“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” – John 17:3 (ESV)
When we pray and read the Bible, we learn something very important: eternal life means knowing God and Jesus personally. This isn’t just a big idea; it’s something that changes us from the inside out.
The Essence of Eternal Life
Eternal life starts now, not just when we get to heaven. It’s all about having a close relationship with God. This relationship is more than just knowing about God; it’s about really knowing and loving Him. John 10:10 says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” This abundant life comes from knowing God and feeling His presence every day.
Knowing God Through Jesus Christ
Jesus is the way we can know God. To know and love Jesus is to know and love God. Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection show us what God is like. John 14:6 says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This means Jesus is the only way to really know God.
Getting Close to God
- Prayer: Talking to God helps us get close to Him. We share our thoughts and listen to Him. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Scripture: The Bible is God’s word to us. It tells us about His character, His will, and His love. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
- Obedience: We grow closer to God by doing what He says. John 14:21 says, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
- Community: Being with other Christians helps us grow in our faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
The Promise of Presence
God promises to be with us always. Matthew 28:20 says, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” This means that in good times and bad times, God is always with us. Psalm 23:4 also says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Reflection
Think about John 17:3 and how it calls us to know God deeply. Let’s want to know Him more, seek Him, and love Him. Psalm 42:1 says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”
Knowing God gives us true life, joy, and peace. Let’s get close to Him, for in His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).
Prayer
Dear God, help us to know You more. Let our lives show Your love and grace as we walk closely with You. Guide us in prayer, through Your Word, by obeying You, and by being with other believers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.