The Greatest Gift of All
Everyone born into this world is born from the seed of a human father. This seed is corruptible seed, that is, it is subject to decay, deterioration, and death. Because of this, all human beings are referred to as mortals.
The definition of a mortal is a living human being subject to death. It says in Ecclesiastes 9:5 that all living know that they will die. In and of ourselves, as humans, we are mortal. When we die, we will see corruption.
This is a fact of life; but what if I told you that God has made a way for you to live FOREVER! Would you be interested in finding out more about this? All of the directions are found in the Word of God we call the Bible.
Let’s see exactly what it says.
First of all, when we are born again according to the Scripture, we are actually born again of incorruptible seed. Incorruptible means not being subject to decay and death. 1 Peter 1:23-25 The key here is being born again according to the Word of God.
We can find these directions all through the Book of Acts beginning in Acts 2:37-39. Notice when Peter was asked the question, “…What must we do?”, Peter did not pray a brief “sinners prayer” with them, but Peter actually told them what they must do to be born again of this incorruptible seed.
Peter gave them specific instructions that involved specific actions to bring about this “born-again” experience; that is repentance, water baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.
Now when we are born again, according to the specific directions God gave us in His word, the incorruptible seed that begat us is the one and only Immortal God. 1 Timothy 6:16 The definition of immortality is, “living forever, never dying or decaying.”
We read in 2 Timothy 1:9-10, that Jesus, our Savior, has abolished death and has brought us to life and immortality through the Gospel.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus stated over and over again that He came to give us Everlasting Life! John 3:16, 11:25-26, 10:27-28 Freedom from the penalty of sin comes when we obey from the heart the form of doctrine that we find in the Word of God. Romans 6:17-18, 22-23
The Apostle Paul so beautifully explained the expectations of the first-century Church in 1 Corinthians 15. Notice Paul starts out by stating that in and of ourselves, the two states in which we find ourselves are in corruption or in mortality.
Those that had already died were in the state of corruption, and those who were still alive were in the state of mortality. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:50, “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.”. This is a fact of life; but this is not the end of the story.
Paul goes on to say, “Behold, I tell you a mystery….” At the last trump, those that died were going to be raised incorruptible, and those who were still alive would be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
This is what the first-century Church was expecting to happen to THEM in their own lifetime. They expected this because this is what Jesus had taught them directly and through the Disciples.
This all happened when Jesus returned in AD 70 just when He said He would. Matthew 16:28,24:34 Mark 13:30, Revelation 22:12-13
Now, the grave has no victory over the born-again believer. The sting of death is sin; but thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
When we are baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ, we receive remission of all our sins; past, present, and future. With sin gone, death has no sting; death has no hold on us. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
When Jesus returned in AD 70, He destroyed death and hell. Revelation 20:14 The word “hell” in this verse refers to “the holding place of the dead” or “grave”.
Our outward man still will “perish” or is dying, but our inward man is renewed daily and will live eternally. 2 Corinthians 4:16
Our inward man is who we actually are. We are just temporarily “tabernacling” in these physical bodies. Now that we have been born again, we have a new body, not made with hands waiting for us. 2 Corinthians 5:1,8-9
Conclusion
The greatest gift of all that anyone could ever receive is Eternal Life! Jesus has given us all an opportunity to serve Him and live forever with Him.
This gift of Eternal Life is given freely to whomever desires it.
Just as physical conception requires an act; so, does spiritual conception; the act of becoming born again. Acts 2:41 The directions of how to receive the greatest gift of all can be found right in the Book we call the Bible.
All the directions on how to live a victorious overcoming life and how to lay hold on everlasting life are all right in your Bible. 1 Timothy 6:11-12
Jesus said, “…. I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
This abundant life is Eternal Life!
