Femi Aribisala's latest article, 'Article of Faith: Choice of Abundant Life (2),' examines the profound implications of choosing an abundant life through faith, contrasting it with the fleeting pleasures of the material world.
The piece begins by referencing Moses' choice to "suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the passing pleasures of sin," highlighting his prioritization of spiritual riches over earthly treasures. This biblical narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the choices individuals face when presented with different paths to 'life.'
Aribisala then contrasts the "abundant life of Christ," which may involve challenges and a reliance on divine provision like manna, with the "abundant life of Egypt," characterized by a craving for familiar comforts and earthly pleasures, which ultimately led to divine wrath for the Israelites.
The author posits that embracing Jesus' abundant life requires a relinquishment of one's current life, drawing parallels with Jesus' teachings: "Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." This concept is further illustrated through the story of the rich young ruler, who, despite his desire for eternal life, was unwilling to part with his earthly possessions, demonstrating the difficulty of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth.
Aribisala introduces a unique perspective on salvation, suggesting that Jesus' mission is not only to save from death but fundamentally to save individuals from their current lives, even if that life is one of sickness or hardship. He cites the biblical declaration, "I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal," to underscore this transformative, albeit sometimes difficult, process.
The article critically examines the "Prosperity Gospel," accusing some pastors of conflating Christ's abundant life with worldly prosperity, turning churches into "casinos" where material gain is emphasized over spiritual growth. Aribisala argues that this misinterprets Jesus' promise to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," which guarantees the addition of basic necessities, not limitless wealth.
A stark juxtaposition is drawn between the "abundant life of men" and the "abundant life of Jesus." The former is described as temporal, ending in death, and rich in worthlessness, while the latter is eternal, healing, and rich in excellent things, offering a profound connection with God.
The author emphasizes that in Jesus' kingdom, poverty can lead to richness in faith, citing James 2:5: "has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?" Conversely, wealth can be an impediment to faith, as it fosters self-reliance, diminishing the need to depend on God.
Aribisala recounts a personal ministry experience where a woman experienced a miraculous recovery from what was presumed to be death due to an asthma attack. This event, he suggests, was a demonstration of the "resurrection and the life" that Jesus offers, showcasing the transformative power of faith and divine intervention.
Concluding his discourse, Aribisala reiterates that the abundant life offered by Jesus is characterized by eternal life, divine healing, peace that surpasses understanding, unspeakable joy, and a deep connection with God, where "all things work together for his good."
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