Bible Reading Blog
“This is Eternal Life”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: John 17
"This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (John 17.3)
What do you hope for from eternal life? What does that look like for you? The Revelation to John offers glimpses into the splendor of eternity. Streets of gold, a magnificent throne room, peace and security, no sickness and death. As God revealed to John, eternal life is an experience of complete perfection. But a clear point is pushed forward as John concludes: perfection exists because everything flows from God. He is the Originator of life and light, and in His presence they exist in perpetuity (Revelation 21.22-22.5).
In scripture, the picture and promise of eternal life is not in what will be seen, but with whom it will be spent. Our Maker wants us to be with Him, where he will sustain everything, forever. And so, eternal life is not a destination… it is a relationship with the One who is eternal through his word. “Blessed is the man who delights in God word and meditates on it” (Psalm 1.1-2, paraphrased). The psalmist compares him to being like a tree that is planted by a stream— it always flourishes and prospers (Psalm 1.3, paraphrased).
Eternal life is a connection to God, through Jesus the Word (John 1.14; 15.7). Notice how John has emphasized this point:
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life…” (John 3:36)
“…whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life…” (John 5:24)
“Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life…" (John 6:68-69)
The word of God through Jesus brings us into a unified relationship with the Father (John 17.22-23). This is why Jesus was adamant about doing and teaching the Father’s will (John 5.19, 30). Obedience and submission made him one with God (John 10.30).
Our deliberate obedience makes us like God in our nature and character. Knowing God is not merely about information. To know God is to be transformed, and thus to be introduced to a life that could not otherwise be experienced (Romans 12.1-2).
With this in mind, it puts our actions in proper context. To read God’s word is to become more intimately aware of Him. To conform our lives to His will is to pull ourselves closer to the One who heals, helps and sustains us. As Paul would proclaim, "I count everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3.8).
Eternal life will not simply be a place of fun, filled with our favorite things from this lifetime. It is a continuation and completion of our relationship to the Father. We will no longer struggle with the separation from God, but will know Him fully, as He knows us. And so, “let us press on to know the LORD" (Hosea 6:3) and “Jesus Christ whom he has sent” (John 17.3).
