The Abundant Life by Dr. Johnny O. Trail, LMFT
Oftentimes, Christians are constrained to the idea of blessings that happen exclusively after one goes to Heaven. While many of our blessings are in conjunction with dwelling in Heaven eternally, there are many passages which teach that the blessings that come from being in Christ are in the here and now for the child of God.
Jesus came not only to give life, but to give it more abundantly. John 10:10b says, “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” These words are uttered in the context of Jesus’ teaching about His role as the good shepherd. Typically, a good shepherd would lead his sheep to an area where they could obtain the best nourishment possible. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus is still leading His people today.
As God’s people, our citizenship is in Heaven. Philippians 3:20 says, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” If we remain faithful unto death (Revelation 2.10), we have a promise that is unshakeable. We live in this physical world, but we are to not be “of this world” (I Corinthians 5.10). Even so, we have blessings in both abodes—the Heavenly and the physical world.
Christians have the abundant life because we are blessed in a material fashion. God provides His people with what they need. While we are encouraged to seek after spiritual things first, God promises to provide the things we need for continued survival. Matthew 6:31-33 says, "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Christians have the abundant life because we have access to the Creator of the Universe. Typically, we are not granted access to presidents, rulers, governors, or other important leaders. However, we have access to One greater than all human beings—Jehovah God. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” The Father allows those in Christ to come “boldly” before His throne with our supplications.
Christians have the abundant life because we have spiritual blessings in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” These spiritual blessings far outweigh any material blessings we are afforded with in this life. For one things, we have a peace in our lives that people in the world cannot begin to fathom (Philippians 4:6-7).
Christians have the abundant life, because we have a Hight priest who intercedes on our behalf. Hebrews 2:17-18 says, “Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” While we are not to continue in sin (Romans 6.1ff), our Savior’s blood continually cleanses us from iniquity if we acknowledge our sins, repent, and ask for forgiveness (I John 1:8-10).
Christians have the abundant life, because we have High Priest who is acquainted with the human condition and the nature of temptation. Hebrews 4:14 says, “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Christ, our example of overcoming sin (Revelation 3.21), has demonstrated how we can resist and overcome temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).
Christians have the abundant life because Jesus has promised to help us with our burdens. There is no promise of health and wealth in this life, but God has promised to help us with our problems to the extend that He bears them with us. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Christians have the abundant life because we are not in bondage to sin and its power. Romans 6:17-18 says, “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” The bondage of sin is especially apparent in situations where people are addicted to various things. While this is the case, we sometime overlook things that are habitual sins. These sins may not be as serious in human terms of judgment, but they all separate one from God (Isaiah 59:2).
Christians have the abundant life since sin and death have no power over God’s people. The word of God provides hope even in the most horrible times. When we struggle with the death of a loved one or our own impending death, we have the promise of victory in a situation that is the epitome of defeat for those in the world. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 says, “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory.” O death, which is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The prayers of all the saints should include a desire for those outside of Christ to have access to the “abundant life” that is found for those in Christ. One is placed into Christ at the point of baptism. Romans 6:3-4 says, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
