The “good life” has many definitions; some people consider the acquisition of material wealth as the good life. Other people consider the “good life” to consist in personal acclaim or prestige. There are still other people who consider a combination of the two previous matters as the “good life” and yet there is still another lifestyle that is superior to all the three previously discussed. The most important of all accomplishments is to attain the correct relationship with our Creator, this truly does constitute the “good life” — let us explore this idea further in this article.
Man is alienated from God, consider the following:
Romans 5:10 – “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Colossians 1:20-21 – And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (KJV)
God has provided essential grace so that man might be reconciled to God, God providing an acceptable sacrifice (i.e., Christ):
Romans 3:23-26 – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished- he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”
Ephesians 1:6-7 – “ To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
1 Timothy 1:14-15 – “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (KJV)
Obedience completes the reconciliation process:
Titus 2:11-14 – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (KJV)
CONCLUSION:
From our study, it is apparent, the “good life” (i.e., the good relationship to God) is acquired as a result of God’s “un-merited favor” toward us first and foremost. Without God’s initiative toward man in sending His Son, Jesus Christ to atone for our sin, reconciliation would have been impossible.
In addition to that which God has done for us that we could not do for ourselves (i.e., He provided grace), we too, are to participate in establishing that correct relationship with God, we are to obey His instructions (see point # 3 above). To obey God’s instructions to acquire salvation from sin (i.e., the “good life”) we are to: Hear the gospel, Romans 10:17. Believe the gospel, Mark 16:15, 16. Repent of sins, Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38. Be Baptized, Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38.
CONSIDER THIS, TOO:
The “good life” is available to you and me as a result of God’s grace and our obedience, one cannot underestimate the importance of having that good relationship with God that can really be considered the “good life”. If you are looking for a direction in your life, salvation from sin, or if you have a desire to live “the good life” please examine this option. No one can make this decision for another person, everyone must personally choose to live the good life or reject it.
THE ULTIMATE DECISION IS INDIVIDUAL.