God Has Given Us Eternal Life
1 John 5:11-12 New English Translation
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 The one who has the Son has this eternal life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have this eternal life.
The word testimony means testimony, witness. Someone who gives testimony about something, or the content of the testimony.[1] John was an eyewitness to not only the earthly ministry of Jesus, he saw the risen Christ. John sat at the foot of the cross as Jesus suffered and took on the punishment for the sins of humanity. If anyone was an authority on Jesus, His ministry, His life, and His message it was John the Apostle.
God has given us eternal life. Our lives on this earth are but a breath. Our time on this earth is very brief compared to our lives in eternity. But what determines if a person enters into Heaven is not their works, nor their ability to keep the law. What determines if a person is able to enter into Heaven is simply faith in Jesus Christ. John says, “this life in his Son”. Jesus is the Son of God. He has come to give life and give it abundantly. Sometimes we wrongly think that means abundant life is all about health and prosperity on the earth. But abundant life focuses more on the eternal life that He provides. It doesn’t mean that we will not experience the blessing of God on this earth. But when we examine church history, we find that the true servants of The Most High who made the greatest mark for God on this earth had lives that were marked by suffering for the glory of God.
The one who has the Son has eternal life. We are called to proclaim the gospel to all nations. We are called to proclaim the gospel to all who will hear. God’s word tells us that God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son. It doesn’t say so God so loved only Israel or God so loved only certain people. But the invitation goes out to all. But sadly, many are called but few are chosen. Narrow is the road that leads to life, and few will find it, but broad is the road that leads to destruction and many will walk on it (Matt 7:13-14). The sad reality is that many people love this world and love sin and choose to reject the precious salvation that is found in Jesus Christ.
The one who does not have the Son does not have eternal life. The sad reality is there is a Hell. The suffering that will be experienced in Hell is far greater than we can comprehend (Mark 9:43, Matt 25:41). Our entrance into Heaven is not based on good works. If it was based on our works, then we would have something to boast to God about. But we are simply saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Those who are saved are chosen by God. No one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. But ultimately the offer of salvation is open to all people and God has given man a freewill and has given Him and opportunity to reject or receive the offer of salvation.
Today if you have loved one’s in your life who do not know Jesus, pray unceasingly that they would come to know Jesus. That their eyes, ears, and hearts would be open to know The Living Christ. For those who have the Son have eternal life. All of us one day will spend eternity somewhere. But where we spend eternity is wholly dependent on what we do with Jesus.
Prayer
Father today I lift up all those in my family who do not know you. Father I pray that their mind and hearts would be open to know and understand the saving knowledge of Jesus. Father I pray they would encounter you. That the vail of the enemy over their mind and heart would be removed. Father give them eyes to see and ears to hear. May their names be found written in the book of life. Thank you for saving me and opening my eyes to the truth. Thank you for your precious grace and mercy that I don’t deserve but is abundantly poured out on my life. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
[1] G. D. Taylor, “Testimony,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).