So far we’ve seen that eternity is something God’s Word consistently points to, it’s the central feature of the Bible’s central figure, it’s what we were made for, it’s where judgment occurs based upon our response to Jesus Christ, and it’s defined by two very specific and different places. Next, we need to familiarize ourselves with a biblical expression that’s inseparably linked with eternity: eternal life. This term is exclusively found in the New Testament, and we see it predominately used by Jesus, Paul, and John. What’s interesting is that in each case, it’s used in a positive and desirable sense. But wait. As we’ve seen, eternity is defined by two places, and one of those places is anything but positive and desirable. How can that be? This is what we need to know that this stage in our study of eternity, the expression “eternal life,” which appears many times in the New Testament, refers to a quality of life and not just a quantity of life. “Eternal life” isn’t referring to the idea of an existence that will last forever. That’s something every single soul will experience one way or the other. Rather, it’s speaking of an existence under the best possible conditions. It’s pointing to a life of unending and unbroken fellowship with God through Jesus Christ: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3 NKJV) It’s the fulfillment of what we were made for (refer to March 3), and while it begins here and now when we place our faith in Jesus, it extends on into our eternal existence. Eternal life is not just a matter of us living for a long time. It’s a matter of us being brought back into a relational state with God that can never be improved upon and which will last forever. Think About It… What does this passage reveal to me about God? Devotionals by Active Word
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
Bob Coy: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
Quality, Not Quantity
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
