In the Midst of the Paradise of God - Part 627

What is eternal life? This question is answered repeatedly by Jesus in the scriptures. For example, Jesus stated in John 17:3-4, “And this is life eternal that they might know Thee – the only true God and Jesus Christ.”

Still, many people today have only ‘heard’ of Jesus. Unfortunately for them, the ‘knowing’ Jesus consists only of a sprinkling of knowledge. They possess only a minimum understanding of the Lord God who would later become their Saviour. As a consequence, our social fabric misses the most important ingredient for our world. That is, each and every one of us getting to know our Lord God and Saviour personally. As the scriptures state, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore, in all our endeavours to conform to the ways of this world, we fail to understand the real meaning of eternal life. 

The encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus offers us an example of the knowing that comes with eternal life. Herein, Jesus said, “Ye must be born again.” Of course, we know that Nicodemus already knew from the miracles that Jesus performed that He must be from God. He acknowledges this point in John 3:1-21. But at the same time, Nicodemus was still focused on earthly things. “How can this be?” he asked Jesus. Similar to Jesus' response to Nicodemus, Jesus encourages us to seek Him with all our hearts, with all our souls and with all our minds. Indeed, Jesus invited individuals to knock and the doors of heaven would be opened unto them. (Luke 11:9-13)

Further, as new believers read the Word, they begin to experience a measure of closeness that comes only from a personal relationship with Jesus. The pressing in to Jesus type of knowing that we yearn for in our inner souls. Meditating on the Word and then willingly doing His will in the days that follow. When we are committed to getting to know Jesus, we are transformed.  Passed from death to life. Our transgressions covered by the precious blood of Jesus. As well, we will be clothed in the righteousness that only pressing into Jesus the good Shepherd can bring. “As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-18)

Jesus died for our sins. He was bruised for our iniquities. He loves us more than we can ever imagine. Therefore, seek Jesus today and know the love of Christ that passes all knowledge and understanding. Be filled with the fullness of God. The scriptures state: “Unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:19-20) 

Similarly, hold fast to the Word. Know in whom you have believed. “Be persuaded that He is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him against that day.” (II Timothy 1:12-13) Remember too that Jesus said that He will give us “to eat of the tree of life; which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7) Eternal life, indeed. Stand in the offering plate.