Overcoming the world

The Bible does not question the fact that this world is an obstacle which one has to overcome in order to survive, in the true sense. To leave behind this earthly existence, spiritually as well as physically. If we were to rely on the content and goals of this world for the purpose of life and our salvation, it would be a sad final destination. Life is short and evil (Genesis 47:9). Jesus said: ''These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.'' (John 16:33). One can also live in an unjust world and still have peace, when one has made peace with God by believing in His Son, Jesus Christ, our LORD, Saviour and Redeemer of sin, death and the devil (Romans 5:1). Then one sees this life only as a meaningful transit station and not as an unnecessary burden. Many people, at some stage, don’t cope with it any more and take their own lives. Since suicides have been statistically recorded (worldwide), the number is constantly increasing. Sad, but true! The Bible also does not question the fact that man, in an unredeemed state, has no hope nor perspectives and will not reach the goal of life. Perhaps some who are overwhelmed by the world sense it – yet still don’t want to come to God! Physical death is not the end and we will all be exposed before the Judgement Seat of Christ – so that each one will receive his reward for what he has done, be it good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). That is in regard to believers. And the “reward” for the unbeliever is eternal death, thus, a continuation of life without God, without love, without hope and comfort – that is the eternal darkness (Romans 6:23). In this manner it is written and we cannot just, for the sake of a humane point of view, argue it away (Matthew 8:12).

One can determine that everything which is not of God is darkness and every person will, in the course of his life, be confronted with the reality of this dark side of life. What he does with these experiences, is a very important question, which no-one else can answer for him (not other people, nor institutions, nor moral apostles). What people need is information – accurate words which are true and realistic. Such words that come alive when one honestly, and from the heart, ponder on them. Not just any words, but words concerning eternal life (John 6:68). That’s what it ultimately boils down to, because Jesus did not preach time-limited, or in a manner which does not concern every living person – on the contrary. Here, us Christians, also comes into the “picture” and should take to heart what our Saviour has to say: ''Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.'' (John 5:24) Whomever belongs to God, hears us when we proclaim the Gospel through our writing, our speech and our prayer (1 John 4:4-6). It is a privilege when we are able to pass on these words of eternal life, in various ways, to our fellow men and peers. God’s words never return void – when they reach those who are open to receive them. The Gospel should be proclaimed (now as before) suffice it to say that time is coming to a rapid end. Let us therefore take advantage of the time which remains.

Jörg Bauer