1. ETERNAL LIFE: Life that is fully and completely enjoyed in HEAVEN as a result of receiving salvation through Jesus Christ.
2. ABUNDANT LIFE: Life that is fully and completely enjoyed on EARTH as a result of receiving salvation through Jesus Christ.
Jesus came to give us BOTH of these… something for the “here and now” and something for the “hereafter.” We don’t have to choose between one or the other… they are both offered. But, it seems that many are only interested in whether or not they have ETERNAL life. Many forfeit their rights to ABUNDANT life on earth because they want to live their own way, instead of living the way prescribed in God’s Word. ABUNDANT life brings longevity, fruitfulness and a measure of earthly reward. When you forfeit ABUNDANT life, ETERNAL life usually comes a lot sooner than anticipated.
Many want to know “Can I have ETERNAL life and still maintain a sinful lifestyle?” I’m not going to answer that question. But I will tell you this for sure… You can’t have ABUNDANT life and still maintain a sinful lifestyle. The two are in conflict. Abundant life comes from knowing the TRUTH and following it. Jesus said, “The truth will set you free.” Freedom is the very first benefit of ABUNDANT living. No one who is completely bound and tethered to a sinful lifestyle can enjoy ABUNDANT life because they don’t have freedom. Maybe they will enjoy ETERNAL life… I can’t say. But, it seems like if Jesus died to bring us ETERNAL life and ABUNDANT life that we would choose to receive both.
Titus 1:2
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
John 10:10
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
