“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” - John 17:3
Eternal life. Sounds great, doesn't it? Life is a gift from the Father above. Eternal life is also a gift, chosen by the Father, purchased by the Son and provided by the Holy Spirit.
Mankind has been pursing his own version of everlasting life for some time now. We seek medical breakthroughs, hoping to increase life expectancy. We emphasize healthy choices with the intent of prolonging life here on earth. The goal, it seems, is to ultimately increase life expectancy until death is obliterated. Of course, mankind cannot and will not achieve this. Yet Jesus has. He defeated death, hell and grave. Through His death upon the cross and resurrection from the grave, life has won and death is doomed. Ultimately, death will be the final enemy that is eliminated.
When talking with His Father, Jesus prayed, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Eternal life is found in knowing God through Jesus Christ.
Many people confuse a knowledge of Christ with knowing Christ. Many can use the Christian jargon without personally experiencing any of it. It is possible to talk about doctrine or difficult passages of Scripture and yet never know Jesus Christ personally.
I know about the man who is serving as President of the United States. Yet I don't know him personally. I can tell you several things about him, his family, his beliefs and his past, but I've never shaken his hand or spoken with him. He's never invited me to the White House for a special meal. He doesn't call me on the phone so we can have a friendly chat. Yes, I know about him, but I don't know him personally.
This describes how most people relate with the Lord. They know about Him. Perhaps they know much from Sunday School or church attendance. Maybe they've learned some things from a television or internet preacher. It could be that they know many of the Christian songs that are sung at worship services. But they can't honestly say that they know the Lord in a very personal way.
Yet to know Him is to love Him. When we meet Him, He steps into our lives. We begin to experience spiritual life because of the One lives within. This life is eternal.
Most people are existing, but not really living. Christ is not just the path to life, He is life. His presence in a man's heart brings spiritual life that is unmistakable.
Eternal life is received as we know God through Jesus Christ. It is a genuine experience of love that cannot be purchased or earned. Eternal life is a gift. We enjoy everlasting life when we meet the Lord and experience His divine grace.
There are many experiences in life that a man may enjoy. Yet these experiences are secondary to the divine miracle of saving grace.
I realize that some in the Christian community frown when I use the word, “experience.” Yet salvation is an experience. When a man passes from death unto life, it is an experience. It is a miracle. It is a work of God. Some have buried experience beneath a load of scholarship. While I commend people for studying, our study of Scripture should lead us to know the Lord in a personal way. Furthermore, as believers, we should seek growing levels of experiential knowledge as we grow closer to Christ.
“That I may know him...” were the words that Paul wrote to the Philippians. Obviously, Paul wanted to know Christ even better. He wanted an intimate walk with His Lord. Shouldn't we?
In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Jesus came to give us life. Real life. Spiritual life. Abundant life. Eternal life. The real issue is not His willingness to give us this life, but our willingness to receive it.
Eternal life is not found at some utopia place like the fountain of youth. Medical science cannot produce it. Only Jesus Christ can provide it. It is a gift that we simply receive. The Bible says, “... the gift of God is eternal life...”
Have you received this gift? If not, receive this gift right now by faith.
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