This is eternal life
Day 215, Friday, March 14
What is eternal life?
In Chapter 17 we are told that God granted Jesus authority over all people so he might give eternal life to those God had given to him.
He then defines eternal life as this: “that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
We often think of eternal life in terms of time—living forever—but this puts life more in terms of quality—living in Christ.
There are two significant facts about eternal life that this brings up:
First, eternal life is a gift we receive with salvation, not something for the future. Life is changed at the moment we accept Christ.
Second, it’s a change in the nature of life, not just in the length of life. Too often we think of eternal life as simply being more the same…just today’s life in a nicer neighborhood.
But it’s not about a change in our surroundings as much as it is a change in the way we relate to the world: to the Father, the Son and the Spirit and also to our fellow humans. It’s about entering into a world where love, not fear, reigns.
Another verse to pay particular attention to is 17:20, when Jesus says his prayer is not just for those who believe because they heard his message directly, but he is also praying for those who believe because of the testimony of those who heard—he is praying for us.