What Is Abundant Life?
You may have come across this scripture where Jesus promises us abundant life:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 ESV
It’s a scripture often quoted in sermons – and you’ve probably encountered it on the He Speaks, I Write website or if you receive my emails.
But what is abundant life? What did Jesus mean when He said He came so we could have life abundantly?
The word “abundantly” in this verse is from the Greek word “perissos” which means in essence, “beyond”. It speaks of life beyond measure. Beyond the measure of what the world can offer us.
The Passion Translation of John 10:10 uses the phrase “a rich and satisfying life”.
But again, Jesus isn’t talking about how the world would define rich and satisfying. He’s talking about God’s glorious riches that are accessible to us today as children of God. It’s spiritual abundance.
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
James 2:5
The blessing of the LORD brings [true] riches, And He adds no sorrow to it [for it comes as a blessing from God].
Proverbs 10:22 AMP
Abundant life means receiving our glorious inheritance as co-heirs with Christ, available to us right now – we don’t have to wait for heaven! I believe God wants us to experience the fullness of His glory here on earth. God’s glory is a visible manifestation of His presence and power.
Let’s look at another scripture to understand this better:
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 1:17-23 NIV
As the body of Christ, we’re called to be the fullness of Him who is seated at the right hand of the Father in the heavenly realms. That means we’re made full and complete by Jesus and through His death, resurrection and ascension, we can experience heavenly realities on earth.
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10 NIV
I believe living the abundant life isn’t about what we can personally gain. It’s not a cushy, comfortable or “soft” life. It’s a life outside our comfort zone – a life in the faith zone. God’s heart is to use us as vessels to bring His kingdom to our world and the people around us.
An abundant life is:
- A life of victory through Jesus.
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Luke 10:19
- Walking in God’s power by His Spirit.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
- Living freely in the fullness of God’s presence and glory.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 NIV
Image by Jill Wellington via Pexels.com
Abundant life is living beyond the world’s standards – a higher standard aligned with God’s kingdom. It means not settling for what the world sees as “normal” but instead operating by a greater measure. By the power of God’s Spirit, according to His Word.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2
So that looks like not:
- accepting chronic sickness as your portion.
- allowing your past mistakes to define you.
- living with fear, anxiety or depression.
- carrying the weight of shame.
- being held captive by pain and trauma.
- being controlled by addiction.
- being bound by unforgiveness and bitterness.
- remaining broken because of betrayal or loss.
As children of God, we don’t have to live with any of these things. They’re works of darkness and we are children of the light (Ephesians 5:8). We’re more than conquerors through Jesus and His finished work at the cross (Romans 8:37).
Image by Jed Villejo via Unsplash.com
Now that doesn’t mean we won’t face troubles and trials in this fallen world. But when we do, we can hold onto this promise spoken by Jesus Himself:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV
If Jesus has overcome, then in Him we are overcomers! We don’t have to live in defeat, bound by strongholds or oppressed by demons. No, Jesus has destroyed the works of the enemy. Remember, He is “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:20)
And let’s not forget that “God has raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6) So then, in the name of Jesus, we also have power and authority over our enemy. That’s good news! And something the Lord invites us to live out here and now.
Here’s that scripture from Luke 10 again:
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:19-20 NIV
Our names are written in heaven. And we have many rewards waiting for us in our forever home – including eternity with our Maker. But there’s so much of our heavenly inheritance God wants us to access today. For though we live in the world, we’re not of the world.
Imagine you’re given a luxury car. You didn’t have to pay a cent for it – it’s a gift. And it’s all yours. You’re handed the car keys and receive them with joy and gratitude. It’s hands down the best gift you’ve ever received.
You walk back into your house and put the keys down. Later that day, you realise you need to pick up a few items from the grocery store so that you have food to eat and everything you need for the week ahead. It’s too far to walk and you don’t know how to get there. Then you remember you have a luxury car that can take you anywhere, anytime. But you’ve forgotten where you put the keys. Instead of going to find and grab them, you decide to just stay at home. And as each day goes on, you feel hungrier, more confined and less satisfied with your situation. What a waste of such a generous gift!
Jesus has gifted us with abundant life, yet we often forget we can access it – and daily! Let me remind you (and me) of our inheritance as children of God and co-heirs with Christ:
Peace is your portion.
- Philippians 4:6-7
- John 14:27
- Isaiah 26:3
Joy is your strength.
- Nehemiah 8:10
- John 15:10-11
Healing is your birthright.
- Isaiah 53:5
- 1 Peter 2:24
Freedom belongs to you.
- John 8:36
- Galatians 5:1
Victory is yours.
- 1 Corinthians 15:56-57
- 1 John 4:4
- Isaiah 54:17
Favour surrounds you.
- Psalm 5:12
- Psalm 84:11
- Psalm 30:5
Protection covers you.
- Psalm 91:9-11
- Psalm 23:4
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Provision is at hand.
- Psalm 23:1
- Psalm 37:25-26
- 2 Corinthians 9:8
Rest for your soul is available.
- Matthew 11:28-30
- Psalm 23:2-3
Power, love and a sound mind are yours.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
Need a daily reminder of these promises? Sign up for my emails (here) for access to faith-building resources, including a printable with abundant life promises you can stick on your wall.
Are there any areas where you feel like you’re not living in the fullness of your inheritance?
If so, I encourage you to seek the Lord and ask Holy Spirit to reveal anything that is hidden (Job 12:22). Once He shines a light on the area/s, ask Him what you need to do to receive what is yours in Christ. It could be a simple prayer, renouncing a lie you’ve believed or agreement you’ve made, renewing your mind with scripture or seeking prayer/help/counsel from a trusted and Spirit-led pastor or leader.
Whatever that looks like for you, I pray the Lord leads you to the keys that bring you true freedom in Jesus’ name!
Hungry for more of the Word of God? Sign up for my emails here. You’ll get Holy Spirit inspired revelations straight into your inbox. Let’s grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s Word together to live the abundant John 10:10 life!
Written by Oyelola
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