And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. -John 17:3-5 NRSV
If ever one wondered about the nature of Jesus Christ they need only hear what he says here when he speaks of being with the Father before the world existed. Could ever a statement be clearer? In saying this Jesus gave us few options. He either lied, was a mad man or spoke the truth. How we respond is important to subject of eternal life.
So when we think about the whole idea of heaven and eternal life we must really begin with what Jesus says about knowing God. It is not enough to know about God. Not enough to be religious. According to this passage eternal life is all about knowing God now not later. Life that begins with a second birth before we die. A spiritual and eternal birth.
We pray as you prayed Jesus. To be people who glorify the Father by finishing the work you have given us.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.
Thanks for stopping by Arjun. In my thinking we are not born immortal but become immortal through a spiritual birth. Read more about my thoughts here.
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