A SATISFYING LIFE How to Attain It

Conclusion of The Way Back to a Satisfying Life

When Jesus was about 30 years old, he was baptized in the Jordan River. At his baptism, he was anointed by holy spirit, or God's active force. Thus, he became the Christ, meaning "Anointed One." (Luke 3:21, 22)  Jesus' ministry on earth lasted three-and-a-half years. During those years, he taught his followers about "the kingdom of God," the heavenly  government under which mankind will return to a peaceful relationship with Jehovah God. (Luke 4:43; Matthew 4:17)  Jesus knew the way for humans to lead a happy life, and he gave his followers specific guidelines regarding happiness.  Why not open your Bible to Matthew chapters 5 to 7 and read some of his teachings in the Sermon on the Mount?  

Unlike Adam, Jesus led a life of obedience to God in every way.  "He committed no sin ."  (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 7:26) In fact, he had the right to live forever on earth, but he 'surrendered his soul' to pay back to God what Adam had lost.  On the torture stake, Jesus gave up his perfect human life.  (John 10:17; 19:17, 18, 28-30; Romans 5:19, 21; Philippians 2:8)  Doing so, Jesus provided  the ransom, or paid the price needed to buy mankind back from slavery to sin and death.  (Matthew 20:28)  Think of yourself laboring in a sweatshop, leading a free life literal slavery. Would you not feel deep gratitude to the one who volunteered to sacrifice his life for yours?  Through the ransom arrangement, a way was opened for you to return to God's universal family and lead a truly satisfying life, free from enslavement to sin and death.  -2 Corinthians 5:14, 15. 

Knowing and appreciating this undeserved kindness of Jehovah gives you all the  more reason to apply in your own life the words of wisdom found in the Bible.  For example, take one of the most difficult principles to apply-forgiving others when they have offended you.  Do you remember  the words found at Colossians chapter 3, verses 12 to 14, which we considered in lesson 2?  Those verses encouraged you to forgive others even if you  might have a cause for complaint against them.  The context explains why saying:   "Even as Jehovah freely forgave you,so do you also."  Once you take to heart what Jehovah and Jesus Christ have done for mankind, you will be moved to forgive others for whatever offenses they may have caused, especially if they repent and apologize.

Next time: A SATISFYING LIFE How to Attain It - 9. Enjoy a Satisfying Life-Now and Forever!

From The Watchtower magazine