A Perspective of the Life of John C. Anderson

Before I received eternal life I was aware of the claims of those who had accepted Jesus Christ as their redeemer. Often they expressed confidence in their protection from hell and a peace in the ability to trust Christ to sustain them in any of life's circumstances. At the same time, I knew others who never seemed to carry such confidences or, if they did, it was not particularly evident in their behavior. I thought it would be nice to have a settled confidence in the provisions of a dramatic person such as the Savior Jesus who no doubt had the divine power to deliver great things. Yet, as I looked around and saw some among my connections who were not particularly moved to make a commitment to follow and obey Christ, I did not become substantially motivated to have my life changed in a radical departure from what I knew by not making the commitment.

On Sundays our family would most usually go to church and Sunday school. In June, each year, my younger siblings and I would go to Vacation Bible School. Otherwise, during the school year, we would participate in our public school with neighbor children who may or may not be much involved in church activities. Some of our teachers would actually have brief studies of the Bible and perfunctory prayer each day. We could have nominal admission of Christian principles and be regular "good boys and girls" the rest of the time.

When I was ten years old my parents decided that I could go to a church Bible Camp for a week in July. My younger sister and I had been to the Vacation Bible School at our church in June. We were told about receiving Christ as our Savior but only she committed. I wasn't ready yet. But in July and about 150 miles from home the more intense exposure of the Bible Camp to the proposition of faith in Jesus Christ plus the notion that I couldn't let my younger sister get too far ahead of me led me to make my own commitment to follow Jesus. I knew enough about the benefit of salvation and protection from a hellish destruction that it seemed like a most appropriate decision. Thus, I mark the beginning of my Christian life from that point even though I can't say I completely understood all the gracious provisions of the life offered to Christ. Actually, I still don't.

I have lived now multiple years owning my relationship to Jesus Christ. I have learned that salvation wasn't something that I was smart enough to figure out on my own even though it seems to make entire sense. I have the peace that it doesn't depend on me and my performance to maintain my position in Christ. I am assured that I may know that I have eternal life because of the promises of the Word of God.

Today, I live with multiple physical limitations. Yet I know that my limitations are not a bar on Christ's provisions and protection. Whether I live or die I am in God's Hand. I am privileged to have the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God to direct me in these truths of perseverance and confidence.

Much better yet, I know that the full life in Christ goes on forever. If I were to die today, I know that I would be with God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and The Holy Spirit forever in heaven.