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In John 10:10, Jesus stated, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (ESV). Unlike a thief, the Lord Jesus does not come for selfish reasons. He comes to give, not to get. He comes so that people may have a meaningful, purposeful, joyful, and eternal life in Him. We receive this abundant life the moment we accept Him as our Savior.
The term “abundant” in Greek is perisson, which means “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than what one would expect or anticipate.” In essence, Jesus assures us of a life far superior to what we could ever imagine, a concept reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” The apostle Paul informs us that God is capable of doing exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, and He accomplishes this through His power, a power that operates within us if we belong to Him «Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, », (Ephesians 3:20).
Before we start envisioning luxurious homes, expensive cars, global cruises, and more money than we know what to do with, we should pause and reflect on what Jesus teaches about this abundant life. The Bible informs us that wealth, prestige, position, and power in this world are not God’s priorities for us (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). In terms of economic, academic, and social status, most Christians do not come from the privileged classes. Therefore, abundant life does not consist of an abundance of material possessions. If that were the case, Jesus would have been thThe wealthiest of men. But just the opposite is true «And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. », (Matthew 8:20).
Abundant life is eternal life, a life that begins the moment we come to Christ and receive Him as Savior, and goes on throughout all eternity. The biblical definition of life — specifically eternal life — is provided by Jesus Himself: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” «And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. », (John 17:3). This definition makes no mention of length of days, health, prosperity, family, or occupation. In fact, the only thing it does mention is knowledge of God, which is the key to a truly abundant life.
What is the abundant life? First, abundance is spiritual abundance, not material. In fact, God is not overly concerned with the physical circumstances of our lives. He assures us that we need not worry about what we will eat or wear (Matthew 6:25-32;Philippians 4:19). Physical blessings may or may not be part of a God-centered life; neither our wealth nor our poverty is a sure indication of our standing with God. Solomon had all the material blessings available to a man yet found it all to be meaningless (Ecclesiastes 5:10-15). Paul, on the other hand, was content in whatever physical circumstances he found himself (Philippians 4:11-12).
Second, eternal life, the life a Christian is truly cConcerned with, life is not determined by duration but by a relationship with God. This is why, once we are converted and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are said to have eternal life already (1 John 5:11-13), though not, of course, in its fullness. Length of life on earth is not synonymous with abundant life.
Finally, a Christian’s life revolves around “grow[ing] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” «But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.», (2 Peter 3:18). This teaches us that the abundant life is a continual process of learning, practicing, and maturing, as well as failing, recovering, adjusting, enduring, and overcoming, because, in our present state, “we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror” «For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. », (1 Corinthians 13:12). One day we will see God face to face, and we will know Him completely as we will be known completely «For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. », (1 Corinthians 13:12). We will no longer struggle with sin and doubt. This will be the ultimately fulfilled abundant life.
Although we are naturally desirous of material things, as Christians our perspective on life must be revolutionized «And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. », (Romans 12:2).ible/king-james-version/romans-12-2″>(Romans 12:2). Just as we become new creations when we come to Christ «Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. », (2 Corinthians 5:17), our understanding of “abundance” must also be transformed. True abundant life consists of an abundance of love, joy, peace, and the other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not an abundance of material possessions. It involves life that is eternal, and therefore, our focus is on the eternal, not the temporary. Paul advises us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3).
