“As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life 26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.“
This. Is. Huge. Too seldom Christ-followers mention one of the greatest benefits we have in following him— Eternal Life.
Now there are many benefits to knowing God — finding purpose, securing salvation, forgiveness of sins, peace of mind. But having eternal life is incredible. It is giant. It means that when our bodies die, our spirits live with God forever. It’s either because we don’t understand this concept or somewhere in the back of the minds we don’t have the faith, understanding or belief to grasp it. Eternal life is huge.
But this is exactly what John is remindIng the early church about. He encourages them to stay faithful and “see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you.” If it does, John says, “you will remain in the Son and in the Father.” And I might add, remaining in the God-head means eternal life begins today. Sure, it might be clouded by this body of flesh I am dwelling in, the presence of evil and my own sin nature — but it’s there for the taking.
The promise is eternal life. John admits writing these things to the church so that “those who are trying to lead you astray” will not win. You’ve been anointed, John says, and this anointing is in you! So remain in him!
Eternal life is the bomb. It’s the best for those who know Jesus and trust in his Word. It can begin today, for sure, but will last for ever. All eternity. Us hanging out with God and our fellow saints who put their faith in him. Sometimes I admit that it’s hard to grasp, impossible to imagine. But that is our hope and for this reason we have faith. Jesus, who was raised from the dead, did not die. And once we die, our bodies will live with him forever.
This is the good news of the Gospel — “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11.25)
“O Lord God, I praise you. Your name is great and your fame stretches across the heavens. For thousands of years you have been seeking to have a relationship with your creation. You’ve made a way that we might know you through the person Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for this life but most of all, thank you for the life to come. So I pray, come quickly Lord Jesus — Maranatha. Let me ready my heart for your arrival. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen