THE BIBLE AND FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

 

THE BIBLE AND FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD

Devotional Text: James 2:23

Introduction:

The Holy Scripture shows that Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called the friend of God, (James 2:23). Similarly, Jesus said to his disciples, “henceforth I call you not servant; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15). The obvious truth in the above citations is that nothing would have given birth to the conferment of this “divine appellation” if not love which developed as a result of deep God-man relationships. Therefore, this Bible lesson seeks to throw up a challenge that serves as a motivation that could stir the people into an uncompromising relationship with the Lord.

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)     Friendship with the Lord comes by believing Him from the deepest part of the heart, (James 2:23)

(2)     Jesus called His disciples friends because they yielded to Him totally and wholeheartedly (John 15:15)

(3)     The difference between a servant and a friend is that a friend knows what his friend (or Lord)

does, but a servant does not know, (vs. 15)

(4)     The Scripture shows that the Lord demonstrated the intimacy of friendship when He said,”shall I hide

from Abraham that thing which I do?” (Gen. 18:17)

FRIENDSHIP WITH THE LORD COMES BY BELIEVING HIM DEEPLY IN THE HEART

The Scriptural expression, “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness”, and he was called the friend of God” (James 2:23) readily shows that it takes a hearty trust in the Lord to become His friend. To believe is to accept that someone is telling the truth, and to trust is to repose confidence on someone. So, Abraham really believed the promise of God, as well as placed his confidence on Him. In other words, Abraham trusted the Lord without wavering. Thus, he pleased Him by his faith, since it is impossible to please God without faith, (Heb.11:6). This, therefore, presents a very strong point of challenge to everyone who says he believes in Christ in today’s Christianity. For, by faith:

(i)                   Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance obeyed: and he went out, not knowing where he went, (Heb. 11:8)

(ii)                 He sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise (vs. 9)

(iii)                Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac and he that had received the promise offered

 up his only begotten son, (vs. 17)

In line with the foregoing, this lesson asks, where is your faith, (Heb. 10:38; 11:6)? Where is your obedience, (vs. 6; Deut. 28)? Where I your long suffering, (Heb. 10:36-37)? Where is your sacrifice, (Heb. 11:17; Rom. 12:1-2)? Where is your hospitality, (Gen. 18:1-8; Heb. 13:2)? And, where is your love for the needy, (James 2:15-16)?

FRIENDSHIP WITH THE LORD IS MAINTAINED BY HOLY RELATIONSHIP

The call, “be ye holy, for I am holy”, is a call to holy relationship, without which no one would have any dealing with the Lord. This call was first to the Old Testament believers (Lev. 15:45), and then, to those of the New Testament, (1 Peter 1:15-16). God is holy, and without holiness, no one will see Him (Heb. 12:14) really means that one cannot relate with the Lord without keeping oneself holy. Therefore, to become a friend of God, one must be holy. For, all through history, He gives His prophecies through holy men, (1 Peter 1:21). His commandments are holy (2 Peter 2:21). He works with holy prophets,  (2 Peter 3:2). And, He also works with holy women who trust in Him, (1 Peter 3:5), as holiness is the very essence of His person, and so, no holiness, no friendship with the Lord. To this end, this lesson asserts that the individual who desires to be a friend of God must:

(i)       Keep himself holy, (Lev. 11:45; 1 Peter 1:16)

(ii)     Ensure that his conversations are holy ((vs. 15)

(iii)    Present his body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, (Rom. 12:1-2).

FRIENDSHIP WITH THE LORD GIVES ONE THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW HIS PLANS

The Word of the Lord …”shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” (Gen.18:17) is one of the Holy Scriptures that show God’s willingness to reveal His plans to those who closely walk with Him. Surely, the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets, (Amos 3:7). No one reveals his plans to his enemies and God does not, too, and so, it becomes unthinkable that He could reveal His plans to those who He cannot properly relate with. Jesus was in a deep and trustworthy friendship with His disciples before He could say to them, “henceforth I call you not servants, for the servant does not know what his lord does: but I have called you friends: for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known to you”, (John 15:15). This brings to the fore that God:

(i)             Reveals His plans to those who are in friendship with Him, (vs. 15; Gen. 18:17)

(ii)           Hides nothing from those in holy and friendly relationship with Him, (Amos 3:7)

(iii)          One becomes His friend if one does whatsoever He commands one to do (John 5:14)

In conclusion, please note that friendship with the Lord is a holy one, and Abraham, the father of faith was best at it (James 2:23) as the disciples of Jesus became the New Testament examples, (John 15:15). But, the crux of the matter is that one who must be a friend of God, must be wiling to do His commandments, (vs. 14). ENDEAVOUR TO BECOME HIS FRIEND TODAY!

