Life magazine published a book listing the most important events of the last 1000 years. Some of the events you might expect to be there, like #2, Columbus’s voyage to the New World in 1492. Some events you’re glad are there, like #93, the invention of painless surgery. Some events you might be surprised to find, like #82, the invention of Coke in 1886.
But what was the #1 most important event of the last millennium, according to Life? The printing of the Bible on Gutenberg’s printing press in 1455! This led to the Bible (and other books) being distributed to the public at large for the first time, which helped bring about many incalculable advances in civilization. *
Life got it right! The printing of the Bible on Gutenberg’s printing press led ultimately to the availability of God’s Word to every person, in every land, in every language. This was important so that each person may have access to the Word of Life!
The Word of Life (the Bible) reveals the Way to Eternal Life! “The WAGES of sin,” of which we are ALL guilty (Romans 3:23), “is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). As the ultimate expression of God’s love, Jesus died on the cross to pay the price of redemption for our sins (John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7). Through Jesus, we may have the forgiveness of our sins and the hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2).
Jesus said,
“I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
– John 14:6
The Word of Life also reveals how we can access the Way to Eternal Life: placing our faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turning from sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Then as we continue to walk in the light of His Word, the blood of Jesus will continue to cleanse us from sin (1 John 1:7).
Indeed, Life was right! The #1 most important event of the last millennium, was putting into print the Word of God which reveals the Way to Life.
YOU can have access to the Way through your trusting obedience!
The most important event of YOUR life will be to accept LIFE on His terms. Won’t YOU?
David A. Sargent, Minister
Church of Christ at Creekwood
