Faithful on Fridays Blog

I was privileged, just a year ago, to be part of the death of a dear sister in Christ. Michelle’s faith in Jesus was strong but due to illness her physical body was weak and deteriorated quickly. I asked the Lord how I could minister to her and He prompted me to write out and read verses to her on eternal life. After being separated all summer, this group of women I am pleased to call my friends, gathered at Michelle’s house for our Bible Study. As I read the verses a peace came over her, she knew her time was short, but asked if she could have the scripture cards I had written out to hear again.

Eternal life is one of those Biblical topics that ministers to the dying, however, it will also minister to the living if we have the right perspective. Eternal life isn’t just about dying and going to heaven; it’s about knowing God and living for Him now.

“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3 ESV

It’s about living under His protection and blessing (Ps. 121:8, 133:3) now and forevermore because life doesn’t end at the death of your physical body. Your spiritual life continues even into the world to come (Mark 10:23-31) and that’s good news. This Biblical truth of immortality causes my heart to soar; He literally swallowed up death forever (Is. 25:8). Jesus taught that we are considered ‘sons of the resurrection’ (Luke 20:36) at our spiritual birth and immortality is part of our inheritance.

The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14b ESV

“in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began”
Titus 1:2 ESV

“and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,”
2 Timothy 1:10 ESV

This sample of verses should cause you to have hope in any difficult life circumstances: sickness, poverty, persecution, failing relationships, betrayal, abandonment. God has chosen you to live forever. You’re His elect and He loves you with an everlasting love. He has your picture in His wallet and He knows your comings and goings. This is enough to make me pay attention to what I’m doing, where I’m going, what I’m saying, and also what I’m thinking. He knows you and me; we can’t hide from Him.

The Bible is our guidebook to living in an everlasting life mentality. Whether you’re in the Old Testament or the New it’ll lead you in victorious living, triumphing over the enemy, and continuing to know God more and more. Don’t neglect your time with Him and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live in eternal life: now.