Kent Bailey
Life in all of its forms is a mystery. While we recognize the reality of it and appreciate its importance and values, we still cannot totally grasp the full significance of its essence. As we consider life there is no weight, no dimension, but an invisible force.
When we consider life in all of its forms we become very much aware that it is indeed communicated. Life is brought about by both seed and germination. We note that when it comes to physical life, whether that of vegetation, animal, or human. The same principle is true when it comes to spiritual life.
New Testament Christianity—the religion of Christ is a life. That being the case, it is also communicated. During the personal ministry of Christ on earth, in preparation for the Gospel and the New Testament church, our Lord gave clear indication that acceptable religion in the coming Gospel age would be communicated—germinated by means of divine truth; the word of God. Christ affirmed this fundamental truth:
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me (John 6:44-45).
In considering the reality of spiritual life, it is found to be a process brought about by the word of God being communicated to individuals. That truth is affirmed throughout the New Testament and demonstrated in the accounts of conversion as recorded in the book of Acts. Paul, the apostle of Christ, affirmed the germinating power of the gospel. While spiritual life in Christ does not terminate in doctrine, it does owe its origin and existence in it:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth: to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (Rom. 1:16-17).
Life in all of its forms is considered precious. The plant struggles to live, animals cling to it, from the worms of the dust to the monsters in the depths of the sea. Humanity’s greatest fear is the loss of life.
In view of these fundamental truths let us give serious consideration to life in three domains:
The Domain of Nature
We enter nature by birth. Life in this realm is universal. It is not miraculous, but rather is brought about by procreation and the laws of nature (Psa. 8; Acts 17:24-29).
In considering the domain of nature, we note that the blessings of this aspect of life are both temporal and universal (Matt. 5:43-48). God gives the temporal blessings of physical life to all whether they be righteous or evil. As Christians we must react to all individuals in the same manner (Gal. 6:10).
As we consider the domain of nature we must also consider life not only in the present, but also in the hereafter. Between these to dominions there is spiritual life which results from salvation from sin. It differs from physical life (Acts 2:38-47; Rom. 6:3-11; Gal. 2:20; Rom. 8:2). For this aspect of life we look to the gospel of Christ.
The Domain of Grace
This is found within the kingdom of Christ, the New Testament church (Col. 1:1-23; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23;4:4; Rom. 5:1-2).
We enter into this domain by a spiritual birth (John 3:1-5). This genesis or birth is a new spiritual beginning by God’s divine forgiveness. It is not a miracle, but is accomplished by our acceptance of, and obedience to, the Gospel of Christ. Faith changes our trust (John 1:12), repentance changes our mind (Acts 17:30), confession of our faith changes our allegiance (Rom. 10:10) and baptism changes our spiritual state, or condition (Acts 2:38).
The domain of God’s grace brings one to spiritual blessings that are in Christ (Eph. 1:3). However, we must also live faithful to Christ (Heb. 10:39; Phlp. 2:12; Rev. 2:10).
The Domain of Glory
Christians will enter into this domain, or dominion, either by the resurrection from the grave or, if alive when Christ returns, by transformation (1 Cor. 15:20-26; 15:40-58; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).
Life on this earth is precious. We need to make the most of how long God allows us to live. We must also be good stewards of the time God has allotted us and use our time for his service and glory.
As great as life in the domain of nature really is, let us never forget that it is the time of preparation that God has given unto us to make ready for eternity. When we pass into eternity, either by death or the Lord’s coming, our destiny is sealed either for eternal rest, peace, and non-ending fellowship with God, or the eternal misery of an eternal Hell.
As a penitent believer in Christ, confess him and be baptized for the remission of sins today. As a fallen child of God, repent and return to Christ before it is too late. As a Christian, live faithfully, grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, and lead others to God’s truth. Life in all three domains is valuable. Let us take none of them for granted.
