Eternal Life

What it means

Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he sent. It is relationship, not merely duration.

Why every Christian should know it

It corrects the idea that eternal life begins after death. If it is knowing God, it has already begun.

Cross references

• 1 John 5:20
• Jeremiah 9:23-24
• Philippians 3:8

Pray it back

Father, eternal life is knowing you. Let me want you more than I want the length of my days.

What it means

God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. John writes so that those who believe may know they have it.

Why every Christian should know it

Assurance is meant to be normal Christian experience. This passage says you may know, not merely hope you guessed right.

Cross references

• John 5:24
• Romans 8:16
• John 10:28

Pray it back

Lord, you gave life in your Son and told me I may know it. Quiet my doubts with your own promise.

What it means

The sheep hear Christ's voice, he gives them eternal life, and no one can snatch them out of his hand.

Why every Christian should know it

Security rests on his grip, not on ours. It is the verse to hold when your feelings about God are unsteady.

Cross references

• Romans 8:38-39
• Philippians 1:6
• 1 Peter 1:5

Pray it back

Good Shepherd, I am held by your hand. Thank you that my salvation does not depend on the strength of my grip.

What it means

God will dwell with his people, and he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death, mourning, crying and pain will be no more.

Why every Christian should know it

It is the hope that outlasts every grief you will carry. Notice that the comfort is God's presence before it is the absence of pain.

Cross references

• Isaiah 25:8
• 1 Corinthians 15:26
• Revelation 22:3-5

Pray it back

Lord, you will wipe every tear yourself. Until that day, hold the tears I cannot explain.