Gary L. Grizzell
Life is like a vapor which appears only momentarily. It appears only to disappear. This is the teaching of James 4:13-17 with reference to the brevity of life. Life is like a flower of the grass in that it appears in a beautiful form and then fades away when the sun scorches it. We are called upon to endure the trials of life and then we shall receive the crown of life (eternal life).
Paul taught that the outward man is perishing, but that the afflictions which we suffer are but for a moment (2 Cor. 4:16-18). This life in length is but for a moment, in contrast with the life eternal of heaven. Our reward for living the faithful Christian life and facing up to tribulations and afflictions with faith, courage and hope is the reception of the eternal weight of glory. We are not to placefirst in our lives the things seen, but the things not seen are to take the priority in our minds. The eternal is more important than the temporal. Man that is born of woman is of few days (Job 14:1).
In view of the brevity (shortness) of life, consider the following Bible facts upon which we can count:
God Exists. There is an all-powerful, everywhere present and all-knowing God (Gen. 1:1). He is the creator of the universe. Men are without excuse to reject the fact of His existence (Romans 1:19-20). When man fell into sin, He sent His Son to save him from his sins (John 3:16). Our belief in God need not ever waiver (Heb. 11:6). He has promised to reward the diligent seeker of Himself and of His will for man.
The Bible Is The Inspired Word of God. It is written for our instruction (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The New Testament gives us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). It gives us guidance and comfort: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105).
Jesus Christ is God’s Only Begotten Son and Our Savior. At His baptism God the Father said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17). He is the one and only mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5).
Life Is Short. (Jas. 4:13-17).
Death Is Certain. “It is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment.” This is an appointment one cannot miss (Heb. 9:27). “The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).
Eternity Is Long. If we obey Him, then when He comes in the clouds on the last day, we shall ever be with Him in eternity (1 Thess. 4:17). Jesus is presently preparing a place for us (John 14:1-3). Thus, heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. We may look forward to an inheritance incorruptible which fades not away, reserved in heaven for us (1 Pet. 1:3-4).
We Can Be Certain Of Our Salvation. In a world of uncertainty we do not need to be uncertain. We may be certain that we may be certain. Jesus teaches we may “know” the truth which makes us free from man’s greatest problem—sin (John 8:31-32). The reason is because we have been given these Bible truths. These Bible facts serve as an anchor to our souls (Heb. 6:19).
