I don’t usually get choked up over doctrinal statements. But the first time I read this summary of the purpose of human life drafted by the Westminster Assembly, a gathering of English and Scottish clergy in 1646, something in me shouted, “Yes!” And that shout has never ceased to echo in my soul.
“Now this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Amen
This is really beautiful, Mitch xx
Thank you, Janet.
Amen.
Yes! I have felt the same way, Mitch. Its truth can’t be denied with a seeking heart.
If any people need this information, it is the Church, the body of Christ. This purpose should be followed through Christ-like methods, not Pharisaical methods.
Profound truth. Thanks for re-echoing them♥️🙏
My privilege, Benjamin.
<3
Imagine the word “enjoy” in a doctrinal statement! But yes, Jesus came to give us abundant life. (John 10:10) 🥰
Exactly, Annie!
Thank you for liking my post. I will be busy with my family. I am taking care of the children with my parents. I hope to hear from you soon. Have a good week. Tell me more about yourself. I am going to go, now. Be careful.
Enjoy your family time, Jessica.
Thank you so much. What do you like to do? How are you doing? I am with family. I am great. Have a good week. Talk to you later. I hope you sleep well tonight like I do.
🎉🎊
cora will you correct the counting
The power of simplicity! Yes! Amen! Enjoy Him forever!!!
Thank you!
Peach
My privilege, Peach, and good to hear from you.
Thank you! 🙌🏻
We are his Creation and there is no point in rebelling against it
I remember reading for the first time as a child in a Catholic catechism that we are made to know, love, and serve God. The statement remains as powerful (and insightful) for me today as it was then.
I thought of that, too!
Great words
Amen!
where have you been
I love that statement from the catechism, but also the John 17:3 passage where Jesus tells us exactly what he means when he says, “eternal life.”
Just lovely. Reading this gave me chills.
Thank you!
Amen and Amen and Amen. Best post of the year, Mitch!
Why, thank you, San!
Amen, Mitch! That’s one of my favorite revelations, too. I love remembering, “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” That’s it, that is our purpose, no need to stress or worry about it, or feel as if you aren’t doing enough.
We have a kinetic sculpture race here that has nothing to do with faith at all, but their motto is, “for the glory.” Makes me laugh because everyone knows there really is no “glory” to be found in it, it’s just about getting wet, muddy, and exhausted. And sometimes people get to show off these really cool contraptions they have built.
Now, that’s the spirit. ;>)
Lol! I know, right? Someday everyone is going to see God and know what TRUE glory is. Pretty embarrassing. 🙄
I Would add my “Amen (It is so…or Let it be so),” but…in 1646, they were still butchering and burning witches for spoiled milk; Or FOR SEEING MIRACLES. Christians saw THE DEVIL in everyone AND EVERYTHING but themselves. And…not long before this…GOD’S VERY PEOPLE killed Jesus HIMSELF. Murdered for speaking to unclean people….THE GENTILES. That’s an interesting word…GENTILE. LOOK IT UP, AND SEE…who Jesus Came here for. I doubt he was here for people that killed those that he came to save. And in 1646, Christians were killing Christ’s chosen people. GENTILES. And Christian’s repeated the mistake OF GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE.
I see you struggle…still, and GOD knows you INTIMATELY. And he knows your history. You obviously share the same history with every single human on the planet. I will reference GOD! He writes on the Heart, and GOD writes in STONE, SO I doubt he considers those that KILLED WITCHES for seeing miracles – and birthing children, healing with herbs…caring for the sick. NURSES do that…or did…until COVID and untested GENETIC vaccines…on the whole world…like TUSKEGEE (look up Tuskegee and Nurse Eunice…and science studies that humans STILL DO; and you “Benefit” from).
Jesus was “Show and Tell.” He died. HE WAS MURDERED. HUMANITY FAILED THE TEST. Jesus asked GOD to forgive. Jesus has no authority OVER GOD.
And Satan…IS THE ACCUSER! WHO WOULD GOD HEAR ABOUT THOSE THAT KILLED HIS CHILD??!!! Who speaks of what GOD SAW HIMSELF THROUGH THE EYES OF CHRIST HIMSELF? Who is telling the truth?
Christians destroyed the Library in Alexandrea…then BURNED and KILLED…AND THEN NEVER STOPPED.
They erased history. How will you convince SATAN OF YOUR INNOCENCE as he accuses YOU before GOD’s Throne? And CHRIST is on the Right hand of GOD REMINDING GOD ABOUT JESUS – THE WHOLE STROY…”SEE HIS HANDS? SEE HIS SIDE? AND WHAT OF HIS FEET that Thomas FAILED to notice?” Satan is speaking of Jesus…his WHOLE life, and what GOD’S PEOPLE DID TO HIM – “TO LIFE ITSELF, FATHER!”
And then there is the EARTH. “LIFE ITSELF, FATHER…LOOK WHAT HUMANS DO TO LIFE ITSELF!!!!”
I’M GRATIFIED you still feel for THE PAST! BUT…”See his HANDS, Father? Do you see what they did to him for LOVING HUMANS…AND THAT AFTER HE TOLD THEM TO LOVE THEMSEVLES AS “YOU!!” AND, DO YOU SEE HOW THEY KEPT THEMSELVES ‘CLEAN’?”
Memes. “FATHER! The world is full of them.”
Sincerely,
SATAN.
I remember having to learn the Westminster Catechism in Sunday School many years ago now. This one, the first, is the only one I have been able to remember through all those years. Thanks for sharing, Mitch.
My pleasure, Diane.
Love this. That is by far the most important goal in this life. Learn to love God and others. This is the secret to a full and fulfilled life. It brings joy that is passed understanding.
Right you are, my Anonymous friend.
I too was taken aback the first time I came across that statement from the Westminster Catechism. The church background of my youth emphasized loving God, obeying him, and serving him. But to ENJOY God? I don’t remember hearing of such a concept even once. How thankful I am to have discovered that in his presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Such joy positively impacts my love, obedience, and service as well.
It makes sense, doesn’t it, Nancy? If God has a father’s heart, of course He wants His children to have joy. I guess it’s easier for some of us to believe that than others, depending on what kind of fathers we’ve had … 🤔
It certainly does make sense, Annie! And having a good relationship with your dad is definitely an important factor in relating to God. He blessed me with a wonderful, loving father whom I did enjoy. Dad spent much more time with my brother and me than many fathers back in the ’50s and ’60s. But I don’t recall anyone helping to make the connection to my Heavenly Father, that I could enjoy him as well.
I made a connection early on, maybe from the hymn “This Is My Father’s World.” I wrote this poem for my dad for his 65th birthday:
https://seekingdivineperspective.com/2019/06/14/my-two-wonderful-fathers/
I love this quote, Mitch! I have not heard or seen it before. Thanks for sharing!
Pingback: This Is the Meaning of Life – QuietMomentsWithGod
Makes me think of Psalm 16:11, a favorite verse of mine. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Yes, one of my favorite verses, Jeff, and a perfect parallel here.
And that Is the sum total
Pingback: Sky: The Ultimate Artist’s Canvas - Mitch Teemley