What is Eternal Life?
If we are going to understand what true eternal life is then we must know what it is not. Eternal life is not forever existence. All human beings will exist forever but not all human beings have eternal life. People in hell exist but they do not possess eternal life. Eternal life is not living in Heaven for eternity. Living in Heaven is a benefit of eternal life but that is not what it is.
1 John chapter 1 gives us a clear picture of what eternal life is. It says, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes…and our hands have handled of the Word of life…For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that ETERNAL LIFE…” Read that passage again carefully and you will see exactly what it is speaking of. The Apostle John is the one who is writing this passage. John is not talking about a thing; he is talking about a person. He is talking about Jesus Christ. Notice that the term “Word of life” is capitalized. After studying other scriptures, you will learn that this term is a Name given to Jesus. Jesus Christ is eternal life. He doesn’t just possess eternal life, He personifies it. Jesus Christ is what eternal life looks like in a human being.
Notice some facts about eternal life. Notice that it can be heard, seen, and handled. That tells us that eternal life will produce physical evidence. Eternal life will always impact the environment it occupies. If eternal life dwells within a person, there will be change in that individual and it will testify to those who observe. Also it says “…for that life was manifested…” Where did Jesus Christ manifest Himself? He revealed Himself to the world when He came to earth. The second fact: Eternal life is not confined only to Heaven. Eternal life can dwell in flesh right here on earth. I am not preaching that man will live on earth forever, I am merely pointing out the fact that eternal life is not confined to Heaven only. Eternal life begins at the moment a person comes to Christ, not just when they get to Heaven.
1 John 1:3 goes on to say, “That which we have seen and heard (eternal life) we declare unto you, THAT YOU MAY HAVE FELLOWSHIP…truly our FELLOWSHIP is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” This tells us what eternal life is for. People think that eternal life is to keep them out of hell. It does that but that’s not the primary purpose. Eternal life is to fellowship with God. Fellowship means to share common interests with God, to please Him, and to imitate Him. When a person simply acknowledges that Jesus is Lord without making a decision to live for Him, they are casting a vote for Jesus but not receiving eternal life. Eternal life will produce a deep seated desire to know, please, and obey God.
Pastor Tim
Family Church Jamestown is a non-denominational church located in Chautauqua County in Jamestown between Lakewood and Busti NY. The senior pastor of Family Church is Pastor Tim Stahlman a native to the Jamestown, NY area.