THE BIBLE AND ENMITY WITH GOD

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND ENMITY WITH GOD

Devotional Text: James 4:4

Introduction:

Enmity with God is an indication of the biblical truth that some are opposed to the Will and everything about God. These are in the category of the people the Scripture refers to as children of disobedience, (Eph. 5:5-6). And, the friendship of the world results in enmity with God (James 4:4), which in turn reveals the lack of the love of God in one’s life (1 John 2:15), as well as showcases that… “All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes: and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world”, (vs. 16), as it concludes that.. “The world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the Will of God abides forever, (vs. 17).

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)     Enmity with God is a depiction of those who are yet in disobedience to Him, and so, exposed

to His wrath, (Col. 3:5-6)

(2)     The Scripture shows that before conversion, we were all enemies of God, but now it urges us

 to ensure that the old man is totally put off, for the new man to reign (vs. 7-10)

(3)     The Scripture also shows that anyone who lives in adultery or any other form of immorality

 demonstrates the fact of enmity with God, (James 4: 4)

(4)     Enmity with God is demonstrates by love of the world, which is manifested in the lust of

the flesh, the lust of eyes and the pride of life, (1John 2:15-16)

ENMITY WITH GOD AS MANIFESTED IN ADULTERY

The Scripture, “you adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? (James 4:4) clearly shows that adultery is a manifestation of enmity with the Lord, which automatically translates one into friendship with the world. And, whoever chooses to make himself a friend of the world invariably has chosen to make himself an enemy of God, (vs. 4). This implies that socializing into adulterous lifestyle is dangerous, as it extricates one from “Life Vine”, which is Jesus Christ, and  in turn brings same to the point of spiritual death, (John 15:6). For, it is not possible to live without Jesus (vs. 6), as well as not possible for the friendship of the world and enmity with God to co-exist in one individual. In other words, one cannot be a friend of the world and an enemy of God at the same time, (see Matt. 6:24). In this connection, therefore, let it be stated again that:

(i)                   Adultery and other forms of immorality are manifestations of enmity with God, (James 4:4)

(ii)                 One who fails to repent, as well as abide in Christ, who is the true Vine, can hardly bear

 fruit, nor have life in him, (John 15:1-6)

(iii)               God Has commanded His love towards humanity, and is willing to reconcile to Himself

as well as justify by the Blood of Jesus Christ, those who are in enmity with Him; that would

return to Him in repentance, (Rom.5:8-10).

ENMITY WITH GOD AS MANIFESTED IN THE LOVE OF THE WORLD

Without contradiction, friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4). And, as earlier indicted, the love of the world is concretely manifested in three ways, namely; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, (1 John 2:15-16). By way of analysis, the lust of the flesh points to everything that endues fleshly desires (Gen. 3:6), as the lust of the eyes speaks of everything that is adversely pleasing to the eyes, (vs. 6). The pride of life borders on anything that leads to the unnecessary lifting of oneself more than required or the over-estimation of self, which is the very nature of Lucifer, (Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezek 28:14-19). With the cited indices that inform the love and friendship of the world, this lesson portrays some of the points of enmity with God:

(i)       The lust of the flesh is the handwork of Lucifer, who is Satan, the devil, the archenemy of God and man, (Gen. 3:1-6)

(ii)     The lust of the eyes was equally from the same devil, referred to as the old serpent, (vs. 1-6; Rev. 12:9)

(iii)    The pride of life is the very nature of the devil, which the Lord can never associate with, (Isaiah. 14:12-16)

ENMITY WITH GOD AND THE WRATH OF GOD

Enmity with God attracts the wrath of God, and this is geared toward the children of disobedience, (Eph 5:5-6). Furthermore, “the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God Has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities--His Eternal Powers and Divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse”, (Rom.1:18-20). From the cited Scriptures, the evidence of the wrath of God becomes very obvious, and so, this lesson serves as a clarion call to those who are willing to be saved. Based on the foregoing, please notice that:

(i)       No one that neglects the salvation of the Lord that escapes the wrath of God (Heb. 2:3)

(ii)     Every act of godlessness and wickedness attracts that wrath of God without excuses, (Rom. 1:18-20)

(iii)    One can only escape the wrath of God which  comes by dint of enmity with God only  when one

repents and surrenders one’s life to Christ, (Eph. 5:1-8).

