To Whom Or What Do We Go

Jesus had declared that he was the bread that came down from heaven (John. 6:41). In His discussion of being the bread of life, He said some things that was considered hard for some of His disciples to accept, so they said “…this is a hard saying who can hear it?” (John. 6:60). Jesus knowing of their murmuring said to them “Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him , And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father” (John 6:61-65). From this time many of His disciples ceased walking with Him (John. 6:66) Many of His disciples having departed from Him, He turns to the twelve and said “will you also go away?” (John 6:67). Peter responded by saying “Lord to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John. 6:68).

When it comes to the forgiveness of sin (salvation) to whom do we go? Some are not content with what the word of God says, some think it is too hard, others think it is too simple, still others think it is a system of merit. All three are sadly mistaken. Salvation from sin is clearly not of merit (Ephesians. 2:8-9). It is not too hard, for any one can understand and do it Mark. (16:15-16, John. 6:44-45). It is not too simple, it is however simple enough, for it requires a faithful obedience to the gospel (Romans. 6:17-18; Hebrews 5:8-9). Because of these misunderstandings some seek to justify themselves (Romans. 10:1-3). Still others turn to some denominational instruction to fit their misconceptions about salvation. Still others turn to post-modernism advocating that salvation is simply of grace and we do nothing to contribute to our salvation. It is true salvation is by grace (Ephesians. 2:8-9), but it does not exclude our obedience to appropriate that grace by which we are saved (Mark. 16:16).

Where do we go when troubles come? Job said that man born of woman is of few days and full of troubles (14:1). It is not a matter of if troubles will come, but when. Some troubles are more severe and hurtful than others, but troubles come just the same. How we handle our troubles is what is important for that is a matter of choice, the troubles may not be. In Acts 5:40-41 the disciples were beaten and commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus anymore and when they were let go they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Note, the trouble came and it was severe but notice the attitude they manifested. When trouble comes people often go to the wrong places. Some turn to alcohol in spite of the warning (Proverbs 20:1), others to drugs, others to counselors and still others to suicide. Instead of looking for real help they look for an escape. When trouble strikes where people need to look is the one who truly cares, casting our cares upon Him for He cares for us (1 Peter. 5:7). One to whom a Christian can go to find help is the one who stills the waters and calm the troubled seas. The one who gives hope in the face of despair, assurance in the face of doubt, and strength in the time of weakness (Philippians 4:13).

Where do we go to find true meaning to life? Too many people think the meaning of life is found in their financial security. The more money they have the more meaning to life they find. People that have such an attitude about money usually make money their God. They fail to realize that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil and more often than not brings many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10). The true meaning to life is not found in money. While some think the meaning to life is found in money, others think it is found in pleasure. They spend their life pleasure seeking. The more worldly pleasure they find, the more meaning to life they think they have found. There were some bible characters who did the same thing and found out that such was not the case. Solomon gave himself to find fulfillment in pleasure and discovered it was vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). He finally concluded that the whole of man was found in fearing God and keeping His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Another example of this mentality is found in the wayward son of (Luke 15:11- 24). He took his inheritance and left home and wasted it on pleasure. He soon found himself in the hog pen before coming to his senses and realize that it all was vain. He finally realized that the real meaning to life was where he left it, at home. How often do we hear of multi- million dollar athletes when the career is over being broke and in finical trouble because they live so vainly. No, my friends, pleasure nor money is the place to find the real meaning to life. The real meaning to life is where they haven’t yet looked! In Christ “I am com that they might have live and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10.)

Where do we go to find eternal life? One may say there is no such thing as eternal life! That is the difference between a faithful Christian and others, they have hope. What a tragedy for a person to die without Christ, God and hope (Ephesians 2:12). I can assure you there will be no doubt on the other side of death, ask the rich man of Luke 16:19-31. One will be hard pressed to convince him that there is nothing on the other side of death. Some try to find eternal life in denominational groups. It is looking in the wrong place. Some think is eternal life will be found in the universe, it will not be found there either. The only place eternal life can be found is in Christ (1 John 5:11-13). One must be a faithful Christian and abide in His word to have the hope of eternal life (Matthew 7:21). Where are you looking for it?

To whom or what do we go to find the forgiveness of sin, or when troubles come, or to find the meaning to life, or eternal life? If you are looking anywhere other than to Jesus Christ, you are looking in vain. Come unto Him and He will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30).

Bill Cantrell