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WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT

In one short verse, Tang summarizes what is in every heart that pumps.

I’VE GOT DREAMS AND I’VE GOT THOUGHTS

AND I’VE GOT A LIFE TO SHARE

I’VE GOT A HEART THAT WANTS TO LOVE

AND A HOPE THAT SOMEONE CARES

We all have a desire to be known, to share the love within with someone who is responsive to our call.

Tang sings, “Hear me”, the cry of every individual desiring validation of worth. For most, they turn to the world to seek this approval from imperfect, fallible individuals, who cannot deliver what they do not possess: unconditional love and acceptance.

Jesus, the creator of all things, Jn 1:3 can and will love us unconditionally Lk 23:34, and desires to give meaning to our lives Jer 29:11 and fulfill our yearning to be known 1 Co 8:3. He meets all of our needs Php 4:19 while providing a purpose to live passionately for him 1 Pe 2:9.

This life is transient, brief; but the next one is eternal. We’re living in the “dot” but after this comes the “line” that never ends. How we use our time now will determine where, and in which manner we will experience eternity. Therefore, is it not wise, to please the One who truly loves us and will control our eternal destiny Mt 10:28?

He Loves You

2 Pe 3:9

TWO SIDES OF SALVATION:

Jesus asked the question:  “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” Since it was Caesar’s, Jesus’ answer was to give to Caesar what belonged to him and to give to God what belonged to God Mk 12:16,17. Adam was created by God, in His image Gen 1:27, thus, belonging to God. He was able to communicate with the Lord directly Gen 3:9,10. However, Adam’s sin triggered spiritual death Gen 2:17; the Holy Spirit departing because of sin Isa 59:2, and physical death Gen 5:5 (the spirit departing the body Jas 2:26 and returning to God, while the body returning back to the ground Ecc 12:7). Everyone since, has been born in the image of man—spiritually dead Gen 5:1,3, but, because of God’s goodness and grace, He restored temporary fellowship with mankind through the sacrificial system—killing of an animal Gen 3:21 to cover sin. God’s ultimate plan was to judge sin and reestablish our relationship wholly and permanently. He accomplished this by sending His Son, Jesus, to take on man’s nature and pay the penalty of sin through His substitutionary death Php 2:6,7,8. To receive this gift, one must belief the Gospel message. 

Jesus’ crucifixion paid sins’ debt and granted forgiveness Heb 9:22 to all who believe Jn 8:24 and repent Ac 3:19 making Jesus, “Saviour” of their lives.  His resurrection provided spiritual life, to all who receive Jesus Jn 1:12—who turn to God and die of self-rule Ro 6:4 making Jesus, “Lord” of their lives Ro 10:9. The one who repents and turns to God, is granted forgiveness and a new life Col 2:13, 2 Co 5:17.

The renunciation and crucifixion of sin grants us forgiveness.

The renunciation and crucifixion of self grants us life.

Click on image to enlarge.

Begin your new journey by reading through the Gospel of John and get to know your Saviour intimately. Gospel of John

 

Tang sings, “I want to love You Lord, the way You loved me!” That should be every Child of God’s desire. 

 

GOD’S SALVATION PLAN HIDDEN IN HIS CREATION DAYS:

DAY 1: Light                                

Inaugural Light: God establishes the Kingdom of Light to Deliver Man from Sin                               

In the Genesis account of creation, we find rich symbolism that connects to God’s plan of salvation. On the first day of creation, God’s act of bringing forth light becomes a symbol representing His Kingdom of Light. This kingdom serves as a sanctuary, a refuge from the Dominion of Darkness governed by Satan, where the redemption of sins finds its source through God’s beloved Son (Col 1:12-14). The scripture in 1 Thessalonians 5:5 beautifully encapsulates the transformation that occurs when one embraces this truth, becoming “Children of the Light” and “Children of the Day.”

Interesting, God states that there was evening then day, the darkness He called night and the light, day (Gen 1:5). Sin entered the world through Adam (Ro 5:12), darkness being the symbol for sin and the sons of disobedience (Eph 5:6) and light representing God’s children (Eph 5:8,14) through the Gospel (2 Co 4:6). Wow! God has hidden His salvation plan in the very first paragraphs of the Bible. 

The number one signifies the exclusive path to salvation, emphasizing that Jesus is the singular and ultimate way (Jn 14:6; Ac 4:11,12). Mirroring the description of Jesus as the light of the world (Jn 8:12; Isa 9:2), the first day of creation reflects this marvelous truth in a divine narrative that only God can forgive sins (Lk 5:21).

DAY 2: Waters                                                   

 Baptism of Choice: Dying to Self

During the second day of creation, we encounter the separation of waters above from waters below. The waters below represent our natural birth and earthly existence, underscoring the crucial need for a second birth, a spiritual rebirth “from above,” to gain access to God’s Kingdom of Light (Jn 3:5,6; Jn 4:10,13,14).

The number two signifies choice, reflecting the important decisions we face in life—choosing between life and death (Dt 30:19) and determining our allegiance, whether to serve God or succumb to the temptations of the adversary (Jos 24:15). The separation of these waters serves as a reminder of our need to make the correct choice to embrace God’s way over the allure of the world. It begins on Day Two by choosing to die to self in the waters below (Ro 6:3,4).

DAY 3: Dry Land                                                  

Resurrection Reflection: Choosing Life 

On the third day, God gathers the waters to reveal the dry land, foreshadowing of the Resurrection. Waters in the Bible symbolize unstable rebellious men (Rev 17:15, Isa 17:12,13) whereas solid ground (land) represents stability—God’s obedient people (Mt 7:24, Ps 1:3). Just as Jonah was vomited onto dry land after three days in the belly of the great fish (Jnh 2:10), Jesus rose from the dead on the third day (Mt 12:40). Interestingly, during Jonah’s ordeal, seaweed clung to his head (Jnh 2:5), resembling the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head (Mt 27:29). After dying to self, we rise out of the waters onto dry land to receive spiritual life (Ro 6:22,23). Moreover, this day symbolizes our role as believers to bear the fruit of God’s will (Jn 15:5), with the seed within (Gen 1:11) representing our call to be evangelists of the Gospel (Mt 13:23, Mt 28:19).

