15 The Grand Object!

The Grand Object!

"Lay hold on eternal life!"1 Timothy 6:12 Who does not wish to live? Life is generally prized — it is the last thing we are willing to part with. There may be a few, who are so worn down by affliction and sorrow — that they may long for death. And there are a few, who are at times so filled with the love of God, and are so desirous of being with Christ — that they long to leave this world. But these are exceptions — most people value life. Who does not wish to live forever? We naturally shrink from the idea of annihilation. It is dreadful. But who would not wish to live forever in the possession of wealth, and in the enjoyment of happiness. This is the object set before us by the Apostle in this brief word of exhortation, "Lay hold on eternal life!" That is, lay hold of . . .
eternal felicity,
endless pleasure,
everlasting blessedness!

Eternal life is life beyond sickness, for "the inhabitant shall no more say, I am sick."

It is life beyond pain, for "there shall be no more pain."

It is life beyond sorrow, for "sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

It is life beyond death, "neither can they die any more."

It is life in absolute perfection — or life in the enjoyment of . . .
perfect holiness,
perfect knowledge,
perfect love,
perfect liberty,
perfect peace and joy.

It is eternal existence in the presence of God, in whose favor is life, and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

It is eternal life with Jesus, who is the center and source of light, holiness, and love.

It is eternal life among the greatest minds, the most lovely characters, who exist in the most glorious manner. This blessedness, is set before us as a prize to be won, as a crown to be obtained. It is held out before us by the gracious hand of God . . .
to attract our attention,
to inspire us with courage,
and to stimulate us to diligence. But it is in vain that we attempt to set forth the full excellency of eternal life! It includes . . .
all that God can confer upon us,
all that we can possibly enjoy, and
more than we can at present conceive or imagine! "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined — what God has prepared for those who love him!" 1 Corinthians 2:9 Let us consider the exhortation that is addressed to us, "Lay hold on eternal life." But how can we do this?

There is the doctrine of eternal life, as made known by Jesus — lay hold on that. We read that on one occasion Jesus said to the twelve, "Will you also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him: Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life."

There is the promise of eternal life — lay hold on that. "This is the promise that he has promised us, even eternal life." "God has given to us eternal life; and this life is in his Son," "Truly, truly, I say unto you, He who believes on me has everlasting life."

There is the invitation of eternal life — lay hold on that. "If any man thirsts, let him come unto me, and drink. Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life."

There is the exhortation of eternal life, lay hold on that, "Labor not for the food which perishes, but for that food which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you."

There is Christ himself, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" — lay hold on him. He is God’s unspeakable gift. He comes to you in the gospel, as he came to the Jews in the days of his flesh. He presents himself to you, and he must be either received or rejected. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

Eternal life is thus set before you in the gospel. It is brought near to you. Lay hold on it. In order to this, read the word which brings it to light and presents it to you, with care, with attention, and with prayer. Think of it. No subject is of equal importance. It demands your most devout consideration. Believe the testimony: "This is the record," or testimony, "that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." Receive this testimony into your mind. Give credit to it. Exercise confidence in it. Embrace it. Desire the blessing. For this purpose it is revealed and promised.

Read seriously, think deeply, believe heartily, and desire earnestly.

Pray for it. God will give it. It is the greatest thing he can give — and he will give it to every one who heartily seeks it. Set your heart upon it, let nothing divert your mind from it. Give up every thing for it. It contains in itself, more than everything besides.

Let your thoughts then dwell on eternal life, let your desires go out after eternal life, let your prayers ascend in the name of Jesus for eternal life, set your heart upon obtaining eternal life, at once give up everything that stands in the way of eternal life.

Look at the man who runs in a race: he prepares himself, he engages, he commences at the time fixed, he perseveres, animated by the hope of being crowned with success. The prize and plaudits of the multitude, reward his diligence, self-denial and courage — let this be your example. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Reader, eternal life is set before you. It is set before you as attainable. It demands your serious, your immediate consideration. It is a distant — but a distinct object — an object worthy your attention. If you are to possess it, you must, according to the figure just made use of — run for it; you must strive for it. "Strive," said the Savior, "to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:24-25. Will you possess it? Will you try for it? Or will you despise the Lord’s counsel and reproofs. Be not so foolish. But begin at once,"Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness," and all other necessary things will be added unto you.

Beware of Satan — he will try to deceive you, he will endeavor to catch away the good seed out of your heart, lest you should believe and be saved. Beware of the world — for it will bewilder, confuse, and hinder you. Beware of a cowardly spirit — but think, pray, strive, persevere, pursue your object, fail not, cease not, rest not, until you can say "Eternal life is mine!"

Vain man, your fond pursuits forbear,
Repent — your end is nigh!
Death, at the farthest, is not far;
Oh, think, before you die!

Reflect — you have a soul to save,
Your sins — how high they mount!
What are your hopes beyond the grave
How stands that dread account?

Death enters, and there’s no defense
His time, there’s none can tell;
He’ll in a moment call you hence
To Heaven — or to Hell! Your body, now your choicest care,
Corruption shall consume;
But ah! destruction stops not there,
Sin kills beyond the tomb!

Today, the gospel calls; today,
Sinner it speaks to you!
Repent — believe — at its command,
And life and Heaven pursue.

Rich mercy through a Savior’s blood,
Jehovah will display;
Abundant pardon, peace with God,
Is offered you today!