Where do I find a life leading to eternity?

A life leading to eternity

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world —the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17.

There we have it. In this world there is no other life leading to eternity than a life that is in accordance with God’s will.

What does the apostle mean when he says that the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are not of the Father but of the world? It means that it is not the Father, our creator, who has given us life, who is behind this insatiable desire. It is the god of this world who is behind it. He is the one of whom Jesus says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. One of them fleeces you, the other enriches you. The thief steals the joy in life, murders the will to live and destroys your future.

Lusts cannot be satisfied

This is a necessary basic understanding to have in life. We cannot help having lusts and desires in our flesh. But we must be aware that they are there as a result of the fall. We have been created with senses, which were meant by God to be used to delight in and appreciate the creation—in all purity. For example, Paul wrote about food: “… which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” 1 Timothy 4:3.

A natural need that is satisfied can be received with thanksgiving—that is, with gratitude. But a lust cannot be satisfied—with thankfulness. It is insatiable and unstoppable, like a fire that demands more and more. The lust does not give us anything; it just takes. You are left stripped to the bone—without joy or satisfaction.

Jude writes about the results of this: “These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts …” Jude 16. You would think that by living according to their own lusts and desires, they would be grateful and happy. The fruit of lust is grumbling and complaining, disappointment and bitterness. Such a life does not lead to eternity.

The fruit of thankfulness

The good news is that this lust can be crucified by faith, because “those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:24. The fruit of this is thankfulness, which is one of the fruits of life and righteousness. You have received something, have been enriched and can say thank you!

“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:11. It is only a life lived in fellowship with the Son and in obedience to Him that leads to eternity.

Just look some of the promises in the gospel: Life in abundance! Do the will of God and—abide forever!