In what ways can we demonstrate belief in Jesus' promise of eternal life? The promise in John 11:26 “and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” Receiving the promise—what “believes” means - Accepting Jesus’ identity as “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25) - Trusting His finished work on the cross (John 19:30; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4) - Relying on His word as certain and true (John 5:24) Visible expressions of belief • Personal confession – “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ … you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). • Baptism – A public testimony that we have died and risen with Christ (Romans 6:3–4). • Regular fellowship and worship – “Do not neglect meeting together…” (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Obedience to His commands – “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). • Daily repentance – Turning from sin shows faith in His purifying work (1 John 1:9). • Love for others – “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers” (1 John 3:14). • Sharing the gospel – Belief overflows in witness (2 Corinthians 5:20; Acts 1:8). • Persevering under trial – Trials refine genuine faith (1 Peter 1:6–7; James 1:12). Living out eternal life now - Cultivate intimacy with Christ through Scripture and prayer (John 15:4–5). - Prioritize eternal values over temporary gain (Colossians 3:1–4). - Practice generosity, laying up “treasure in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–21). - Encourage one another with the hope of resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). Hope anchored in future resurrection - Our resurrection is guaranteed by His (1 Corinthians 15:20–22). - Eternal life is secure, guarded by God’s power (1 Peter 1:3–5). - The believer “will never die”—physical death becomes a doorway to Christ’s presence (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). Encouragement from other scriptures • John 3:16—Believing grants everlasting life. • John 5:24—We have “passed from death to life.” • 1 John 5:11–13—Assurance written so we may “know” we have eternal life. • Ephesians 2:8–10—Saved by grace through faith, created for good works that display that faith. |
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