The Abundant Life

Get outta my head!! I saw a post the other day, I think it was TinyTim that said that the abundant life begins when we enter eternity. I have to disagree because of John 10:10. I think it is meant for us to enjoy the abundant life while living on earth.

 

Please give your definition of abundant life.

Thanks,

Joseph Botwinick

 

(How'd I know that was coming?)

To me an abundant life is one that is characterized by peacefulness, contentment, and joy, in all circumstances. I dont mean materially, although I dont think material wealth is wrong per se.

 

That sounds like glorification to me. Tell me something. Are you peaceful, content, and joyful in all situations? Did God fail? No. We still have pain and sorrow in this life because we still struggle with the sin nature, just as Paul did.

Joseph Botwinick

 

The world is full of rich people who have much more than we do. If it meant things in this life then looks like we missed it somewhere. The widow who cast in the 2 mites. The rich man who was going to tear down his barns. The two who went up on the mountain to pray. Sorry but I always took it to mean Salvation myself. So, you have to take me behind the barn also. If it meant things of this life where does the theif fit in?

 

You can have joy, peace and contentment in the midst of terrible situations.

 

Actually, that was me who said that (and then tinytim agreed), but I was saying that the abundant life is the eternal life we have in Christ which begins now, from the moment of salvation.

I don't think you can say it necessarily has to do with enjoying life now when you think of those who are persectued, tortured and killed for their faith. How do you tell someone who may get killed for their faith that they will have an abundant life on earth?

I agree with those who said it includes the peace and joy of knowing Christ while on earth.

 

Read in the book of Acts while the early church was persecuted they were joyful and living what I would claim is the abundant life. All the while their lives were in danger.

It is not our place to tell someone in that position they are living the abundant life. Yet, in the midst of that persecution they can live in peace, joy, and contentment. That does not mean all do, but I do believe it is quite possible.

 

I really think the following Scripture go along with Jn 10
Sometimes we use stories to get across Salvation that might not exactly mean that but becometh sound doctrine. I think the prodical son is a good Scripture to show going out in sin and you must come back. In reality, it may mean Israel. But again, I find no fault with the young preacher using the scripture to show Salvation.

I am come in John 10 seems to mean what did He come for?

In John 18, it tells why He came, so I find they coinside with each other. The seed being choked in the following Scripture no doubt was Satan.

John, chapter 18
"37": Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I

born, and for this cause came I into the world that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
KJMatt.13
"4": And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

"5": Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no

deepness of earth:
"6": And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

7": And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: ( I think was the devil that choked them)

"8": But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

"9": Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Maybe I am missing something.

 

Well, they can't live the abundant life long on earth if they are killed within days of becoming a Christian!

But I totally agree with you, PastorSBC :smilewinkgrin: -- what I was trying to counter is what I hear so often from Christians said to unbelievers or new believers: "God has a wonderful plan for your life." Now, that may be true -- and we all have a wonderful future with Him.

But, I ask, how is an unbeliever or new believer going to interpret this? They will think it means that life will be rosy, or nothing can go wrong, or they will be happy all the time. Don't you think a lot of Christians think this?

So I think Christians have to be very careful when using the phrase "abundant life" so that it is not implying all will go well and smoothly.

 

This is true that it is possible for the Christians. It is also, however, possible to have sorrow, sadness, and weakness in the midst of terrible situations. This does not mean that I have not been saved.

Joseph Botwinick

 

The "Abundant Life" Jesus is referring to is the result salvation. It is both present and future. It is about a life reconciled to God, abiding in His presence through indwelling Holy Spirit. It is about a new life of service to Jesus and His cause on the earth.

It doesn't have to be free from problems to be abundant and joyful.

peace to youraying:

 

First, I would never question your salvation.

Second, maybe I am just strange, but in some of the worst times of my life that were filled sorrow, sadness, and weakness, I found that I had a tremendous joy, peace and contentment.

 

Yes, there are times when I do not feel happy and have been terribly hurting or sad. But the "abundant" life ios one that means that those feelings are not the end in themselves. I still have joy when I am not happy.

 

Thats a great way to put it. My darkest times have been the times of the most growth.