33). But those of us who have a personal relationship with Him experience the matchless comfort and joy of His presence (Matt. 28:20).

So what does an enjoyable life look like? It’s participating in the abundant feast of what Jesus has provided (Romans 5:17), not scratching for crumbs in the empty pursuits of this world. No God = no truly satisfying life. – Tom Felten

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For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

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What enjoyable things have you been deprived of because of your relationship with Jesus? How has He fulfilled and satisfied you?