Eternal Life

ETERNAL LIFE

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” - John 17:2

Most humans believe that there is nothing more important than life itself. Yet Psalm 63:3 says, “... thy lovingkindness is better than life.” The source of life is better than life itself. When we properly understand this and appropriate this fact through faith in Christ, we truly begin to live.

As we continue our trip through our Lord's longest recorded prayer, we arrive at John 17:2, where Jesus speaks to His Father about eternal life. As followers of Jesus, we should find comfort and hope in this verse. This verse speaks about eternal life, something that each of us should consider significant. Our Lord prays to the Father about two things: power and purpose. Let's consider them both.

First of all, Jesus prays about His power. “As thou hast given him power over all flesh.” Most politicians are consumed with the prospect of having power. Yet the power they seek to obtain is limited. It is limited in its reach, because political power only impacts a fraction of the population. Secondly, it is limited in its duration. A politician can only serve a few years. His power is temporary. In contrast, the Lord has power, “over all flesh.” Furthermore, His power is not limited by time because He will reign forever.

After His resurrection, Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” His power is not restricted in any way. While many wish to remove power from His grasp, they are unable to do so. Ultimately, everyone will bow in submission to Him (see Philippians 2:9-11).

As part of His power, Jesus has the power to give life. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” We are accustomed to men abusing power, but our Lord is using His power for good things, while at the same time staying true to His character of holiness and justice.

Secondly, our text refers to His purpose: “... that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” Referring to Jesus, John 1:4 says, “In him was life...” Jesus referred to Himself as life in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” It is true that He came to give us life, but we must also recognize that He is life. He is giving us Himself. When we give ourselves to Him at conversion, He gives Himself to us and lives within us.

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” Notice what He gives to His followers: ETERNAL LIFE. Let's consider this for a moment.

Notice that He came to give us life. Once we were dead in trespasses and sins. Yes, we existed physically, but we were dead spiritually. Jesus came and gave us life. Many years old, the Speer Family sang a song that featured Dad Speer. It was an up-tempo song called, “I Just Began To Live.” The song described how a person experiences new life in Christ. Regardless of his age, when a sinner meets Jesus, he just begins to live.

Also, consider the duration of the life He brings. It is ETERNAL life. It isn't temporary life or conditional life. It is eternal life. A person receives eternal life the moment he believes. Physical death does not initiate this life. Salvation does. Thus, eternal life does not begin at death, it begins with the new birth. Since it is eternal life, it has no end. Physical death is inevitable for each of us. Yet when a person dies in Christ Jesus, he goes to be with Jesus. His spiritual life never ceases. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

Jesus offers eternal life as a free gift. Paul put it this way, “... the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Eternal life cannot be purchased or earned. Instead, it must be received, by faith, as a gift. You see, eternal life is an expensive gift. It costs more than we could ever afford. It isn't cheap. Jesus paid for this gift with His shed blood on the cross. It is a precious gift. It is a gift of love, chosen by the Father, purchased by the Son and is presented by the Holy Spirit.

Have you received this free gift of eternal life? If not, make this the moment you do so.