Living Faith: Action as the Pathway to Eternal Life (03/02/'24)*

Living Faith: Action as the Pathway to Eternal Life In the heart of the Gospel, we find a profound conversation between Jesus and a lawyer that reveals the essence of what it means to live a life aligned with God’s will. This dialogue, rich in wisdom, unveils the truth that knowing the law is not enough; we must embody it through our actions. Jesus emphasizes that eternal life is accessed through the love of God and our neighbors—a principle that demands more than mere acknowledgment but active engagement. Salvation, as Jesus teaches, is deeply rooted in our relationships with God and others. It is a clarion call to action, urging us to live out our faith through acts of love and kindness. This is not a solitary journey but a communal endeavor that lightens our burdens and brings rest to our souls, as promised by Jesus. He assures us that His way is not burdensome but filled with grace and peace. Moreover, Jesus clarifies that the true work of God is to believe in Him whom God has sent. This belief is not passive but a catalyst for transformation, driving us to live in a way that reflects our faith. As James reminds us, faith without works is lifeless. Our faith must be vibrant and active, evidenced by our deeds and the love we share. Thus, the path to eternal life and fulfilling God's will is not merely through belief but through a living faith that manifests in our actions. It is an invitation to actively engage with the teachings of Jesus, to love deeply, and to serve others, thereby walking the path that leads to true life. Let us embrace this journey with open hearts, knowing that in doing so, we find the essence of life itself. Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 3, 2024) =========================================== In seeking the essence of living a life aligned with God's will, a pivotal interaction unfolds between Jesus and a lawyer, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke. The lawyer inquires about the key to eternal life, prompting Jesus to reference the core of Mosaic law: the dual commandment to love God with all one's heart and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Luke 10:25–27). Jesus emphasizes that merely understanding this commandment is not sufficient; it demands action. He assures, "DO THIS, AND YOU WILL LIVE" (Luke 10:28), underlining that the pathway to eternal life is not through passive acknowledgment but through the active embodiment of these principles. This interaction underscores a fundamental Christian belief: salvation is intricately tied to one's relationship with God and with fellow humans. It's a call to action, stressing that faith must be lived out through concrete acts of love and compassion towards God and others. Moreover, Jesus offers comfort and guidance, inviting all who are burdened to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30). His message is one of hope and reassurance, promising that following Him does not add to our burdens but lightens them, for His way is "easy" and His burden "light." Central to living out this faith is the concept articulated by Jesus in John 6:29, where He defines the work of God as believing in the one He has sent. This belief is not passive; it is an active trust that transforms how we live. It aligns with the teaching in James 2:17 that faith, if not accompanied by action, is dead. True faith manifests in actions that reflect our belief in Jesus and His teachings. In summary, the journey towards eternal life and fulfillment of God's will is a dynamic process of loving God and others, grounded in a faith that is alive and expressed through our deeds. It's a call to not only believe in the teachings of Jesus but to actively embody them in our daily lives, thereby walking in the path that leads to eternal life.