Filter by Categories
The Elements of Motivation (Part Six): Eternal Life
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEternal life, as used biblically, extends beyond the mere concept of living without end. It encompasses a profound, intimate relationship with God, akin to the deepest bond between two individuals, where heart and mind unite in true love. This intimacy is vital, for knowing God opens the path to the freest and most rewarding expressions of an abundant life, yielding a rich harvest of immeasurable enjoyment. Eternal life is not just endless existence; it includes fellowship with God and beginning to live as He does. When God grants eternal life, He offers a unique existence, distinct from the life of death we lived before our calling. This fellowship, the highest form, is reserved for those whom God summons, binding us to a community comparable to a body with Christ as the Head. It is marked by self-sacrificial love, mutual service, concern, prayer, labor, and helpfulness. Life beyond the grave is tied to the life we live now, for permanent value and reality abide only in God's purpose and will. Those who align with His will and conform to it belong to eternity, walking eternally with Him through the blood of Jesus Christ and the way we live. Conversely, living according to the lusts of the flesh leads to destruction, as it opposes God's will. Thus, we must choose between the passing reality of the world and the permanent, eternal reality of God's way.
Investing in Eternal Life
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughEternal life, as described in I Timothy 6:17-19, is connected to the actions and conduct of believers in the present age. Those who are rich are commanded not to be arrogant or to trust in uncertain wealth, but to put their hope in the living God, who richly provides all things for enjoyment. They are urged to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. By doing so, they store up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. This life in the future is not merely eternal, but a life worth living, described as the abundant life, which is the effect or reward of being generous in good works. This principle applies to all, not just the wealthy, as everyone can give through time, energy, talents, and intelligence. Conduct now is seen as an investment in the Kingdom of God, laying up treasures in heaven through generous giving and service. This investment sets the foundation for eternal life, shaping character and personality in the present, which will continue into the future. Believers are encouraged to vigorously pursue and lay hold on this life that is truly life, making the best use of resources to sacrifice and serve in God's way, securing great reward in building the right kind of character for the Kingdom of God.
Do You Really Want Just Any Eternal Life?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsEternal life, as depicted in the celebration of Pentecost, marks the church as the firstfruits of salvation, the first to be spiritually begotten and born into God's Family, and the first to receive this divine gift. It is not merely about the length of existence but emphasizes a quality and character of life that mirrors the divine nature of God Himself. This life is a free gift given to those who believe in His Son, fostering fellowship with God through Christ. God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. The purpose of this testimony is to stir faith in Christ, leading to a life of belief, following, and developing His character. The assurance of eternal life is a present certainty, not a gradual growth, affirming that we have received and continue to have this life abiding in us through Jesus Christ. Eternal life means serenity, as in God there is peace, liberating us from fears and granting inner tranquility through reconciliation with Him. It signifies the defeat of frustration through the power of God, enabling victory over circumstances and spiritual strength to remain faithful. It embodies holiness, representing the defeat of sin with a transcendent purity that separates us from the world's infections. It also means the end of bitterness and hatred, as God's love forms the heart of this life, ensuring constant care and the response of love from us. Finally, eternal life means the defeat of death, offering an indestructible life through union with God, only accessible through Jesus Christ. This eternal life is not to be confused with mere endless existence but is a priceless treasure, characterized by the quality of our new existence in Christ. It demands absolute allegiance and self-surrender to Him, revealing that true life eternal is fellowship with the Father and His Son, present in those who have the Son living in them.
The Gift of Eternal Life
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe, as the firstfruits of the Spirit, are the first to be spiritually adopted into God's Family and the first to receive eternal life. This redemption of our body is associated with the gift of eternal life, for which we eagerly wait. Yet, we must consider if any type of eternal life is worth our excitement, or if we desire it regardless of the circumstances. Most people long for eternal life, but only with vibrant health, not with severe pain, suffering, conflict, war, murder, pestilence, disease, or hatred. God has taught us to aim for a much greater life and has shown us the way to attain it through His testimony concerning His Son. This testimony, which stirs up faith in Christ, declares that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Eternal life is not about mere length of time but about its divine character and quality. It is a free gift from God to those who believe in His Son and experience fellowship with Him through Christ. Eternal life is God's final testimony to His Son, embodying the knowledge of and fellowship with God and His Son. As stated in I John 5, whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. Eternal life is found only in God's Son and cannot be separated from Him. It is an undeserved gift, a present possession in Christ, emphasizing the quality and character of life rather than its duration. The purpose of this testimony is that we may believe and, by believing, have life in His name. The assurance of eternal life is a present certainty, abiding in us through the presence of Jesus Christ. Eternal life is the essence of the Christian life, meaning far more than simply lasting forever. It is the life of God Himself, a share in His very life offered to us here and now. This life brings serenity through God's peace, defeating fear and anxiety. It offers power to overcome frustration and achieve victory over circumstances through the strength of God's Spirit. It embodies holiness, defeating sin with the transcendent purity of God, separating us from the world's infections. It encompasses love, ending bitterness and hatred, with God's love at its core, sustained by His constant care. Finally, it means the defeat of death, an indestructible life through the indestructibility of God Himself, ensuring that life's demands and changes do not have the last word. Eternal life comes only through Jesus Christ, as He alone fully reveals God to us and provides the new and living way into His presence. It is a quality and character of new existence in Christ, granted by God as a gift to believers, oriented toward a blessed future. Jesus demands absolute and unhindered discipleship as a condition for eternal life, requiring total commitment and self-surrender to God's claim. The testimony of God is that through His Son, He gave us eternal life, present in His Son, offering fellowship with the Father and His Son to those who have Him.
