THIS IS ETERNAL LIFE
Eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have glorified you on the earth and finished the work that you gave me to do. John 17:3, 4, Jerusalem.
A popular series of television commercials depicts a respected businessman talking quietly in a busy crowded room. He begins to quote the opinion of his stockbroker. A hush suddenly falls over the crowd as every ear strains to hear the advice of that respected firm. With important financial interests at stake, no one wants to miss such key information.
Place yourself in a setting with several serious-minded people, discussing what is essential for salvation. Some are suggesting that eternal life is found through a life of self-sacrifice and denial. Others are certain that eternal life is granted to those who accept certain legal provisions on their behalf. You are aware that the ultimate expert on eternal life, Jesus Christ Himself, has just entered the room. Though He seems to be in prayer to His Father, He is speaking so that others can hear.
"Eternal life," He says, "is this." Suddenly every other conversation stops. Every eye turns to His face; every ear strains to catch each word. Most expect a lengthy, complicated formula. They are stunned that it can be summarized in but three words. Eternal life is this: "To know you." To know the Father as He truly is, as He has been revealed through Jesus Christ--that is eternal life.
Some might object that it's too simple, that the Bible insists that no one is saved who does not do righteous works. But the only genuine works of righteousness are those that freely flow from a loving heart, and one's heart becomes loving only when it is bonded to the Father's great heart of love.
Others would urge the need for faith as the basis for salvation. Yet this is precisely what faith is. It is an informed friendship with God, leading to love and trust. Though faith may on occasion express itself in doing or believing something not fully understood, this is not its primary focus. Faith is built upon that which we do know and understand--the clear revelation of the Father in Jesus Christ.
Jesus looked back over His life mission and was able confidently to report, "Mission accomplished!" And what was that mission? "I have shown your glory on earth" (John 17:4, T.E.V.).
Eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have glorified you on the earth and finished the work that you gave me to do. John 17:3, 4, Jerusalem.
A popular series of television commercials depicts a respected businessman talking quietly in a busy crowded room. He begins to quote the opinion of his stockbroker. A hush suddenly falls over the crowd as every ear strains to hear the advice of that respected firm. With important financial interests at stake, no one wants to miss such key information.
Place yourself in a setting with several serious-minded people, discussing what is essential for salvation. Some are suggesting that eternal life is found through a life of self-sacrifice and denial. Others are certain that eternal life is granted to those who accept certain legal provisions on their behalf. You are aware that the ultimate expert on eternal life, Jesus Christ Himself, has just entered the room. Though He seems to be in prayer to His Father, He is speaking so that others can hear.
"Eternal life," He says, "is this." Suddenly every other conversation stops. Every eye turns to His face; every ear strains to catch each word. Most expect a lengthy, complicated formula. They are stunned that it can be summarized in but three words. Eternal life is this: "To know you." To know the Father as He truly is, as He has been revealed through Jesus Christ--that is eternal life.
Some might object that it's too simple, that the Bible insists that no one is saved who does not do righteous works. But the only genuine works of righteousness are those that freely flow from a loving heart, and one's heart becomes loving only when it is bonded to the Father's great heart of love.
Others would urge the need for faith as the basis for salvation. Yet this is precisely what faith is. It is an informed friendship with God, leading to love and trust. Though faith may on occasion express itself in doing or believing something not fully understood, this is not its primary focus. Faith is built upon that which we do know and understand--the clear revelation of the Father in Jesus Christ.
Jesus looked back over His life mission and was able confidently to report, "Mission accomplished!" And what was that mission? "I have shown your glory on earth" (John 17:4, T.E.V.).
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