WE ARE NOT IN HEAVEN YET

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-13)

Devotion 22 of 37

WHAT IS ETERNAL LIFE?

The gift of God is "eternal life," and what a gracious benefit it is! The Word of God states the fact precisely and concisely. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom 6:23). This is the ultimate promise of God. As it is written, "And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life" (1 John 2:25). In further confirmation of this, we read, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; but hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior" (Tit 1:2-3). Although it is a "gift," it is made known through the preaching of the Gospel, and is conferred through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In saving us, the mercy of God was employed, and the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit were experienced by the believer. Those realizing these remarkable benefits have been "made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Tit 3:5-7). Some versions say "we became heirs," "having the hope of eternal life" (NIV). Eternal life is given to us by God "in His Son" (1 John 5:11).

Thusfar, several conditions are attached to the conferment of eternal life. First, it must be given. Second, it is given through Jesus Christ. Third, it is made known through preaching. Fourth, it is preceded by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.

Those who are in Christ Jesus are apprized that they possess eternal life–a most glorious condition. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Jesus said it this way, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24). He also said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life" (John 6:47). Again He said, "Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:54).

Here again, certain conditions are associated with having eternal, or everlasting, life. First, hearing Christ's word and believing on God who sent Him. Second, believing on Christ. Third, eating His flesh and drinking His blood–a figure depicting ingesting Jesus, or consuming Him spiritually. These are nowhere described as a onetime event, or a single experience. No person who is not hearing the Word, believing on the God who sent Christ, believing on Jesus Himself, and consuming Christ, can boast of having eternal life. There is no need to engage in disputations over this. The Lord has spoken on the subject. It is a great comfort to those who are living by faith, but is intended for no one else, regardless of past profession.

But what is "eternal life?" Why are people who possess it told to "lay hold" of eternal life? (1 Tim 6:12,19). Why are those in the Son said to be heirs "according to the hope of eternal life?" These expressions certainly do not mean believers do not have eternal life, for the Spirit has affirmed they do. They do suggest "eternal life" is not as simplistic as some would have us believe.

In His great High Priestly prayer, Jesus defined eternal life. He was not preaching to the multitudes, or expounding the truth to His disciples. Rather, He was speaking in an unfiltered way to His Father. Here is what He said. "Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: as thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent" (John 17:1-3). Eternal life is not something poured into you like a quart of water, or even a blood transfusion. It is certainly not receiving a ticket for heaven, or some religious artifact. It is the experience of spiritual intimacy with the Father and the Son. Knowing God and Jesus Christ is not an intellectual thing, but something experienced in our spirits. It is involvement or fellowship with God, where His thoughts and ways become ours, and we labor together with Him (1 Cor 3:9). It is having the laws of God written on our hearts and put into our minds (Heb 10:16).

This is not a static condition, like being shackled to heaven. It is a tender relationship sustained by grace through faith. Paul, who realized an unusual relationship to both the Father and the Son, continued His pursuit to "know" Christ (Phil 3:10). He did so confidently, but not presumptuously. Lest any presume in this matter, John said, "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him" (1 John 2:3), indicating men are not to be sloppy in their approach to knowing the Lord. This is an area where assumption is out of order, and without question unproductive.

To confirm the dynamics of eternal life, we are told it is presently being administered by the Lord Jesus Himself. "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life" (1 John 5:20). He does not take for granted that we have eternal life, like possessing a jewelry box. He has come to enable us to more fully understand God and Himself. This is an area where believers are making some advancement. After all, they are exhorted to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 3:18). The Spirit also speaks in Colossians of "increasing in the knowledge of God"–a condition that requires we be "filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Col 1:9-10).

The "knowledge of God," which is eternal life, is the root from which spiritual benefits are realized. Grace and peace are multiplied to us through this means (1 Pet 1:2). We receive everything pertaining to life and godliness through "the knowledge of Him" (2 Pet 1:3). It is "through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" that we escape the pollutions that are in the world (2 Pet 2:20). These are different aspects of eternal life–a vibrant and effective affiliation with the Living God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is a grievous error to speak of "eternal life" as though it were an impersonal possession. Some have imagined eternal life can be possessed while one is in personal alienation from God, or out of fellowship with Him. Such a thought cannot be true, for eternal life IS fellowship with God.

Rather than debate about whether or not men can have eternal life, then enter a state when they have it no longer, why not endeavor to "lay hold on eternal life" in the way in which we are admonished by the Holy Spirit? Why not endeavor to increase in the knowledge of the Lord, and aggressively endeavor to "know Him" in a fuller and more complete way? What sort of mindset approaches eternal life from the standpoint of whether or not you can lose it? If you know the Lord, you have eternal life–for that is what it is. If you do not know the Lord, you do not have eternal life, but can have it if you will believe on the Son. It is really just that simple. Why complicate it further with theological wrangling?

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, I thank You for the gift of eternal life--for the blessing of knowing You and working with You. Grant me grace to pursue advancement in this area, never taking it for granted.

-- Tomorrow: WHAT DO YOU WANT? --