Home昔日真理報2018年 真理報文章2018 年 9 月【讀經隨想】永生--跨越死亡的恩典

【讀經隨想】永生--跨越死亡的恩典

 

「摩西在曠野怎樣舉蛇,人子也必照樣被舉起來;叫一切信祂的都得永生。」 (約翰福音3:14-15)

今天早晨接到侄女從台灣打來的電話,聽她抒發心情。她同學的父親突然被診斷出胰臟癌,只剩三到六個月的時間了。這激起了她特別想念因膀胱癌離世剛滿一年的父親。當她在父親病榻前帶領他決志並施洗兩天後,他就回天家了。她曾夢見父親年輕時的樣貌正穿過隧道,奔向發光的盡頭,這帶給她無比的安慰。

基督徒傳福音時常說:「信耶稣,得永生。」得永生,豈不是從將臨的毁滅(死亡)中脱離,得到拯救?而這勝過死亡的唯一方法,正是耶稣上十字架救贖我們,為我們解決了罪的問題,我們能與神和好,恢復與神愛的關係,並與神永遠在一起,這就是「永生」。世上各類宗教的道理很好,但人靠自己再怎麼努力也做不到;而永恆的生命也不是自己努力就可以得到的。唯有靠著耶稣,才能到父那裡去,永遠與神同在。聖經(約3:16)有客觀的証據顯明:「神愛世人,甚至將衪的獨生子賜給他們,叫一切信衪的,不至滅亡,反得永生。」

我們人活在世上的數十年間,不斷地創造成功與成就以獲得世人的肯定,來証明自己的價值。是否我們的價值也決定了我們的得救與否呢?當我們有一天失去了行動的能力,不再能做什麼的時候;或者當我們被放在某個地方,讓他人可以任意決定在我們身上做些什麼的時候;我們是如此的軟弱,好像是無用的和成為他人的負擔。就在我們感到痛苦、匱乏、困惑、不知所措,以及没有價值時,我們還能憑什麼來獲得這救恩—「永生」呢?

中國第一個一統天下的王朝是秦朝,掌握天下大權的秦始皇,派出信使前往蓬萊仙島尋找長生不老藥,最終還是失敗,逃不過死亡的結局。没有人能躲避死亡,這是罪所結的必然果子。然而,耶穌為我們解決了世人因罪必死的問題,把永生賜給我們這些原本必死的人。這「永生」是一份禮物,一個我們白白從神得到的恩典。「你們得救是靠著恩典,藉著信心。這不是出於自己,而是神所賜的;這也不是出於行為,免得有人自誇。」(弗2:8-9)

是的,有一天我們都會再也不能「做」什麼來証明自己的價值,或憑藉自己的努力來賺得救恩,我們唯一能做的就是抬頭仰望十字架上的耶穌。當年以色列人出埃及、行在曠野中,没有糧、没有水,多次怨瀆神和摩西,於是耶和華神使火蛇進入百姓中間,咬死了許多以色列人。百姓來見摩西,承認自己發怨言的罪,求摩西為他們禱告,叫那些蛇離開他們。上帝聽了禱告,就指示摩西製造一條銅蛇,高高掛在杆子上;凡被蛇咬的,一望這銅蛇,就活了。(民廿一:4-9) 是的, 凡被蛇咬的,這些動彈不得的垂死之人,已經不能做什麼了,但只要他們相信:相信自己是神所愛的百姓,相信神因著愛而對他們說的話「一望這銅蛇,就活了。」於是目光轉向神,永恆的新生命就開啓了。

我認為在聖經中所說的「信」,不只是頭腦上的相信,更是心志上的決定。就如舊約中摩西對百姓言明:「我今日呼天喚地向你作見證, 我將生死、禍福陳明在你面前,所以你要揀選生命,使你和你的後裔都得存活。」(申30:19) 同樣的,新約中施洗約翰告訴人,耶穌就是彌賽亞(基督---永生神的兒子) 。約翰清楚指出,面對基督時,人只有兩個選擇:相信神的兒子,就有永遠的生命;不相信神的兒子,即棄绝了神,神最終也必棄绝他們。所以,「信耶穌」就是一個生死的抉擇,這是我們一生中要做的最重要的決定。親愛的朋友,基督所應許我們的就是「永生」(約翰一書二:25),你要這個永恆的生命嗎?若你的答案是肯定的,那就下定決心(決志)「信耶稣」吧!

親愛的阿爸天父,

您的愛何其浩大,您的恩典何其多!我們要來感謝讚美您的權能與作為。您賜下愛子耶穌,為贖我們的罪而上十字架,獻上自己的寶血生命,成為我們的救主。又因著我們信耶穌就是基督,您就賜下永生給我們這些不配的人。求主使我們明確認識這福音的真理,對得救充滿感恩的心,更加地愛耶穌。奉耶穌基督的名禱告祈求,阿們!

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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