Eternal Life

🌿 Eternal Life: Beyond Time and Into God's Kingdom

What Is Eternal Life?

I’ve often wondered why the Bible calls it eternal life. Jesus defines it in John 17:3 as knowing the Father, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He sent. In the original Greek, the word translated “know” is ginosko—meaning to know absolutely, to be sure, to understand deeply.

So, what is eternal life? Is it simply living forever, or is it the fullness of knowing God? That question has lingered in my heart.

Time and the Human Condition

This morning, I was talking with my wife, and she offered a profound insight: it has to do with time. We live in a world governed by time. We’re born, we live for a finite span, and then we die. But in God’s realm, time doesn’t exist. He always was, and He always will be.

Because of sin, God set a limit on human life. Today, 120 years seems to be the outer boundary—a reflection, perhaps, of the declaration in Genesis 6:3. But this limit is not imposed on God. He exists outside of time, and His kingdom is timeless.

The Sons of God and the Nephilim

Genesis 6 introduces a mysterious and troubling moment: angels who separated themselves from Father God and took human wives. Their offspring—the Nephilim—were corrupt and violent. These beings may well be the origin of the gods in Greek mythology.

God instructed Noah to build the ark, a task that may have taken up to 120 years. During that time, warnings were given. The people were told of the coming flood, but they didn’t believe and refused to change. Eventually, judgment came. The flood destroyed everything except Noah, his family, and the creatures aboard the ark.

The Rise of Evil Spirits

I believe this is where evil spirits entered the world. When the Nephilim died, their spirits remained—disembodied and restless. They wander the earth, seeking human hosts to inhabit and possess. Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus and His disciples casting out these spirits, confronting their influence directly.

Returning to Eternal Life

In God’s kingdom, there are no time constraints. Eternal life is not just endless existence—it’s entrance into God’s timeless realm. It’s communion with the Father, through the Son.

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6 (NIV)

“For you granted him [Jesus] authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” — John 17:2–3 (NIV)

The Kingdom Within Reach

Jesus came not only to save us, but to teach us about the kingdom of heaven—Father God’s kingdom. Though He is no longer physically present on earth, He continues to teach us through the Helper, the Holy Spirit.

Eternal life is not just a future promise—it’s a present reality for those who know God. It’s stepping out of time and into truth. It’s living in the fullness of divine relationship.

🛐 Reflection and Prayer

Reflection Question: Are you living with an awareness of eternity today? How does knowing God reshape your understanding of time and purpose?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the gift of eternal life—not just as a promise of forever, but as a present invitation to know You deeply. Help me to live beyond the limits of time, anchored in Your truth and guided by Your Spirit. Teach me to walk in Your kingdom now, with eyes fixed on what is eternal. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Why the Gospel of John Is Essential to Study

Why the Gospel of John Matters Most

Introduction

The Gospel of John may be the most important book in the Bible to read and study. Its unique perspective, deep spiritual truths, and eyewitness testimony make it essential for anyone seeking to understand Jesus more fully.

John: The Beloved Disciple

• John, the apostle, is widely believed to be the author.

• He was among the first disciples Jesus called, alongside his brother James.

• John was an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, miracles, and glory.

• He was one of the three chosen to witness the transfiguration (Luke 9:28–36).

• Known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” John stood at the cross with Mary, Jesus’ mother.

Jesus Entrusts Mary to John

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (John 19:26–27, NIV)

This moment shows the depth of trust and love between Jesus and John.

Witness to the Resurrection

• John was among the first to see the empty tomb.

• He encountered the risen Christ during the forty days before the ascension.

• Imagine the conversations between John and Mary, living together for many years—the mother of Jesus and the disciple Jesus loved, sharing memories and truths only they could know.

Hidden Truths in John’s Gospel

The Gospel of John contains profound insights that reflect John’s unique closeness to Jesus. One of the most powerful passages is John 17, often called the High Priestly Prayer.

Key Themes in John 17

• Eternal Life Defined:

  “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3, NIV)

• Unity of Believers: Jesus prays that His followers may be one, just as He and the Father are one.

• Sanctification in Truth: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

• Sharing in Glory: Jesus desires that His followers see His glory and share in His love.

This prayer reveals Jesus’ mission—not only to glorify the Father but to draw us into eternal life, love, and unity with Him.

Conclusion

The Gospel of John is more than history—it is a window into the heart of Christ. Through John’s testimony, we see Jesus as the eternal Word, the Son of God, and the Savior who invites us into fellowship with Him. Studying this Gospel is an invitation to deeper faith, greater unity, and eternal life.