“I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly!” (John 10:10).
This is one of the favorite verses of the prosperity gospel preachers. The claim is that Jesus wants your life to be abundant. That is true. But, where people go wrong is thinking that the things that make life abundant are in this world. So that, our lives are abundant when we are healthy and wealthy by living our best lives now.
Jesus did not die on the cross and descend into hell just so we can be comfortable, wealthy, and healthy. If that’s why Jesus died on the cross, he should have instead been a doctor and an investment expert. Jesus died on the cross to transform sinners into sons and daughters of God. Jesus died on the cross so that we can be holy and acceptable to God, to shape and mold us into the image of Christ.
We are told:
- For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29)
- And all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18)
The source and the location of what makes life abundant is not on this earth nor in this life now. Jesus is the source of all life. Jesus is the source of all abundance. Colossians 3:1-2 tells us – Since, then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
It is true that Jesus came that we might have the abundant life, AND he is the source of abundant life.
Praxis: Faith in Action 