August 15, 2021
Scripture: And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:11-12 ESV
Observation: In this epistle and John’s Gospel (John 3:36), this devoted disciple of Jesus presents a unified message: eternal life begins now for those who place their faith and trust in Jesus. And eternal life is found only in the Son because he is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). So how should these two realities impact our earthly lives?
Takeaway: First, because Christ is in us, we are children of God (Galatians 3:26), and nothing can separate us from his saving love (Romans 8:35-39). Hence, we need not live in fear of losing our salvation (John 10:29). Instead, we should boldly love others as Jesus loves us (a theme repeated throughout this letter). Secondly, knowing that we who are one in Christ have already accessed eternity, we need not fear losing our temporal lives here on earth. We are sojourners bound for heaven. Thus, we should confidently press into those hostile environs (as the Spirit leads) that would otherwise intimidate us. Having been rescued from condemnation (Romans 8:1), we should turn our attention to what we are saved “for” in this first phase of eternity.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the gift of your Son who has brought us eternal life in him. Help us embrace eternity here and now, boldly loving others as you have and continue to love us. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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