In conclusion, let it be restated that enmity with God is dangerous, and the Lord cannot compromise  anything that leads to it, since they are the handwork of Satan the Devil, who is the archenemy of God and man. So, no one escapes the wrath of God without genuine repentance. THE TIME IS NOW!

THE BIBLE AND ABUNDANT LIFE

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND ABUNDANT LIFE

Devotional Text: John 10:10

Introduction:

By abundant life, this lesson means life in its overflowing fullness, marked with the prosperity of the body and soul of the individual, as the Holy Scripture shows that it is the will of God that we prosper in health (body), even as our soul(s) prosper(s), (3 John 2). Abundant life focuses more on our wellbeing on earth, which implies that God is interested in our human life, since His Word expresses His good thoughts toward us, which are thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give us an expected end, (Jer. 29:11). To this end, the Lord says… “Take no thoughts for your life, what you shall eat, what you shall drink or what you shall put on”… (Matt. 6:25).

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)     Abundant life means that God takes care of our burdens, (Psalm 55;22; 1 Peter 5:7)

(2)     Abundant life equally means that God desires good health for us, (3 John 2)

(3)     Abundant life also means the Lord wants to make our burdens light, (Matt. 11:28-29)

(4)     Abundant life as well means that the Lord desires rest for our Souls, (vs. 28-29)

ABUNDANT LIFE AND MATERIAL WELLBEING

                        By way of definition, material things are things of this world, such as, shelter, clothing and food, as opposed to things of spiritual values, and one’s wellbeing is one’s state of health, happiness and/or prosperity. Without mincing words, it was the concern of Jesus for the well-being of the people that moved Him when He said,… ”take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? Or, what shall we drink? Or, wherewithal shall we be clothed, (Matt. 6:31). For, He knows that material well-being is an indispensible tool that promotes abundant life, as He pointed out that the Gentiles go after these things, probably, the wrong way, but your heavenly Father, He says, knows that you need these things, (vs. 32). To this end, it becomes a stupid decision, as well as, a profound spiritual blindness for one to enroll into secret fraternity or any unconventional group for money and materials, which carries the implication of eternal damnation (Rev. 21:8), since we have such a caring God, (see Matt. 6:25-36). By this, therefore, this lesson calls on:

(i)                    Those who toe the path of wickedness for money and materials to repent and return

 to the Lord, (Isaiah 55:7)

(ii)                 The people to learn to trust the Lord for money and materials, for He cares, (1 Peter 5:7).

(iii)                Parents to be firm in giving their children good morals, as a way of discouraging them

 from joining evil fraternities or gangs for money and materials (Prov. 22:6)

ABUNDANT LIFE AND HEALTH

Health is one of the stimulants of abundant life. When one is healthy, one’s life burbles, and this stirs happiness. All this connotes abundant life. This is another concern of the Lord when He inspired the Apostle John by the Holy Ghost to writ the Scripture, “beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers”, )1` John2). God’s words in focus shows that He really understands that abundant life cannot thrive where there are health challenges, and that unhealthy person is deficient in life, and so, cannot enjoy abundant life. Based on this biblical truth, one is advised:

(i)             Not to allow the devil to steal, kill or destroy the abundant life which God Has in stock for one, (John 10:10)

(ii)           To accept Jesus Christ and maintain a cordial relationship with Him so as to enjoy the abundant life

He Has come to give, (vs. 10)

(iii)          To always approach Him by faith for healing whenever  there are health challenges, (1 Peter 2:24)

ABUNDANT LIFE AND THE PEACE OF GOD

Life without peace can never be satisfactory. And so, there is nothing like abundant life where there is no peace. In fact, abundant life is a life of happiness and peace. To give credence to this eternal truth, the Scripture says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all human understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, (Phi. 4:6-7). Therefore, one of the evidences of abundant life is peace of the heart and mind, and there is no other access to divine Peace apart from Jesus Christ, as it is obvious in today’s world that many have material goods without peace. To such individuals comes the message that:

(i)                   It is only Jesus that can guarantee the peace that foster abundant life, (John 10:10; John 16:33)

(ii)                 Satan never changes in his plan that sponsors the tribulations that seek to steal, kill and destroy the peace which Jesus offers to foster abundant life (vs. 10;vs. 33)

(iii)                To obtain the peace that make for abundant life, one needs Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace

in one’s life, (vs. 10; Isaiah 9:6)

In conclusion, please note that man’s well-being, manifested in good health, peace and prosperity is the will of God, and so, it is senseless to go to the devil for things that make for abundant life. BE INFORMED!

