Faith without religion.
Path to Eternal Life: Overcoming, Hearing, Following
In a recent teaching, we explored the profound promises Jesus offers to those who “overcome,” “have ears to hear,” and “follow His word until the end.” This journey through Revelation has been a deep dive into understanding the path to eternal life, which Jesus describes as a “strait gate” and a “narrow way” that few find. Contrary to some modern interpretations, Jesus emphasizes that the way to life is narrow, not broad.
The culmination of our study reveals that the ultimate reward for discovering this path is life to its fullest—eternal life without loss or hindrance. This is a life illuminated by God’s consuming fire, where all that is laid on the altar is precious and enduring. Scripture reminds us that everyone, including believers, will reap what they have sown. While God’s grace and forgiveness can erase past sins, the rewards or promises of Christ are tied to what we have sown.
We also touched on the reality of suffering in this world. Despite advancements and efforts to alleviate pain, suffering remains an inescapable part of life. Yet, through suffering, we are often moved to make choices—choices that define how we live and what we focus on. The world offers a carnival of options, but ultimately, we must decide whether to focus on the here and now or the life hereafter.
In this context, we discussed the concept of “God Land,” a metaphorical place where people seek comfort through religious activities. While these activities provide a sense of community and comfort, they can also distract from the true call of Christ, which is to follow Him outside the comforts of the world and into a life of selflessness and sacrifice.
The teaching concluded with a call to action: to move beyond the comforts of “God Land” and embrace the path of true discipleship, which involves daily crucifixion of the self and living as new creatures in Christ. This path, though challenging, leads to the promises of eternal life and the rewards that come with overcoming the trials of this world. As we continue our study, we are reminded of the words to the church in Smyrna, acknowledging their works, tribulation, and poverty, yet affirming their true richness in faith.