They will never perish ...

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.

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Eternal life is a gift that is given before we die. It is given with no strings attached yet it is not given to all. While some believe that all have been given this gift it is obvious from this passage that only those who know,  and consequentially follow, God are given life eternal. In my thinking only those who have been born of the Spirit possess eternal life and live past death. It is a controversial message because many have embraced the idea that all humans are eternal. Yet Jesus here says that eternal life is something given after we are born.

I love how this gift of eternal life is irrevocable. It is a logical thought because eternity, like God, exists outside of time - the concept of time is no longer relevant.. acts are permanent and not temporary. Once a person is born of the Spirit they become one with God. Interesting how the Jews did not understand this idea. When Jesus spoke of being one with the Father they believed he was blaspheming. Yet knowing God, and being one with Him, is a central theme of the Christian message. Interesting how times have changed.

Lord, thank you for the gift of eternal life and the security of knowing you.