SEO Optimised article
Beware the article below is seo (search engine optimised) and was written for this specific purpose by a guest writer.
Out of curiosity
Out of curiosity, to find out what the prevailing perception on the internet is with regards to eternal life, life everlasting and living forever, I asked an experienced seo writer to write me a 500 word article on the subject. Below is what came up. From this we can see that Christians like to hear and believe that God’s promises are true. Christians believe that everlasting life is assured to them who will accept Jesus as their savior. Christians believe that following Christ requires sacrifice, patience, and grace. And to have everlasting life you must be born again.
– This is the beginning of the seo optimised article –
God’s promises are true
Christians believe that God’s promises are true, and they come to pass. The scripture says; those people who have faith in Jesus Christ will attain an eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It is wonderful to know that them who believe in Jesus Christ will live forever, long after leaving the earth.
Everlasting life is assured
Everlasting life is assured to them who will accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Christians should note that accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior has many challenges, and they ought to make hard choices and difficult decisions. Matthew 16:24, 25 (NIV) say; Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” Based on this scripture, you have to deny yourself the pleasures the world and follow Jesus Christ with all your heart. You have to emulate His way of life for you to live everlasting life.
Following Christ requires sacrifice, patience, and grace
Leaving our worldly life to follow Christ requires sacrifice, patience, and grace. But the reward for getting an eternal life outdoes the sacrifices. All the same, we need God’s grace in order to follow him wholeheartedly. It is clear in the scriptures that for man to live forever, it is by grace not by works. The Pharisees struggled to please God by bringing offerings yet they were ignoring the most important facets of great human existence like love and kindness. Matthew 23:23 (NIV) warns those who are after pleasing God with sacrifices like money and charitable works in order to live everlasting life. It clearly states; “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices- mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the most important matters of the law- justice, mercy, and faith. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
To obtain everlasting life you must be born again
Jesus Christ told Nicodemus that if you have to live everlasting life you must be born again. Nicodemus wondered how it was possible for an old man to go back to his mother’s womb to get eternal life. In John 3:4-6 (NIV) Nicodemus asked, “How can a man be born when he is old? Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” 5Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth; no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the spirit.6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to spirit.” This scripture outlays to us that to enter the Kingdom of God we should accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior. Being born again in this context refers to deserting our old sinful ways and accepting to follow righteousness for us to live forever.
– This is the end of the seo optimised article –
God’s promises are true and come to pass
God’s Word tells us that God’s promises are true and come to pass.
And yes we’re told that For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
However to think that this scripture verse stands on its own and that believe by itself will do is simplifying things a little. The seo article writer indeed goes on to clarify that more is expected of followers. James also puts it quite eloquently,
Thou believest that there is one God;
thou doest well:
the devils also believe, and tremble.
Obviously, as mentioned in the seo article, our behaviour will have to emulate Jesus’ walk in life or we’ll just be found out to be fakes.
Let us not love in word,
neither in tongue;
but in deed and in truth.
Jesus said that to obtain everlasting life one must be born again and he himself was baptised in his late twenties by his cousin John the Baptist. We’re supposed to walk as he walked.
Eternal life is not for sale
The seo article makes it very clear that eternal life is not for sale and cannot be bought with any amount of work or money when it states that, ‘It is clear in the scriptures that for man to live forever, it is by grace not by works.’
To be entitled to this grace Jesus tells us that we are to “practice the most important matters of the law- justice, mercy, and faith without neglecting the former.” With this Jesus tells us about the kind of behaviour expected from those who will be drawn by the Father.
For man to live forever
When Jesus was asked, ‘What to do to obtain eternal life,’ He told the story about the Samaritan. Jesus told the story about the Samaritan as an example of what is expected from people who may live forever. The Samaritan really went out of his way and worked hard to save a complete stranger.
According to research on the internet the Samaritans are also known as “Guardians /Keepers/ Watchers of the Law /Torah (from the Samaritan Hebrew: שוֹמְרִים Samerim), Jewish Hebrew: שומרונים Shomronim, Arabic: السامريونSāmeriyyūn) are an ethnoreligious group of the Levant, descended from ancient Semitic inhabitants of the region.
When Jesus answered the lawyer’s question on what needs to be done to obtain eternal life, Jesus did not say that to obtain eternal life we need to have grace and faith and not works, quite the contrary.
Jesus said something to the extent of, ‘To obtain eternal life we must love God with our whole being, love our fellow human beings and keep God’s commandments. In addition we must act like the Samaritan.’
So work does come into it. Work just cannot be used as a bribe.
Wow, how clear are those guidelines?
Also in the bible the whole of chapter two of James explains in minute detail how faith without works is dead.
Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone
O vain man, faith without works is dead …
by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
For as the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead also.
