Multi-dimensional Faith

If asked, an evangelical Christian would tell you that if you are a believer, then you are saved. John 3:16 is very clear. If you believe in the Son, then you shall have life ever-lasting. Few wrestle with whether or not God actually has the ability to do this. Paul said in his letter to Timothy that "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to guard that which I have committed unto him..." (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul didn't wrestle with the concept that God might not be able to save him.

Joh 10:10 KJV
(10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

This, we wrestle with.

We do whatever it takes to make this mean something other than what it says. "Yeah, well, it's talking about eternal life." "It's talking about 'spiritual' life, not life in the physical." "It's just another allegory."

Abundant life - something few have a concept of. The Greek word for 'abundant' is 'perissos', which means superabundant or excessive. Don't you like that? Excessive! For so long Christians have tried to separate themselves from 'excess' because they believe it's not of God. This is just not so. God IS excess. If you don't believe that, just try to go somewhere that He isn't.

This is a long-winded approach to saying that God is able to save you, but that He is also able to give you a life of excess - WHATEVER that means. Spiritual excess? Yes. Physical excess? Absolutely. Success in relationships, finances, health, business, recreation, ministry... you name it. If it does not serve to separate you from His plan for your life, then why don't you just assume He wants you to be excellent in what you're doing? Extend your faith into other areas of your life. Have multi-dimensional faith!

Questions always generate from a teaching like this. Can I be dirt-poor and still have abundant life? Absolutely! Jesus Himself said He had no place to lay His head. Obviously, coinage in the bank is not related to abundant life. But we can draw some conclusions as to what IS related. Anything that Jesus battled must also battle abundant life. Is this true or false?

He battled sickness - He healed when He had the opportunity. He battled worry - He said don't! He battled fatigue - He said rest in Me'. He battled religion - He said follow Me, my yoke is easy and my burden is light. If Jesus battled these things, then don't make peace with them. Abundant life is what Jesus came to bring you. Does your life reflect abundance?