will your eternal life last?
"I give them eternal life." —John 10:28
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gives us "eternal life." "Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life" (Jn 3:16). We all are "destined for life everlasting" (see Acts 13:48). However, we must not convict ourselves as "unworthy of everlasting life" (Acts 13:46).
When we renewed our baptismal promises three weeks ago, we chose to be "worthy of everlasting life." However, just as an unbeliever can change from rejecting everlasting life, so a believer can change and fall away from the faith (see 2 Pt 2:20ff; 2 Cor 11:3-4). We must choose to live for Jesus, and we must persevere in that decision.
You may feel confident that you have eternal life and will stay that way. You should have confidence because Jesus promised that no one will snatch you out of His hand (Jn 10:28). However, our confidence is based on His grace and not our strength. "Let anyone who thinks he is standing upright watch out lest he fall!" (1 Cor 10:12)
Today, renew your total commitment to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, our Lord, our Life, and our God. Renew your baptismal promises. Choose to live in a manner worthy of everlasting life. Live for Jesus forever.
Prayer: Father, may I never stop loving You.
Promise: "He will lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes." —Rv 7:17
Praise: Praise Jesus, the Good Shepherd, risen Lord, and true God!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order Fr. Lauer's tape on Am I Going to Heaven? on audio AV 54-3 or video V-54.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 9, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2000