In the 17th century, a French mathematician and philosopher asked himself a perplexing question, “Do I really exist.” After considerable thought, Rene’ Descartes concluded that since he was the one asking the question it was only logical that he must exist. After all, if he didn’t exist he couldn’t have asked the question. His summation, “Cogito ergo sum” translated, “I think therefore I am.”
The meaning of life has been a topic of concern for all of human existence.
· How did we get here?
· Is there an Intelligent Creator?
· Did everything happen by chance?
· If I am here by chance, how was that possible?
· Is life really just a dream?
The answers, or lack, of these and similar existential questions forms the foundation for each individual world-view and philosophical outlook. This belief system then easily transfers to decisions and actions which affect all of life. After all, like a child, I will act very differently if I know someone is watching than I might if I believe I am my own judge and my actions have no consequences.
When Jesus came onto the scene, He did not ask these questions – Instead, He answered them:
· “I am the way, the truth and the life…” – John 14:6
· “I am the resurrection and the life…” – John 11:25
· “Before Abraham was, I Am” – John 8:58
Noted theologian Matthew Henry points out that while each of us needs a High Priest to take us to the Father, Jesus is His own way.
· Jesus entered the Holy of Holies by His own blood – Hebrews 9:12
· He both gave and purchased life by His death
· He overcame death by resurrection revealing His power over life and death
· He is our ultimate and perfect High Priest and sacrificial lamb
In John 1, the Bible tells us that the son existed with the Father from the very beginning. We see the work of the Triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in all of creation.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:1-14 NKJV [Emphasis mine]
Simplistically stated, our life emanates from God who is life. When Adam sinned in the garden, the life giving source was shut-off and we began to die. Jesus came to plug us back in. If we resist, the absence of life-giving source will cause us to continue dying even to the point of eternal death in Hell. With the life-giving source however, we are promised abundant life here on earth and eternal life in the very presence of the life-giving source for eternity. That’s something I can live for!
Please choose life!