The Ultimate Gift/Goal

From the Gospel Primer.

A great reminder at Christmas as we think about gifts.  God's ultimate gift to us is Himself.

A great reminder at the end of the and the beginning of a new year. Why do I do the things I do?

The Ultimate Prize

In the New Testament, the gospel is several times referred to as “the gospel of God.”  Such an expression should be understood in the fullest sense possible.

The gospel is called “the gospel of God,” not simply because it is from God, nor merely because it is accomplished through God, but also because ultimately it leads me to God, who is Himself its greatest prize.

Indeed, what makes the gospel such great news is God, who brings me to Himself and then gives Himself so freely to me through Jesus Christ.  The essence of eternal life is not found in having my sins forgiven, in possessing a mansion in heaven, or in having streets of gold on which to walk forever.

Rather, the essence of eternal life is intimately knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.  Everything else that God gives to me in the gospel serves merely to bring me to Himself so that this great end might be achieved.  Christ died for the forgiveness of my sins so that I might be brought “to God.”  Christ is preparing a place for me in heaven so that He might receive me “to [Him] self” and have me forever with Him where He is. And yes, there is a great street of gold in heaven, but is there any doubt where the street leads?  Unquestionably, it leads straight to the throne of God Himself, as do all of God’s gifts to me in the gospel.

As I meditate on the gospel each day, I find my thoughts inevitably traveling from the gifts I’ve received to the Giver of those gifts; and the more my thoughts are directed to Him, the more I experience the essence of eternal life.  The “gospel of God” is from God, comes through God, and leads me to God; and it is in Him that my soul finds its truest joy and rest.

Consider these verses:

Romans 5:5.  “. . . the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  

John 14:21.  “. . . he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”

John 17:3.  “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

1 Peter 3:18.  “For Christ also died for sins once for all . . . in order that He might bring us to God . . ..”

John 14.  “(2) In My Father’s house are many dwelling places . . . .  I go to prepare a place for you.  (3) If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receceive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

Revelation.  “(21:21) And the street of the city was pure gold . . . .  (22:1) Then he showed me a river of the water of life . . . coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, (2) in the middle of the street of it.”

Romans 11:36.  “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  To Him be the glory.  Amen.”

Psalm 16:11.  “You will make known to me the path of life;  In Your presence is fullness of joy;  In your right hand there are pleasures forever.”  

Psalm 42.  “(1) As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.  (2) My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;  When shall I come and appear before God?”  Psalm 37:4.  “Delight yourself in the Lord;  and he will give you the desires of your heart.” 

Psalm 73.  “(25) Whom have I in heaven but You?  And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.  (26) . . . God is my portion forever.  (28) . . . as for me, the nearness of my God is my good . . . .”