THE BIBLE AND CIVIL AUTHORITY

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND CIVIL AUTHORITY

Devotional Text: Rom. 13:1-6

Introduction:

By civil authority, this lesson refers to those in government, who are empowered by law to enforce rules or give orders, as opposed to the military or their counterparts in religious leadership.  In line with this, the Apostle Paul remarks that “everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God Has established,(Rpm 13:1), which really shows that  no one comes to the position of civil leadership unless it is ordained by God, as he cautions that  “he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God Has instituted, and those who do so  will bring judgment on themselves”, (vs. 3)

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       Every legitimate government is ordained by God, as illegitimate ones may not be in the category

cited by the Apostle Paul (Rom. 13:1)

(2)       Every government, legitimate or illegitimate must be obeyed, since God may, at times permit

illegitimate ones for certain purposes, (vs.1)

(3)       To rebel against any government, legitimate or illegitimate is to rebel against God, since by His sovereign

 acts He can choose or permit those who rule at given times, (vs. 2)

(4)       To rebel against those in authority definitely brings Divine Judgment on those who do so, (vs. 2)

CIVIL AUTHORITY AND LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS

The Scripture which stresses that …” rulers hold not terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong” shows that Law-abiding citizens have no problems with those in authority, as it equally notes that those who do what is right would be commended by them, since they are God’s servants for the good of the citizens, (Rom. 13:3). Biblically speaking, those in authority are there by God for the good of the people they govern, though, they sometimes do the opposite. But, their wrongdoing is not a right to become lawless in society, as it is the prerogative of the Lord to handle them, the way He chooses, where they toe the wrong path. Therefore, law-abiding citizens are known for their obedience to those in authority, which guarantees peace and order in society. In this connection, they;

(i)                    Pray for those in authority instead of opposing them, (1 Tim.2:1-3)

(ii)                  Pay their taxes as recommended in the Bible, as well as play roles that develop the people and society (Rom. 13:6)

(iii)                 Do  not rebel against those in authority, for they know, by so doing, they rebel against God, (vs. 2)

CIVIL AUTHORITY AND LAWLESS CITIZENS

Once again, please note that … rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then, do what is right and he will commend you … But, if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer”, (Rom. 13:3-4). This implies that lawless citizens in any society bear the brunt of the wrath of those in authority, as there are lots of evidences, to this effect, in today’s world. In every society miscreants are cracked down, tried and sentenced to various prison terms, or capital punishment, depending on the degree of the crime committed. And, this would continue, as long as lawlessness continues in human society. So, for one to be free from the wrath and punishment that come from those in authority, one needs to stay out of wrongdoings. To this end:

(i)                    Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him labour, working with his hands the things

which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs, (Eph. 4:28)

(ii)                  One should also note that  “slothfulness casts into deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger

 (Prov. 19:15), as well as be reminded that “an idle man is the devil’s workshop”

(iii)                 One should learn to be law-abiding to avoid becoming a victim of the wrath and punishment

 of those in authority, (Rom. 13:3-4)

CIVIL AUTHORITY AND YOUR CONSCIENCE

“Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience”, (Rom. 13:5). The conscience is that God-given appendage that confirms the approval of what one does right and disapproves what one does  wrong. This is a divine gift that must be cherished and allowed to freely function in one’s life. For, the Holy Scripture hold out the truth that there are individuals who live with consciences that are seared with hot iron, (1 Tim. 4:2). So, there is a conscience problem in a person’s life when he is lawless or crime-driven without conscience prick, and so, law-abiding citizens are people of good conscience (Acts 23:1), whereas, the lawless ones display symptoms of damaged conscience(s) (1 Tim. 4:2). In this connection, therefore, God’s Word urges us to:

(i)                    Be law-abiding and obedient to those in authority not just because of possible punishment,

 but because of conscience, (Rom. 13:5)

(ii)                  Always perform our civic obligations in society, as unto the Lord; and not just to those in authority,

since they are but God’s servants, (vs. 6).

