Tuesday, 7/6/21 – Pressing on… Abiding in the Eternal Christ

Abiding in the Eternal Christ

As stated yesterday, the Greek word translated “abide” means to remain, and to remain in several ways…

• In reference to place: to sojourn, tarry – not to depart… to continue to be present, to be held, kept, continually
• in reference to time: to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure… of persons, to survive, live
• in reference to state or condition: to remain as one, not to become another or different, to await one

Yesterday we began to look at the above three ways in which the Christian may abide in Christ. Today we will look at our abiding in Christ in reference to time…

When God called Moses from the burning bush and commissioned him to be his agent to free the enslaved Hebrews, Moses asked God Whom he should say had sent him. The Lord replied, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” And God added, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” (Exod. 3:13-15).

With these words God identifies Himself as One existing through all ages. Jesus also identifies His divinity and timelessness with similar words, “’…before Abraham was, I AM.’ said Jesus” (John 8:58). And in Hebrews we read, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Heb. 13:8).

As we look into eternity in the Revelation we find multiple references to the Eternal Christ — “the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending…. the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev. 1:8). See too Rev 1:11; 21:6 and 22:13.

This brings the believer assurance that, better than any 24hr 911 emergency call centre, Jesus is on the job and available to us at any time of the day or night. Even in our youth though our thoughts and interests may have been far from Him, still He was there, then, also, observing, watching over us… watching over you… knowing then the plans He had for you, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11).

Also, in all our uncertain futures, Christ is there! He is there waiting for us, ready and willing for us to yet abide in Him.

The psalmist also took confidence in this, and Christ Himself assures us…

“For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.” (Ps. 48:14).

“I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matt. 28:20).

More tomorrow…

To hear Pastor John’s Sunday message, go to the Facebook page of Lincoln Baptist Church, or link to the livestream from the church website.