Sure it is GOD who determines our destiny and we certainly rely on his grace for anything in this life and possible afterlife but if any of us were to think that everlasting life can be bought or is assured for some and that just grace is sufficient to swing those pearly gates in our favour, we may be in for a surprise. Jesus promises to reward everyone according to their works.
There is only one Judge
My curiosity is now satisfied and the above quoted seo article confirms to me that there are gaps in the knowledge on the public domain with regards to living forever and everlasting life.
Yes, we need faith and yes we need grace and yes we also need to work hard to remain in that grace and keep holding on to that faith.
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
There is only one Judge and when we meet at the pearly gates I pray that they’ll swing wide open for both of us.
It continues to be my prayer for my readers that you all may live forever!
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ABOUT THE CONTENT – All content on this website is copyrighted and you can read more about this here. Please also read the disclaimer about my authority and qualifications.
ABOUT THIS BLOG – We’re researching the truth of living forever according to GOD’s Holy Word; Sola Scripture. Popular opinion tells us that everyone who ‘believes’ and has ‘faith’ will go to heaven. Is this true? I decided to ask the prophets about the truth of it all.
ABOUT SCRIPTURE CARDS – If you want to send free Scripture Cards to your friends click here and if you want to buy hard copies of Scripture Cards you can click here. To download a free copy of my Story of Survival click here.
Looking for a church with Biblical values.
The other day I was talking with a friend who told me that she has not been able to find a church that reflects Biblical values. Our chat reminded me of why I am writing this blog, which is to share my study on how to live forever according to Scripture.
Many Christians and believers I’ve met, have set ideas about ‘living forever.’ Their beliefs are usually based on what their churches teach them. I decided to find out for myself what the Bible has to say about ‘living forever’ without church doctrine or denominational flavours.
The Second Commandment was taken out of the Catholic Bible.
I was raised a Catholic and Catholics aren’t known to read their Bible much. I used to sit in church with Mum and Dad and listen to sermons being preached in Latin. I was only a child and didn’t understand a word of what was being said in Latin. Even if I had understood I still would not have known if it was God’s Word or not because we were not encouraged to read our Bible so I would not have been able to cross reference. I just assumed that churches preach God’s Word.
It wasn’t till years later that I discovered that the Catholic church actually changed the wording in their Bible. For instance, the Second Commandment has been taken out of the Catholic Bible. This explains why idolatry is rife within the Catholic faith but that’s another story.
Before I read the Bible I used to think that all church doctrine was based on Scripture and I was really surprised to find out that this is definitely not always the case.
Jesus wasn’t too jazzed about churches.
On my blog, I am sharing what GOD’s prophets and His Son have to say about ‘living forever’ based on the words ‘live forever’ as they appear throughout Scripture. During my studies, I discovered that Jesus isn’t too jazzed about what goes on in churches. Jesus sent stern warnings to various churches in the first three chapters and the last chapter of the book of Revelation, which is the last book in the Bible.
Many of today’s churches teach us that ‘people are saved by faith.’ What does Jesus have to say to the churches about this? Jesus doesn’t tell us that we’re saved by faith only. Jesus tells us that it matters what we think as well as what we do,
Jesus says that everyone will receive according to their works. He mentions this in the last book of the Bible. First in the second chapter and then He repeats this in the last chapter. No promises here of special treatment for anyone. Just plain common sense… according to your works.
Jesus says, I won’t acknowledge lawless ones as my own.
Is having your bum on a church pew as good as a ticket in?
Jesus did not say, ‘Oh well you believe in me, so, therefore, you’re part of my special posse.’ No, He said, believe on Him that sent me.
Jesus has specific requirements for his followers and there are many requirements that seemingly very dedicated followers won’t adhere to. This often happens because church doctrine confuses people and they’ve been made to believe that having their bum on a church pew is as good as a ticket in. Or church doctrine teaches people that a statement of faith is all that is required to receive eternal favours.
What did Jesus say about this? Jesus said, don’t come telling me that you’ve done all sorts of good things in my name if you don’t even get the basics right and refuse to follow my Father’s law.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?
and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work lawlessness (iniquity).
It took me a little while to figure out who Jesus was referring to with the above Scripture. Initially, I found it hard to imagine that believers would think that they are above the law. Eventually, I discovered that there are indeed many believers who are convinced that they have been made ‘holy’ and won’t have to make an effort to follow the commandments; just because they claim to have faith and believe in Jesus.
Thou believest that there is one GOD; Guess what? thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble … faith without works is dead.
Jesus says, ye hypocrites .. teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Jesus addressed the clergy of his time as hypocrites because of their church doctrine.
What the churches teach today is nothing new. They did the same in Jesus’ day, more than two thousand years ago. Churches still make up their own rules and regulations instead of sticking to the will of the Father and teach their followers to follow GOD’s commandments.
Jesus is the Son of GOD.
Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth to bear witness to his Father’s Word which is also called the truth. Just before He was crucified Jesus said,
Around one-third of the world population claims to follow Jesus. But how many of us really do? How many of us walk as he walked?
Jesus preaching in the synagogue.
For people such as my friend referred to earlier in this post, who loves GOD’s Word but has not been able to find a church which reflects GOD’s Word; the following is what happened to Jesus when he spoke the truth in his own place of worship.
Jesus reading in the synagogue on the Sabbath.
One day when Jesus was in Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as his custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for to read. And even though the churchgoers wondered at the gracious words which came out of his mouth; they also said, Is not this Joseph’s son? Jesus received a lukewarm reception because the people of the church knew him as the carpenter’s son.
Jesus speaking the truth and exposing hypocrisy.
Jesus continued his teaching by saying that being a believer doesn’t entitle anyone to favourable treatment. Jewish people are generally known as GOD’s chosen in a similar way that many Christians believe that they are Jesus’ chosen and entitled to special treatment and privileges.
In the synagogue, Jesus reminds the congregation that GOD sent special help and favour to a widow and her son who both were from a non-Jewish town. This was during a period of several years of severe drought when all Jewish people equally suffered throughout the drought. Yet a lady and her son from a non-Jewish town were helped by one of GOD’s prophets throughout the drought and favoured over and above all the believers.
With their hypocrisy exposed the ‘holier than thou’s’ in the church got so mad that they chased Jesus out of their church and city and attempted to throw Him down a hill.
The Son of God was thrown out of a church for speaking the truth.
Jesus ran away from the hypocrites and found himself another town where people were more receptive to his teachings and healings.
If you’ve been thrown out of a church or Bible-reading gathering for speaking the truth and exposing hypocrisy; don’t fret, you’re in good company.
More messages from Jesus.
Other messages passed on by Jesus about preaching the gospel as relayed to his disciples were as follows,
The Kingdom of God has come nigh unto you.
Receiving the Good News is akin to accepting an invitation into the kingdom of GOD. Not everyone accepts this invitation. This may be because repentance goes hand in hand with this invitation and not everyone is genuinely remorseful about their muck-ups nor prepared to better themselves.
Step-by-step guidelines.
Following are step-by-step guidelines set by Jesus from start to finish for sharing the Good News, including what to do when the invitation is declined.
Jesus sent them forth by two and two.
And gave them power to heal all manner of sickness and disease.
He said, go as you are without dilly-dallying.
Bring wishes of peace.
Freely ye have received, freely give.
Accept what is given to you.
Stay where you’re invited.
Don’t go from house to house.
If they don’t receive you … leave.
Know that ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
When they persecute you in a city, flee ye into another.
Wipe the dust of your feet and let them know that
The kingdom of GOD came nigh unto them.
He that heareth you heareth me;
And he that despiseth you despiseth me;
And he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
He that knoweth GOD heareth us.
If people are not receptive, move on.
If people are not interested in what you have to share about the Gospel it is time to move on.
Don’t go telling others how to believe according to your own faith. If people don’t (want to) hear you, let them be. Not everyone is able to hear unless drawn by The Father.
Set a good example.
Extraordinary as this may seem, there are believers who make it their business to tell others that GOD’s law is not applicable to them. This is what Jesus has to say about that,
Once more, just plain good old common sense tells us to set a good example by sticking to some basic rules and obey our Maker by not lying, nor killing nor stealing, nor coveting and so on. Just as Jesus did, who is our example and without sin.
Don’t offend little ones.
Jesus is not impressed if newcomers or little ones that believe in him are offended.
Some well-meaning believers think it is their duty to impart their wisdom and understanding upon others. What is wisdom and understanding according to Scripture?
Judge not.
If someone is helping others in Jesus’ name but is not part of your congregation or church; Jesus says, leave them alone. Don’t go telling others how to believe according to your faith. If anyone does good work in Jesus’ name, that speaks for itself and is not to be rebuked. Judge not that you’ll be not judged for the LORD is our lawgiver and judge.
GOD’s message is a message of truth.
So to my friend and others who are not being welcomed into church communities, Jesus was very clear about it. GOD’s message is one of truth.
The LORD shall judge the people with his truth. The Bible tells us what truth means. GOD’s law is truth, his commandments are truth, his Word is truth. His truth endures forever.
The Word was made flesh … full of grace and truth. Jesus came to bear witness to the truth and He said that everyone that is of the truth hears Him.
If people are not teaching this message or receptive to this message, move on. GOD’s people will hear you and if people despise you when you share Good News, don’t be surprised. Jesus warned us that this is likely to happen.
In fact, he tells us to leap for joy when we get rejected.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
We’re researching the truth of living forever according to GOD’s Holy Word; Sola Scripture. Popular opinion tells us that everyone who ‘believes’ and has ‘faith’ will go to heaven. Is this true? I decided to ask the prophets about the truth of it all.
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