Gary Best, the National Team Leader of Vineyard Churches Canada wrote in the Fall 04 edition of Vinelife that many people including himself have somehow mistakenly understood that eternal life is something that happens at the end of our earthy life. As a result we have been directing our energies to getting people into heaven instead of getting heaven into people! We have tried to get people ready to die rather than getting people rather to live! As Gary says, “No wonder we haven’t been very good advertising for God”.

What Jesus said of the new life was very different. He offered life in all of its fullness: for now, and it applies to every aspect and area of our lives. (John 10:10). The new life begins when we come to Jesus and simply continues forever in an unbroken strand but with even greater vitality after we leave our earthy bodies.

“At once”, “quickly”, “the Kingdom of God is near”. What a sense of immediacy these words of our Lord (found in Mark’s gospel) convey. As Gary puts it, “Far beyond simply going to heaven one day, the Good News tells us to expect the full benefits of heaven beginning to come to us, here and now!” It’s really good news.

You may ask if there is a condition to the offer, and indeed there is. There is something that we need to do to receive God’s free gift of grace and blessings in our lives. It is only when we recognize our poverty and desperate need for him that the kingdom of God is near. (Matthew 5:3). And in that state, it’s only by humbling ourselves, crying out and asking that we receive. That’s it. And we must do it again and again. For as long as you are willing to reach out to take it, the kingdom of God is near enough to be brought into your life.

Ask and receive. And when we experience the fullness of the life offered by Jesus in the new life, share the good news with others. Testify that you’re a satisfied customer. It’s great advertising to bring people to Jesus.