Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our Almighty Creator, in His unfathomable love and profound benevolence, has set before us a path that leads to everlasting life. It is a path ordained with divine purpose, an invitation to partake in the eternal banquet of God’s kingdom. Through His Word, God beckons us saying, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12).
Our Lord Jesus Christ, by His sacrifice on the cross, has laid the cornerstone of this path. He has washed away our sins and offered us a new covenant of grace, setting us free from the bondage of sin and death. Through Jesus, we have received the promise of eternal life. But how do we, as faithful followers, lay hold of this precious gift?
Laying hold of eternal life requires more than a casual nod of acceptance; it demands our full commitment, our unwavering faith, and a life lived according to the teachings of Christ. It requires us to 'fight the good fight of faith'. This fight is not one of violence or hatred, but a spiritual struggle, a holy endeavour to live according to God's word, to resist temptation, and to spread His love and gospel.
To lay hold of eternal life, we must adhere to Jesus's greatest commandments: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:37-39). Love is the compass that guides us towards eternal life.
We must also seek to be more Christ-like, mirroring His humility, His forgiveness, His compassion, and His selfless love. We must follow the path He walked, emulating His life of service and sacrifice for the good of others. To lay hold of eternal life is to embrace the virtues of patience, kindness, selflessness, and faithfulness that are beautifully embodied in Christ.
As we encounter trials, tribulations and temptations, we must boldly affirm, as Apostle Paul did, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Let this affirmation fuel us in our spiritual struggles, knowing that Christ, our cornerstone, is our strength and our refuge.
Remember that laying hold of eternal life is not a destination but a journey, one that commences here on earth and culminates in the heavenly realms. It is a journey walked step by step with faith, hope, and love as our trusted companions, a journey illuminated by God's Word and guided by His Spirit.
So, beloved, let us lay hold of eternal life. Let us immerse ourselves in the wisdom of God's Word, saturate our lives with His love, fill our hearts with His Spirit, and walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Herein lies our calling, our divine mandate. In so doing, we lay hold of the promise of eternal life, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, that fadeth not away, reserved for us in heaven.
In triumphant assurance, let us echo the words of Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Indeed, laying hold of eternal life is our righteous crown, our divine destiny, our eternal triumph.