ETERNAL LIFE by R. F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 31, 1881

ETERNAL LIFE.

By R. F. Cottrell

BY ELD. R. F. COTTRELL.

"The gift of God is eternal life." "There shall be no more death."

Without life there can be no enjoyment. All other good would exist in vain to us, unless we had life. Hence the promise of eternal life is intended to include all good—perfect happiness, and that for eternity. No other term could express so much as this. It comprehends all that is desirable.

Death deprives of all enjoyment. But there might be exemption from death and still be pain and trouble. Hence to the promise that there shall be no more death, it is added, "neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." Thus all unhappiness is excluded forever.

What could be added to the "exceeding great and precious promises" of God? What motive could be set before us to "escape the corruption that is in the world," if the hope of a life that shall run parallel with the future eternity of God, and the consideration of that love which has purchased it at so great a cost, should fail? It is even to be made "partakers of the divine nature," and "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." What more could be promised?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." What wondrous love! What an infinite sacrifice by Him "who gave himself for us!" and how transcendent the gift bestowed!

It is for us. We may have the gift on condition of overcoming sin and self—on condition of following our self-denying Lord. Our names are in the book of life; but there is danger of their being blotted out. Rev. 3:5. Shall we not choose to follow Christ, and live?