We have Been Instructed to "lay hold on" eternal life

[Minister Monardo]

If eternal life is attained and assured with conversion (believing the Gospel), why this instruction?

1 Timothy 6:
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life,
where unto thou are also called, and hast professed
a good profession before many witnesses.
13 I give thee charge in the sight of God...
And then again,
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches,
but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come,
that they may lay hold on eternal life.

I would propose that to understand "laying hold on eternal life", we must first consider
"laying up...a good foundation against the time to come".

Quick question: to what "time to come", is Paul referring, tribulations or judgment?

We know that the foundation of the church is in the doctrines of Christ, his apostles and prophets.
Ephesians 2:
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens
with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner.

Clearly, we must establish a personal foundation within our framework in Christ.
How is this foundation laid up? As always, by obedience to the apostolic charge!

Pursue Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Patience, Gentleness. (v. 11)
Anyone thinking they maintain their assurance by membership in a Church,
are making the same mistake the Jews made over the security of Jerusalem,
based simply on the fact the the Lord's Temple was there for protection.

Jeremiah 7:
4 Do not trust in these lying words, saying,
‘The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are these.’
12 “But go now to My place which was in Shiloh, where I set My name at the first,
and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel.
13 And now, because you have done all these works,” says the Lord,
“and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear,
and I called you, but you did not answer,
14 therefore I will do to the house which is called by My name, in which you trust,
and to this place which I gave to you and your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh.

The Lord "rises early and speaks daily". Shema

 

[Aaron112]

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches,
but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come,
that they may lay hold on eternal life.

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