Every few years, the medical literature swings in one direction or another with regard to the health benefits of caffeine. A recent review now touts the medical benefits of caffeine on the heart and kidney. While this information is not new, what I did find interesting was that even if one drinks decaffeinated coffee, there were definite health benefits. Decaffeinated coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine, but the article also pointed out that coffee has other biochemical compounds, such as polyphenols, that have measurable health benefits.
What about our relationship with God? The most important result of a relationship with Jesus Christ is the forgiveness of our sins leading to salvation and eternal life. Are there additional benefits that may not be as readily observable? The philosopher, scientist, and Christian theologian, Blaine Pascal, wrote these words many years ago. “Either Christianity is true or it’s false. If you bet that it’s true, and you believe in God and submit to Him, then if it IS true, you’ve gained God, heaven, and everything else. If it’s false, you’ve lost nothing, but you’ve had a good life marked by peace and the illusion that ultimately, everything makes sense. If you bet that Christianity is not true, and it’s false, you’ve lost nothing. But if you bet that it’s false, and it turns out to be true, you’ve lost everything and you get to spend eternity in hell.” Although somewhat tongue in cheek, there is truth in what Pascal wrote. Even for someone who does not accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, if one lived their life by Christian principles, there would be definite and measurable benefits. But why stop there?
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
Galatians 5:22-25 (NLT)
We can attempt to live a good life, separate from God by following godly principles. Yet, if one has experienced peace and positive feedback, why stop there? A good life does not lead to salvation. Only a relationship with God through faith and belief in Jesus Christ can do this. When we do this, we are empowered by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and He brings forth true fruit in our lives because we have been forgiven of our sins through the power of the Resurrection.
What are the additional benefits of a life in Jesus Christ? Everything. All of life makes sense when we belong to Jesus Christ who took our sinful passions and desires and nailed them to the Cross.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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