The ‘natural’ state of affairs on earth has mankind living today, temporarily, to dying tomorrow, permanently, at a place not welcomed by the imagination to be entertained. The collective might of the world’s elite is powerless in changing this sad and gloomy reality. Is the general populace happy about this? No… they are not! But there’s nothing they can do to escape or alter the certainty of death… an appointment that everyone must one day keep.   

However, the God of creation did not create us that we should one day perish. He created us to live, live… and never die! The Book of Genesis (2:15-17) records God’s warning to the world’s first, created human beings. In short, God said to Adam, “If you disobey, you will die!” What happened? Adam disobeyed! What was, and is, the outcome? … death for every animate and inanimate thing!

However, in addition to the Bible’s teaching that death is the deserved ‘wages’ of mankind’s sinful act, we learn that God’s love for us is so great that He provided a way of addressing the payment of our debt of sin and gifted us with eternal life through Christ Jesus, our Lord! (Romans 3:23, 6:23).

How do we receive this promised gift of eternal life today… right now? Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be My disciple must follow Me…” (John 12:24-26).

In this powerful and simple to understand analogy of “many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives” that result from “the death of one kernel of wheat,” Jesus explained to His disciples that He had to die in order that mankind can live.  Jesus’ death is the key to experiencing God’s promised gift of eternal life, followed closely by the requirement of the death of self within each of us.

Living a self-centred life is the cause of our natural death. Dying to self is the prerequisite of eternal life. Jesus says, “If you try and hang on to your life you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it” (Luke 9:24).

Dear friends, eternal life is possible through Christ who died for you and me. No matter how dark and desperate your life may be, you may experience God’s gift of new life, right now, but you must first die to self – It’s the best thing you can do. Are you dying to live?

Best wishes, 

Bill Joukhadar