In what ways can we experience "eternal life" now, as mentioned in Luke 18:30? Setting the Scene “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30) Already—and Still to Come • Scripture never pits the present against the future; it unites them. • Eternal life is both “in the age to come” and something believers possess right now (John 5:24; 1 John 5:11-13). How Eternal Life Touches Today 1. Living, Growing Union with God • “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) • Eternal life begins as a relationship, not merely a destination. • Daily fellowship—prayer, Scripture, worship—means sharing life with the living God at this very moment. 2. Indwelling Holy Spirit • “Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19) • The Spirit is the down payment (Ephesians 1:13-14). His presence within is the life of the age to come already resident in the believer. 3. Freedom from Condemnation • “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) • Eternal life cancels guilt today, granting a clean conscience and bold access to God. 4. Victory over Sin’s Dominion • “Sin shall not be master over you.” (Romans 6:14) • Believers still battle the flesh, yet the ruling power has shifted; we experience foretaste of perfect holiness. 5. Joy and Peace that Defy Circumstances • “The kingdom of God is…righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17) • Eternal life supplies a supernatural calm and gladness even amid trials (Philippians 4:7). 6. Family and Fellowship in Christ • Jesus promised “many times more in this age”—fulfilled in the global church. • Shared worship, meals, burdens, and mission form a preview of heaven’s community (Acts 2:42-47). 7. Purpose-Driven Mission • “He has saved us and called us with a holy calling.” (2 Timothy 1:9) • Eternal life energizes present service: evangelism, discipleship, acts of mercy—works that outlast this world (1 Corinthians 15:58). 8. Suffering with Meaning • “Momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) • Trials become refining tools, weaving present pain into everlasting reward. 9. Foretaste of Resurrection Power • “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus…lives in you, He will also give life to your mortal bodies.” (Romans 8:11) • Healings, deliverances, and spiritual renewals are samples of the coming bodily resurrection. 10. Unshakable Hope • “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19) • Eternal life guarantees a future so certain it stabilizes every present storm. Putting It Into Practice • Cultivate awareness: thank God daily that eternal life is already yours. • Invest in relationships within the body of Christ—the “many times more” family Jesus promises. • Face temptation from a position of victory: eternal life’s power is greater than sin’s pull. • Serve boldly; nothing done “for the sake of the kingdom of God” is ever wasted (Luke 18:29). Looking Ahead The fullness awaits “the age to come,” yet the seed is growing now. Every moment spent knowing Christ, loving His people, and advancing His kingdom is an early taste of the endless life that will one day flood the whole creation. |
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