I recently engaged in a discussion about the biblical path to heaven. The person I was speaking with expressed skepticism, suggesting that the Scriptures were filled with fables. As I often do when encountering those who disagree with my Christian worldview, I inquired about their alternative solution to the problem of sin and the question of eternity.
“Sin was subjective,” they responded, “and I don’t believe there is an afterlife.” A candid response, to be sure. However, the apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, stated, “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:19). It seems to me that those who reject the Christian faith might view the Christian lifestyle as pitiable precisely because they perceive no future hope beyond this earthly existence. And Paul, hypothetically, would concur… IF… IF… IF… there were indeed no future beyond this world!
But Paul knew this to be false, and so do I. I am aware that much of the time, I am “preaching to the choir,” addressing those who already share my beliefs. However, I want to share two words with those who believe that people of faith are living in the dark ages: EMPTY and FULFILLED!
That’s it. I was EMPTY living life without Christ. I pursued pleasure in various avenues that promised happiness but ultimately delivered brokenness. Relationships were fleeting, adrenaline-fueled sports eventually lost their appeal, and peace remained an elusive mirage. Despite professional success, my EMPTY lifestyle became a source of profound agony.
That is, until I became FULFILLED with life in Christ. My inherent selfishness transformed into acts of surrender; my personal ambition yielded to a better way, and my understanding of His Word became a roadmap for navigating life. Once I became FULFILLED, contentment became tangible, realistic, and ongoing.
So, how does an EMPTY life, characterized by agony, transition into one that is FULFILLED and content? The answer lies in Romans 10:9 (ESV): “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
The world is replete with individuals who are emotionally bankrupt, yet God desires to fill their lives with His grace—offering forgiveness for the past and the opportunity to live in His presence from this moment forward. When your heart believes, you are justified, and when your mouth confesses Jesus as Lord, you experience new life!
Perhaps today is the day you transition from EMPTY to FULFILLED? To my friends who believe otherwise, the day may come when you think differently, so let’s keep our friendship in tact!
-Jim