Eternal Life: Now And Forever

Scripture: John 17:3 – "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, grace and peace be with you all. Today, we reflect on a theme so central to our faith yet often misunderstood—eternal life. When we hear these words, many immediately think of heaven—of golden streets, no more pain, no more tears. And yes, eternal life does include the glorious future that awaits us in the presence of God.

But Jesus, in His own words, invites us to understand eternal life not just as a future hope, but as a present reality.

I. Eternal Life as a Present Reality

In John 17:3, Jesus defines eternal life not as a place, but as a relationship: "that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

Eternal life begins the moment we enter into a living, personal, and saving relationship with God through Jesus. It is not just about where we go when we die; it is about who we are walking with now.

It is the transformation of our hearts.

It is peace in the storm.

It is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who comforts, convicts, and guides.

It is the assurance that we belong to God, now and forever.

The Apostle John echoes this in 1 John 5:11-12: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life.” Not will have, but has.

II. Eternal Life as a Future Promise

But make no mistake: eternal life also has a future dimension. Paul writes in Philippians 3:20-21 that our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there. Revelation 21 paints a picture of a new heaven and new earth, where death is no more, and God dwells among His people.

This is the hope that sustains us through suffering, injustice, and death. Jesus said in John 14:2–3, “I go to prepare a place for you… and I will come again and receive you to Myself.”

What we now know in part, we shall know in full. What we now see through a glass darkly, we shall behold face to face. The resurrection of Jesus is not only proof of God’s power over death—it is the preview of our destiny.

III. Living Eternally in the Present

So how do we live out eternal life today?

1. Live in intimacy with God – Eternal life is knowing Him. This means daily prayer, meditating on Scripture, worshiping in Spirit and truth.

2. Live in love with others – Eternal life bears fruit. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Eternal life is a life of radical love, forgiveness, and compassion.

3. Live in hope and not fear – Because our future is secure in Christ, we can face suffering with confidence, endure trials with patience, and face death with peace.

Conclusion

Eternal life is not just the prize at the finish line. It is the presence of Christ in every step of the race. It is life with God, life for God, life in God—beginning now and stretching into forever.

Let us live as people who already taste eternity. For in Christ, eternal life has already begun.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. Teach us to live in that life now—walking closely with You, loving deeply, hoping fully. May we be signs of Your eternal kingdom in a world longing for life. In Jesus' name, Amen.