1 John 5:20, "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."

This verse is one of only two verses in the Bible that define eternal life. The other verse is found in John 17:3, which says, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."  

So often we (including myself) place the emphasis upon heaven when talking about eternal life, and let me assure you, I am very glad that I am going to heaven when I die. But heaven isn't eternal life. Having no pain and no sorrow isn't eternal life. Being with our loved ones who have died and gone on to heaven isn't eternal life. So, what is eternal life? According to these two verses eternal life is:  

• Eternal life, as defined here, begins with a very basic acknowledgment: Jesus Christ has come into the world. "And we know that the Son of God is come..." 1 John 4:2 states, "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God." Also, 1 John 4:14-15, "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God." Now, note what 1 John 5:11 says, "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son."

• Next, we are given an understanding that it is possible to know Him who is true, as opposed to that or those which are false. There is only one true God, and that is Jehovah. There is only one true Saviour, and that is Jesus Christ. We realize it is impossible to know God without being in His Son Jesus Christ. "...we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ." 1 John 5:12 says, "He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." As we spoke earlier about what eternal life is not, I want to close by saying how eternal life is not obtained. Eternal life is not obtained through baptism. Eternal life is not obtained through good works. Eternal life is not obtained by joining the church. Eternal life is found only in Jesus Christ and in Him alone!

Do you know Jesus today? Do you know Him who is the only true God? Do you experience Him working in you daily?  If you know Him, not simply know about Him, but if you know Him, then you have the gift of eternal life. The Greek word translated "know" is ginosko, it means, to come to know or perceive through experience. Eternal life is knowing the one true God, and His Son.  What a blessing to be born again!!!

Your Friend and His,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. Why is heaven not eternal life?

2. What does Jesus coming into this world have to do with eternal life?

3. Who is the only true Savior of mankind? Explain your answer.

4. How many Gods exist? How many Saviors exist?

5. Can you say that you know God, which is different than knowing about God?

6. How are God and Jesus connected?