Choose Eternal Life!

Thinking of the fullness and duration of this wonderful life, W. B. Hinson, a great preacher of a past generation, spoke from his own experience just before he died. He said, "I remember a year ago when a doctor told me, 'You have an illness from which you won't recover.' I walked out to where I live 5 miles from Portland, Oregon, and I looked across at that mountain that I love. I looked at the river in which I rejoice, and I looked at the stately trees that are always God's own poetry to my soul.

Then in the evening I looked up into the great sky where God was lighting His lamps, and I said, ' I may not see you many more times, but Mountain, I shall be alive when you are gone; and River, I shall be alive when you cease running toward the sea; and Stars, I shall be alive when you have fallen from your sockets in the great down pulling of the material universe!' "

Eternal life is a major theme in the gospel of Christ. It tells us that: Jesus was crucified in order to offer eternal life (John 3:14-16); and eternal life in Christ Jesus is the gift of God (Romans 6:23). But what exactly is eternal life? Is it simply a future blessing, pertaining to life after death? Or is it a present possession; something to enjoy in this life?

To try and get a better understanding of these questions let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about eternal life. In His "High Priestly Prayer" (John 17), Jesus mentions eternal life. In his prayer to his Heavenly Father, Jesus gives thanks for being given the authority "give eternal life to as many as you have given him." (John 17:2) He also says this about himself, "And this is eternal life..." (John 17:3)

I suppose that one could think about eternal life in two ways: present or future. First off, it wouldn’t be too difficult to find scripture that discusses eternal life as a future blessing. Many scriptures refer to eternal life as a “future blessing.” Jesus spoke of it in this way (Matthew 25:46; Mark 10:28-30); and Paul wrote of it in this way (Titus1:2; 3:7; Romans: 6:22).Therefore, many of us think of eternal life in this way, as well.

We consider it as: a future blessing; an everlasting existence in the presence of God, free from death, sorrow and pain (Revelation 21:1-7); and that it is available in this life as a hope. Clearly, it is certainly scriptural to conceive of eternal life as hope for the future.

If we look for evidence of eternal life as a “present possession,” we see that John often writes of eternal life as a present possession; as that which endures in one (or not) (1 John 3:14-15). It can be said that God has given us eternal life, that we have eternal life (1 John 5:11-13).

In his writings, I feel that John chooses to use the phrase "eternal life" in a special sense. He describes a quality of life (and not just quantity of life) which comes by knowing God and His Son Jesus Christ. John recounts it in the manner in which Jesus uses it in His "High Priestly Prayer" (John 17:3). In his prayer, Jesus says "This is eternal life..." Defining it as "that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ..."

Let’s pause here for a minute. Before we move on, I want you to remember these following points:

1) When we come to 'know' God and Jesus, we experience a quality of life that surpasses what the world has to offer;
2) As a present possession, this quality of life is only a glimpse of the future blessing we shall experience with God;
3) As a promise of things to come, this quality of life can rightly be called eternal life;
4) And finally, isn't our life with God now really the beginning of eternity with God?

Since Jesus spoke of eternal life in both ways, it is both a future blessing and present possession. So, as we come to 'know' God and Jesus, we begin to experience the blessings of eternal life. If you take anything away from our discussion today, I hope you understand that eternal life is more than just a hope regarding a future blessing. It is also a present possession, an unparalleled quality of life available in this life. Eternal life is a blessing that comes from 'knowing' God and Jesus in a personal and progressive way. And, it is enjoyed only by keeping the commandments of God and Jesus!

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1; Romans 2:7, 10; Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Matthew 19:17; 1 Peter 1:10-11.

Prayer:

Lord, pour out on us the spirit of understanding, truth and peace, help us to strive with all our hearts to know what is pleasing to you, and when we know your will, make us determined to do it. Amen

God's love and peace to all,

Holly