“And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.”
And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life
Eternal life is not in question, as some of the antichrists asserted. John’s readers passed from death to life at the moment of salvation (Jn 5:24; 1 Jn 3:14). God always links eternal life with regeneration. The Christian passes from death to eternal life at the point of belief in Christ. He receives life as God has it (Jn 3:15). God not only wants us to enjoy eternal life in eternity but also in time.
Biblically, life results from faith in Christ (Jn 3:15f, 36; 5:24, 40; 6:40,47,53f; 10:10; 20:31; 1 Jn 3:15; 5:12,13). Eternal life is the polar opposite of death. Eternal life primarily belongs to God. Jesus also has life in Himself (Jn 1:4; 5:26; 6:57; 1 Jn 1:1f; 5:11,20).
Tit 1:2, “…in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began…”
Eternal life is not only the quantity of life but also the quality of life. When God saves us, He saves us body, soul, and spirit. We possess a new essence of life, the life of God Himself.
PRINCIPLE:
Our eternal security rests on the credibility of God’s promise.
APPLICATION:
Eternal death came through sin (Ro 5:12). Sin forfeited life with God. The impartation of God’s life to the sinner comes through the shedding of blood, the life of the flesh. The blood of Christ gives eternal life because of the sacrifice of Christ’s life. Removal of death comes by the sacrifice of Christ’s life.
Our eternal future is secure because it rests on the credibility of God’s promise. The person who believes in Jesus Christ possesses eternal life. The issue of eternal life was settled long ago for the Christian.
Jn 3:36, “He who believes in the Son has [has and holds] everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Eternal life is more than life in the future; we can enjoy the dynamic of eternal life in time. It is a possession of the present because it comes from a promise. That is why we have assurance and not some vague wish for the future. The Christian rests on this safeguard.
