SOMETHING TO LAST

Throughout history many have searched for a purpose in life. Solomon seemed to be one of these people. The book of Ecclesiastes describes a person searching for a purpose; something that would last. Everything he tried ended with the same result. He came to realize the purpose of life is not found in the temporal things of this earth. Many are searching for a purpose, but they are looking in the wrong places. They are putting their faith and trust in things that will not last.

WHAT THEN DOES LAST? Things That Will Not Last Money Pleasure Possessions Physical Life Solomon tried all of these and came to the same conclusion Ecclesiastes 1:2 "Vanity of vanities,'' says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'' WHAT THEN DOES LAST?

Atonement: The Sacrifice of Christ John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” As long as there is sin in the world, the blood of Christ will be needed to make atonement for it. I John 1:7; 2:2 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.

Christ came into the world to save us from our past sins. Salvation Christ came into the world to save us from our past sins. Acts 2:38 "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” He also came to give us eternal salvation Hebrews 5:8-9 Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.

This salvation involves: An inheritance Romans 8:16-18 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us. I Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

An Eternal Weight of Glory II Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, A Crown of Life II Timothy 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

A Home With God II Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Nothing is more valuable than the soul. Your Soul The inward person Perhaps Solomon realized this when he figured out the purpose for life. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. The soul will be judged. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil. Nothing is more valuable than the soul. Matthew 16:26 "For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

HOW WILL YOU ANSWER GOD ON THAT DAY? The soul will never cease to exist It has an eternal future somewhere. How we answer God in judgment will determine where our soul spends eternity HOW WILL YOU ANSWER GOD ON THAT DAY?

Given by David Hamlin on June 13, 2010 pm Hollister, Missouri church of Christ www.churchofchrist.org