Day 19 - This Is Eternal Life
- Pastor b.Side
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” - John 17:3
True greatness is often defined by a person's ability to excel and consistently overcome difficult circumstances. We can understand God’s greatness through this same idea. God’s original intent when He created Adam and Eve was for them to live forever. Their sin introduced death into the world, and since all people inherit their spiritual DNA as sinners, we all die. Does the amount or severity of corruption and death in God’s creation change His nature? Can God work through the disastrous circumstances that sin causes?
“And this is eternal life…”
Think about how Jesus defined “eternal life.” Eternal life depends on “knowing” God. In scripture, this term is used to show a deep level of intimacy similar to a sexual relationship. Jesus used this term in Matthew 12:7 to describe a deep understanding of the scriptures. It’s not just knowing what the scriptures say, but truly grasping what they mean. Additionally, Jesus used this term to show the unity between Himself and the Father. In Luke 10:22, Jesus said, “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and [the one] to whom the Son wills to reveal [Him].”
No one shares an intimate connection or in-depth understanding of the Father except for Jesus, who is referred to as "the Son." The context of this verse portrays Jesus as the Heir of God, having received “all things” from the Father, which includes His attributes and authority. Jesus is God in the flesh. The Father and Son differ only in appearance. This is the depth of “knowledge” that Jesus has regarding the Father and the Father of the Son. They are One!
“The only true God…”
To truly "know” God as “the only true God” is to build a close relationship with Him based on a deep understanding of who He is, similar to the connection between the Father and the Son. Knowing God means becoming one with Him. How? We are united with the Father through our understanding of God’s Word – the testimony of Jesus as God and the Messiah. By believing in the testimony of Jesus’ identity, nature, character, attributes, purposes, and promises as shown in the Word, the Holy Spirit links us with the Father and the Son, just as Jesus promised in John 14:23.
Is this miracle dependent on circumstances? Does God need to create an ideal quality of life for us to connect with Him through the Gospel? Does eternal life require physical death to enjoy the benefits of an intimate relationship with God? The answer to these questions is a definitive "NO!” God’s greatness is shown in His constant ability to bring the benefits of His eternal nature into our earthly lives in any situation. Jesus’ death and resurrection prove this!
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, thank You for providing a way for us to connect with the essence of Your greatness. Jesus, thank You for the work You’ve completed that makes this connection possible. We believe that You are the One True God, sent to save us from sin, death, and hell so that You could be glorified by the work You do to graft us into Yourself. Help us to live in a manner that is consistent with our new position in You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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