Are You Living the Abundant Life?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughNon-Christians tend to see Christianity as an utterly boring, rigid way of life. However, Jesus says He came to give His disciples abundant life. Here's how.
In Him Was Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough we have physical-chemical existence, we do not yet have God's quality of life. The key quality of eternal life is a vibrant relationship with God.
Life in the Church
Sermon by David C. GrabbeOutwardly, many members in Sardis bore Christ's name, but like the apparently religious Pharisees, they were in reality hypocrites, full of dead men's bones.
Are You Living an Abundant Life?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf Christianity is lived the way Christ intended, rather than as represented by media caricatures, it is one of the most exhilarating and abundant lifestyles.
Eternal Responsibilities
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe each have an eternal responsibility to do the will of God, continually seeking Him. Those who do not choose God's way of life will be mercifully put to death.
Death Is Not the End (Part Seven)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThere is life after death; there is an age to come in which all who have not been called to salvation will be raised to new life to hear what God offers.
Elements of Motivation (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life, emphasizing a special intimate relationship with God the Father and Christ, is vastly different from immortality, connoting only endless existence.
The Second Death
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeFor those who have submitted their lives to God, turning their lives around in repentance, there is no fear of the Second Death—eternal death in the Lake of Fire.

What Is the Second Death?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe second death is an event beyond physical death. It disproves the traditional heaven-hell and immortal soul doctrines, yet demonstrates God's perfect justice.

From Both Sides Now and the Greatest Day
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must know both where we are starting and where we are going, having absolute faith that we will get there. If we do, taking that last step will be as certain as the first.
These Things We Know
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe writings of John contain nine categories of "we know" assertions. Fully knowing consists of developing a deep intense relationship with God.
Passover and the Blood of Jesus Christ
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist's blood does much more than remit sin; it gives eternal life. The Passover wine represents the blood of the covenant, by which we are made complete.
John (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEternal life is to know God, seeking Him to imitate Him, living as He does, and developing an intimate relationship with Him. This brings an abundant life.
Raising Our Conception of the Resurrection
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we are satisfied with the fact that Jesus was resurrected, we miss its full glory and significance, as it has eternal consequences for God's elect.
Deuteronomy (Part 1) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDeuteronomy could be considered the New Testament of the Old Testament, serving as a commentary on the Ten Commandments. It gives vision for critical times.
Four Views of Christ (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist provides a model of how to live a godly life in the flesh, living life the way God lives it. Using His light, we can navigate our way in this world.
We Shall Be God
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Though it may sound pretentious or even blasphemous, God's Word shows that we will become literal offspring of the Eternal God, sharing His name and nature.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Three: Satan's Three Heresies
Article by David C. GrabbeWhen Satan confronted Adam and Eve, he fed them three heresies that Gnosticism incorporated into its parasitic philosophy and way of life.
Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Garden of Eden was probably prepared or planted after Adam was created so he could see God at work, providing him an example of diligence and satisfaction.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJohn 6 has always been a difficult chapter to explain. However, Jesus' teaching is clear. Here is what it means to us.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have access to a Trailblazer, who has gone before us to show us the way. The only way can have fellowship with the Father is through Jesus Christ.
Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo appropriate the name of God means to represent His attributes, character and nature. Our behavior must imitate Christ just as Christ revealed God the Father.
John (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhat we believe automatically determines what we do; it is impossible to separate faith and works. If Jesus is not our source of belief, our works will suffer.
What Do You Mean . . . Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletNot one in a hundred knows what salvation is—how to get it or when you will receive it. Don't be too sure you do! Here is the truth, made plain.
Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man illustrates the resurrections from the dead and the Second Death. Knowing the hidden time element is key.
Basic Doctrines: Salvation
Bible Study by Earl L. HennAre you saved already or are you being saved? What is salvation anyway? What part do we play? Here is a study of God's Word on salvation.