DAY 4: Lights Installed                                                        

Divine Illumination: God’s Plan to Guide His Creation

God provides beams of illumination for His Kingdom of Light. The sun stands as a representation of God Himself, illuminating the path for the “Children of the Day” and imparting to them His righteous ways and divine will. Their purpose is to fulfill His teachings.

In contrast, the moon symbolizes the “Children of the Day,” entrusted with the task of reflecting God’s light, which is truth, to those who find themselves in the bondage of the Dominion of Darkness. Interestingly, the various phases of the moon offer deep symbolism. We, as the “Children of Light,” are called upon to reflect the light of the Son, for we possess no light of our own. Our mission is to shine into the night and dispel the darkness that surrounds.

However, not all “Children of the Light” shine as they should. Some resemble half-moons, while regrettably, others are mere crescent-shaped moons, reflecting only limited truth. A solar eclipse symbolizes an individual who seeks to steal glory from God, presenting themselves as the source of light, while a lunar eclipse depicts someone who has become too entangled with the world, preventing God’s light from reaching them and, consequently, hindering their ability to reflect His light to the lost. Beyond them, the stars in the heavens are God’s celestial host—His angels—dedicated to serving those who will ultimately inherit the Kingdom of Light, as stated in Hebrews 1:14.

The number four symbolizes the worldly aspects, and in this context, it illustrates God’s divine plan for the fulfillment of His purpose for humanity.

Day 5: Waters and Sky Filled                        

Servants of Two Realms: Battlegrounds of the Soul and Spirit

On the fifth day of creation, God populated two distinct environments: the seas and the sky. Symbolically, the seas represent the battleground of the soul, where our inner struggles and conflicts unfold. This realm, akin to the world, is often influenced by the forces of darkness, represented by Satan. In this arena, we are called to a higher purpose – to serve our fellow human beings. Just as God has established symbiotic relationships within His creation, our mission is to bear fruit, live morally, and employ our unique gifts and talents to bless others while steadfastly resisting the temptations of self-interest and selfish ambition. Conversely, the sky symbolizes the battleground of the spirit. Here, we are to dedicate our hearts and devotion to God alone, avoiding the allure of false idols such as wealth, power, fame, and fleeting pleasures. This celestial expanse represents the realm where our spiritual journey takes flight, soaring above the earthly distractions that can lead us astray.

The number five exemplifies the abundant grace bestowed upon us by God. It also can be a symbol of preparedness. Just as David gathered five stones in readiness to face Goliath 1 Sa 17:40, the wisdom of the five virgins shone as they were prepared for the arrival of the Bridegroom Mt 25:1-13. God equips us with intelligence, talents, and beauty, presenting us with the remarkable opportunity to express our gratitude through wholehearted love for both our neighbor and our Creator, as beautifully articulated in Luke 10:27.

Day 6: Animals and Mankind Created                           

The Divine Parable of Creation: Man’s Role           

On the sixth day of creation, God brought forth three distinct types of animals, each bearing symbolic significance in the tapestry of His divine plan. Among them, we find livestock, representing individuals who profess faith in God but remain distant in their hearts. These domesticated animals were to be helpmates for God’s purposes, but unless forced into serving the LORD, they are content to live only for their basic needs—food and shelter. Then there are the creeping crawlers, emblematic of worldly souls who prioritize the pleasures of the flesh, indulging in revelry, and seeking immediate gratification. Lastly, we encounter the wild animals, personifying those who have allowed darkness to enter their hearts, perpetrating heinous acts of evil under the influence of malevolent forces.

Yet, amidst these three groups, God has placed a distinct category of individuals. These are the ones who have come to grips with their sinful nature, humbled themselves before God, and received His boundless mercy. They are devoted to advancing His kingdom, energized and guided by the Holy Spirit. The number six, often associated with humanity, is one step away from the perfect number seven, representing God. It underscores the pivotal role of humanity in God’s divine plan. Despite our imperfections, through recognition of our fallen state and through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, we can align ourselves with the will of God and become vessels of His grace and purpose.

Day 7: Eternal Rest                                                     

Entering God’s Eternal Sabbath: Man’s Choice

In the culmination of His creative work, God rested, as beautifully documented in Genesis 2:2. This divine Sabbath rest, as explained in Hebrews 4:9-10, extends an invitation to all people of God. It is a rest that transcends mere physical relaxation; it is a spiritual rest that calls upon us to cease striving for our salvation. Jesus, in John 6:29, revealed that the very work of God is centered on belief in Him. When we fully embrace this marvelous truth of the Gospel—that Jesus has accomplished the redemptive work on our behalf—we inherit the promise of eternal life, a Sabbath rest in which we will dwell eternally with our Creator.

Yet, regrettably, for those who reject God’s grace, they will receive what they ultimately desired: an eternity of separation from the God of the kingdom of Light. In the opening chapter of His Word, God provides a concise summary of His overarching narrative, a story He yearns for each of His creations to comprehend, accept, and embrace. The choice, as always, remains a deeply personal one.

The number seven, recurring throughout the Bible, is rich in symbolism, representing God’s eternal rest, a divine plan awaiting all who accept His Son, Jesus, as their Savior. This ultimate rest signifies not only a cessation of labor but an everlasting communion with the Creator, an eternal Sabbath where the redeemed will find their eternal home.