How shall we who are subject to death live forever? What is the key to endless life? What is that “something better” that we yearn for and understand not?
Jesus answers, John 17:3 “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” This is not a mere assent of the mind to truth but an absolute commitment and devotion of heart and life to the knowledge of God or His revealed will. In this knowledge man is to find the most fulfilling bliss, the purest joy unfettered and peace unsurpassed.
How then shall God be known? From the very first, He is introduced to us as the Creator, as the Maker and the Former of all things, whether they be things above or things beneath, all things were made by Him and for Him, this being the theme of this discourse. Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Following this is a description of His creative power expressed in six literal days. By His Word, this world was made, for “through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:3
Psalms 33
6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
With every day of creation, a new wonder was performed but of all the created things, none surpassed the crowning work of His creation, His masterpiece or chef d’oeuvre – Man.
The intent of God is made known in the following words:
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26
The purpose is made known in two parts:
• That man would be made in God’s image, after His likeness, which is to mean that man would “bear God’s image, both in outward resemblance and in character.” This is a most interesting thought to consider when we think of God as infinite, and rightly so for His Word declares Him so, 1 Timothy 1:17, 6:16, we realize that man made, in His innocence, was meant to grow more and more into godlikeness since God knows no end and as man would continue to learn of Him, knowing Him, he would continue to grow more and more like God.
• That man would have dominion over God’s created earth and all the creatures within the earth, man becoming rightful sovereign of the earth under God. This as well is to reflect
God’s character as Monarch of the entire universe. What is man that God is so mindful of him?
The divine intent is accomplished in the following words:
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27.
This is man’s origin. Man came from God. God made man. God is man’s Maker.
Shall we not again make it known? God created man in His image. There is no room for coming to false conclusions.
“He who set the starry worlds on high and tinted with delicate skill the flowers of the field, who filled the earth and the heavens with the wonders of His power, when He came to crown His glorious work, to place one in the midst to stand as ruler of the fair earth, did not fail to create a being worthy of the hand that gave him life. The genealogy of our race, as given by inspiration, traces back its origin, not to a line of developing germs, mollusks, and quadrupeds, but to the great Creator. Though formed from the dust, Adam was "the son of God." Patriarchs and Prophets 44.3
We further find that even gender was made by God which is to glorify Him too. It says, “male and female created He them.”
This story of man’s creation is so important that it is expanded in Genesis 2. Man is formed from the dust of the earth, God breathes in his nostrils and he becomes a living soul, God then plants a garden for man’s blessing, rich with fruit trees of all kinds and all kinds of ornamental plants. To man He gives work for his blessing. God even gives Adam a companion! He is ever blessing, ever loving and ever giving…
Do we see a God that stands aloof or a purposeful God drawing so near? Why is this important to know? For it reveals to us what we were meant to be and what we ought to be which is – like God.
Let’s come closer, who is this Creator? . "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.... All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:1-3. Who is this Word? It is the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:16 “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him…”
Jesus is the Creator. He reveals to man the Father. He is the Son of God. He is the life and the resurrection. He is the Lord, strong and mighty.
As Creator, Christ knows us through and through. And why not? He made us! He knows us, He knows our thoughts afar off, He knows everything we do, intimately acquainted with all we do. (Psalm 139:1-13) Let’s see a testimony from His word: KJV Psalms 139:14,15
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
He sees us even while being formed in the womb! He is our creator.
Back to our initial question, how shall we live forever? We must know God and His Son whom He has sent, this is eternal life. Who is our Creator? Christ Jesus is. This makes great meaning and is a reason then that He qualifies to be the Redeemer and Savior of fallen man, you and me, for He knows us through and through.
And so the appeal goes to you and to me:
KJV Job 22:21
21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee…
Fáwẹhìnmí Olúwatóbi.
