In keeping with our Life focus for the month of January, here are four reflections on the way of Christ regarding Life.
1. We confess God as the source of all life
A basic tenant of the Christian worldview is the confession that the God of the Bible is the Maker of heaven and earth, the One in whom all things have their beginning, their source, and by Whom all things hold together (Gen. 1, Ps. 8, 18, Prov. 8, John 1, Col. 1, Heb. 1).
What accounts for the variety of living things from non-sentient plants to intelligent animals to creative and expressive human beings? What accounts for human self-awareness in consciousness and the ability for the procreation of species? With a million mysteries remaining, the riddle of life thus finds its answer in our Creator God. He accounts for everything that is—for life, intelligence, consciousness, and for the sustaining and proliferating nature of life as we know it. (Gen. 2:7) Thus we confess God—Father, Son, and Spirit—as the Author and Sustainer of life (Ps. 36:9).
Moreover, the Scriptures proclaim the power of life in the very words of God. Here we recognize the double-meaning of “Word,” as both the Scriptures and the Word who is Jesus, the eternal Son. The written words are inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16) and thus give life in a way that merely human texts do not, for the words of God are “breathed out by God.” As the Psalmist writes, “My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!” (Ps. 119:25 ESV)
2. Life eternal is found in Jesus
John’s Gospel begins with the bold proclamation that life is found in Jesus, “and the life was the light of men.” (1:4) In other words, John insists that the very essence of life is bound up with the person of Jesus. The theme remains important for Jesus’ ministry as His message is one of eternal life through faith in Him. Arguably the most familiar verse in all the Bible illustrates the point, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)
Of course, life is not the only side of the conversation. Death also deserves mention as the sharp edge of the Gospel. For were it not for death why would we need a message of hope for life? The story of death entering God’s world through human disobedience is the reason for Jesus’ ministry and message of life eternal. Indeed, death, though not part of God’s design, becomes the doorway to life in Jesus. Like David who cut off Goliath’s head with the giant’s own sword, so God used death, sin’s greatest weapon, to crush the head of the Serpent through Jesus’ own death. For death only has power over sinners, but it has no power over the sinless. Thus, through the death of Jesus, we are invited into life!
3. Christians bear responsibility for life
Given the centrality of life for our own testimony as Christians, we bear a responsibility for thoughtful and careful promotion of life where possible. “Pro-life” is thus more than a slogan for Christians. The Gospel of Jesus is the offer of life through death—namely the death of Jesus, the Author of life. (Acts 3:15) Life, therefore, is the very heart of our faith!
Perhaps this informs the depth of conviction and the volume of opposition toward abortion and related issues for Christians. Our pro-life stance is not grounded in a particular view of women’s rights or concern for over-population—both of which are important matters in need of careful reflection. Rather, our position begins with God, the author and essence of all life. To oppose life, especially innocent unborn life, is to oppose God, Himself.
This confession thus presses us into sensitive areas that enshrine themselves in public policy including abortion, medical assisted suicide, war, the death penalty, alternative methods of conception such as surrogacy or in-vitro fertilization and more.
As pro-life people, Christians are obliged to consider carefully each of these womb-to-tomb issues. Where the Bible is clear, we stand firm. In my view, abortion is one such area. Life in the womb is to be protected and promoted as good according to God’s design.
Some areas, however, are less clear. In-vitro fertilization is one such example where Christians are divided. Respectable arguments exist on both sides, and the medical practice is still young. In such cases, I suggest we do well to take a cautious posture before acting upon the opportunity to create life artificially. Yet, we also do well not to jump to a new set of rules and legalisms too quickly, closing the door to thoughtful moral and theological reflection concerning the way of Christ in such matters.
What also must not be lost amidst such debate is another clear call for God’s people—the care of widows and orphans (1Tim 5:3-16, James 1:27). At the heart of this calling is the reminder that all lives matter to God as all are made in His image. Widows and orphans represent those often overlooked in the first century and just as they are easily overlooked in the twenty-first century.
Any honest pastor will admit how quickly widows, orphans, and the like are forgotten for they are “out of sight, out of mind.” But, though they have little to offer us by way of money, food, or possessions, they have everything to offer in the way of meaningful ministry and time well spent.
4. Life Abundant
Finally, life in Christ is the way of abundance. Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (ESV). This means that life in Jesus is truly extra—extraordinary and overflowing. Like Psalm 23, it is like a cup overflowing with God’s grace, presence, joy, and peace regardless of circumstance.
Just as Paul spoke of joy in Philippians more than any other letter despite writing the letter from prison, life in Christ is not measured by external or cultural standards of success. Life in Christ is measured by the fruit of the Spirit, and this fruit flourishes in the most difficult of life’s circumstances. Moreover, it stretches beyond this life into the next, filling us with hope of abundance yet to come.
This is why Paul can say with such confidence, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21, ESV). As others have said, this is the ultimate win-win scenario, for Jesus has turned death into good news, a doorway to abundant and eternal life in Jesus.
No comments have been added.