"Eternal LIfe"

  When Jesus speaks of eternal life, what do you think He is talking about? His apostle John penned inspired words for us from heaven: "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know you have eternal life." (I John 5:13) What did John mean when He speaks of eternal life? Paul spoke: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 6:23)

  Eternal life isn't simply "endless" life. Eternal life is a quality of life that comes through Jesus to us being made a new creation in Him. It's not just an "endless" existence. It is a life that takes on the nature of the gift giver! Those who come into Jesus and share His life, one day will fully experience it all but it will be life, His life! Eternal life is a life that is lived in joy and fellowship with Him NOW!!

  How does one know they have eternal life? It bothers some to speak like this. When one possesses eternal life, they will show that life in their present lives. They will practice the righteousness of God (I John 2:28-29) on a daily basis. That's eternal life at work in us. They will love the truth of God and hold to that truth (I John 2:25-27). They will love their brother (I John 3:10). In those three things, we find the eternal life of God at work in us and can know that's the way our Father lives and His Son. In Christ Jesus we are a new creation and the old things have passed away. In Christ Jesus we are to put off the old self and put on the new self which is created in the righteousness and holiness of the truth like God (Eph. 4:22-24).

  At the heart of God isn't the talk of sin. At the heart of God isn't just about His children being nice and good, learning to get along with others. There are a lot of those who live like that in this world. The heart of God is about life, His life and that life is to be in us as part of His adopted children that we would share in His eternal life right now. His life quality becomes ours and we can see it manifest itself in our daily living!