What does "eternal life" in 1 John 1:2 mean for believers today? The verse in focus “We proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.” (1 John 1:2) Eternal life isn’t an idea—it’s a Person • John says “the eternal life … was with the Father.” • That life “was revealed to us” when Jesus took on flesh (John 1:1-4, 14). • Knowing Christ, therefore, is knowing eternal life itself (John 17:3). A present possession, not only a future promise • Scripture speaks of eternal life as something believers already have: – “Whoever believes has eternal life.” (John 6:47) – “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” (1 John 5:11-13) • Because it is rooted in union with the risen Christ, eternal life begins the moment we trust Him (Ephesians 2:4-6). Quality as well as quantity • Quantity: Life that never ends (John 10:28; Romans 6:23). • Quality: A new kind of life marked by fellowship with the Father and the Son (1 John 1:3). • It is abundant—full, rich, overflowing (John 10:10). Assurance and joy flow from it • Eternal life brings confidence that death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). • John writes “so that our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:4); assurance of eternal life fuels steadfast joy (1 Peter 1:8-9). Power for holy living • Eternal life is inseparable from the indwelling Spirit (Romans 8:11). • The new life empowers believers to resist sin and walk in the light (1 John 1:5-7). • It motivates purity: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself” (1 John 3:3). Fuel for mission and witness • Knowing we possess eternal life compels us to proclaim it, just as John did (1 John 1:2-3). • The gospel invitation is grounded in the promise of life that is truly life (1 Timothy 6:19). Living it out today • Cultivate daily fellowship with Christ—the source of life—through Scripture and obedience (John 15:4-5). • Rest in the certainty of God’s promise; eternal life is secure because it rests on His unchanging word (Titus 1:2). • Let the reality of everlasting life shape priorities, relationships, and courage in trials (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). |
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