(iii)                 Understand that it is only through the Blood of Jesus Christ that our conscience(s) could be purged from

 every dead works, (Heb. 9:14)

In conclusion, this lesson shows that the institution of civil authority is of God (Rom. 13:1) and should be obeyed, whether they rule well or not, and so, to stir civil disobedience should not be contemplated, since it is against the will of God, (vs. 2). For God knows how and when to remove a deviant government. WATCH AND PRAY!

THE BIBLE AND ETERNAL LIFE

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND ETERNAL LIFE

Devotional Text: 1 John 5:11-12

Introduction:

Eternal life simply means an endless life, which can only be obtained through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. To this end,. the main text of this lesson remarks that,…”God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son hath not life”, (1 John 5:11-12). Eternal Life is the opposite of eternal death, which is an endless state of agony in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, (Rev. 21:8), as Eternal life is an endless state of bliss in heaven, where Jesus is said to have prepared for His saints, (John 14:1-3).

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)     God Has offered humanity Eternal Life, (1 John 5:11)

(2)     This Life (eternal) can only be found in Christ, (vs. 10)

(3)     Only those who receive Christ can obtain this life (vs. 12)

(4)     Those who reject this life have no life in them, (vs., 12)

ETERNAL LIFE AND THE WORLD OF LIFE

Eternal life, which has already been described in this lesson as endless life, is what Jesus Christ alone can give. This confirms the Scripture which quotes Him as saying, “my sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish: no one can snatch them out of My Hand”, (John 10:27-28). The point here is that, there are three concrete steps to eternal life. The first is that one must listen to the voice of the Lord, and the second is that one must as well follow Him, to ensure that one is groomed with the words of eternal life (John 6:68), since the said words of eternal life are the spiritual nutrients that nourish the seed of eternal life which Jesus Christ gives. To this end, therefore, the writer biblically states that:

(i)       No one  gets eternal life without listening to Jesus Christ, as well as follow Him, (John 10:27-28)

(ii)     God gives eternal life only through His only Son, Jesus Christ, (1 John 5:11-12)

(iii)    Those who reject the gift of eternal life which comes only by Jesus Christ have no life in them, (vs. 11-12)

ETERNAL LIFE AND THE OPPOSITE

The opposite of natural life is natural death, and the opposite of eternal life is eternal death. Furthermore, the natural death leads to natural grave, which the Scripture calls the second death, leads to eternal grave, referred to as the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, (Rev. 21:8). The cited biblical assertion, therefore, kills the theory of annihilation, which is the concept of total destruction of the soul of the sinner at death. For, there are conscious pains and sufferings for those who die as sinners, since the Bible says there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, (Matt. 24:51). Also, the narrative of Jesus Christ on the  Sheep and the Goat nations vividly shows that, there are those who would enjoys eternal life in heaven and there are those who would bear the brunt of eternal death in eternal fire, (Matt.25:31-46). The foregoing, scripturally, draws attention to the eternal truth that:

(i)       Eternal life is that endless life which recipients would spend in heaven (vs. 34), whereas,

(ii)     Eternal death is that endless agonies which those who played down on the gift of eternal life

would face in eternal lake of fire, (vs. 41)

(iii)    Those who desire to enjoy eternal life in heaven must in this present world believe and receive

Jesus Christ, the Son of God into  their lives, (John 3:16;36)

ETERNAL LIFE AND CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTION

Two basic consequences of the rejection of eternal life are the separation of someone from God and His Saints (Matt.25:32) and the damnation of hell, (Matt. 23:33). Without mincing words, when one is separated from the Lord, one becomes undoubtedly separated from the only source of life (John 1:4), and when one faces the damnation of hell, one becomes drafted into eternal doom, (Luke 16:23-24). For, the Lord will surely execute judgment upon all, and will convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all the  speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him (Jude 15). Therefore, be certain that:

(i)                   The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God, (Psalm 9:17)

(ii)                 The  only way of escape from  the problem of eternal damnation is to believe on the Lord Jesus, since all who do not believe are already condemned, (John 3:18)

(iii)                No one who rejects God’s offer of eternal life (1John 5:11-12) that would have any other way of escape, (Heb. 2:3)

In conclusion, please, note that eternal life is God’s greatest gift to the human race, and the opposite is eternal death, which this lesson has proven to be deadly agonizing. WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY?