Campbell River Baptist Church

Christianity is very big on the life that is yet to come, that next life and world where all is as it should be (and then some).

For this big focus, the Christian gospel has taken heat from some leading atheists (like Kai Nielsen - Does God Exist:  The Debate Between Theists and ATheists - J. P. Moreland and Kai Nielsen; Prometheus Books, 1993: 104).  They feel that if we are banking everything on the life that is yet to come, which is totally replacing this present life, then there is no motivation to live life here and now to the fullest and best.  Rather, they say, having no belief in an afterlife leads them to live more fully and better in the here and now.  They will love their families and friends more.  The will work harder to relieve evil.  Etc.  All of this because, as the claim goes, they know they only have this present life and world.  Therefore, in contrast to the Christian they are far more inclined to make the most of life as we know it.

This particular objection and sentiment is settled as a matter of clarity regarding Christian belief and practice.  Certainly the objection is based upon an incomplete and dreadful misunderstanding of this aspect of the Christian gospel, that is, the next life.

First, I have to say that overwhelming observational evidence shows that those who strictly live for the here and now are usually looking out for number one, themselves.  When most think that all they have is this present life, as the overriding feeling goes, they are not about to live a sacrificial life of love when the pressure is on them.  They will in most cases bail and do whatever it is that they think will make them personally happy or save their hides.  To say otherwise is a lot of empty talk.

Second, Jesus concisely, and rather pointedly, straightens out whatever misconceptions people have about the effect of the afterlife in this present life for believers (or, would be believers) in passages like Luke 9:18-27.  Jesus begins by pressing his closest disciples to recognize his true identity, to keep their mouths shout about it, and to just simply watch and learn how this will play out for him (9:18-21).  Because of who he is, and because of how the world feels about it, he will be brutally mistreated and killed.  But he will rise again to (an imperishable) life.  Next, Jesus would have them clearly understand how this gospel will play out for the follower of Jesus (9:23-27).

Anyone is free to follow Jesus.  But if they’re going to do it, it will have to be done his way.  They will, as Jesus did, have to deny living for themselves.  And, they will, as Jesus did, have to take up a similar cross daily as they follow him.  Recognize that this is done in the here and now, in this present life and world (which world is actually fading and dying and coming to an end).  Meaning, those who think they might want to go after Jesus can expect a radical life change, starting in the heart and showing in the deeds.  They will begin to live a sacrificial life of love like Jesus did.

There are, however, two key issues Jesus addresses regarding this gospel call to live for the life to come.  One, those who love their lives and this present world too much, and want to hang on to them at all cost, will sooner or later loose absolutely everything.  Two, which is directly tied to the previous issue, is that those who love this world and serve themselves - for this is the overwhelming mind-set and practice of the world - will not be impressed with Jesus and his message, but rather, they will be embarrassed by it (seeing it as a shameful thing).  So be it.  When the time comes, after they have been stripped of all they selfishly pursued in their earthly lives, Jesus shall return the favor and show great embarrassment and shame toward them.  And they shall wear that forever.

What are some lessons from these words of Jesus?

1. Like it or not, believe it or not, it is clearly implied that all shall enter the next life (for better or for worse) at Jesus’ return (9:26).

2. One will have to choose what they want more, to live for themselves in this present world or to live for the one that is to come (9:23-25).