The More Abundant Life

"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (1).

"If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments" (2)

"If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive,--- you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" (3).

The reason Christ's followers have the more abundant life is that Jesus, by His Holy Spirit, dwells with them.

Paul shares with us just a few of the Holy Spirit's blessings and benefits: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such [behavior as this] there is no law. Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (4). Contrast the works of the flesh (see Galatians 5:19-21). Is there any wonder the life of the followers of Jesus is more abundant?

David constantly testified to his relationship with the Lord, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" (5)
"The Lord is the strength of my life" (6)
"For with You is the fountain of life" (7)
"Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice" (8)

1. John 10:10.
2. See Matthew 19:16-19; Mark 10:17-19, Luke 18:18, 19.
3. John 14:15-18.
4. Galatians 5:22-24.
5. Psalm 23:1.
6. Psalm 27:1.
7. Psalms 36:9.
8. Psalm 63:7.