Eternal Life as a Sign of Freedom?

Every era has its questions, but a recurring theme is freedom. Freedom is a vast concept, yet it influences the minutiae of our daily lives, our health, our family, or our investments. No matter where you currently stand, the common thread of your life is a story about your real or perceived freedom. The fact that you can ponder topics like health, for instance, shows your mental freedom.

But what happens when someone limits this mental freedom? If the limitation is unjust, you should still let your thoughts run free or put them into practice. However, if the assumption is wrong, removing an apparent limitation can tear away a firm anchor point from your life. A concrete example of this is found in the Biblical creation story, where in the Garden of Eden, a limitation is introduced with the prohibition against eating from the Tree of Knowledge. The apparent freedom to overcome this prohibition and decide between good and evil (to be like God) does not bring freedom but separation from God and, thus, the absolute good. Instead, toil and ultimately death enter the world of humans.

The false assumption about the prohibition or the freedom in the Garden of Eden begins with the question, "Did God really say?" Most people today do not associate their personal freedom with the Tree of Knowledge. Fortunately, God knows much better than humans what our desire to be like God has caused. Had we also eaten from the Tree of Life, we would have become immortal—still a dream of humanity today. So why does God prevent us from enjoying this life He has given us indefinitely? He limits our human life (or our apparent freedom) because He does not want us to live endlessly in a fallen world.

Today, this human dream of eternal life seems increasingly within reach. And the scientific progress that has led to the healing and alleviation of diseases is undoubtedly a gift from God. But God desires an eternity with us, where we can live in communion with Him, in a world without pain, without tears, and with a resurrection body. If we keep extending our life in this world, we hinder the reunion with God after our death and the acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Next Step: What freedoms are binding you? Go into prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to show you where He wants to lead you into true, divine freedom.