“that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:15-16
By Michael Adekoya – Dear Readers, the Holy Spirit has inspired me to write about the kind of life that is beyond limitations this week. To start with, according to the Bible there are three major kinds of life. Firstly, natural or animal life, “bios” from where we got “biology” or “biological life” from. This is the kind of life that is powered by blood “For the life of the flesh is in the blood….’” Lev. 17:11. It’s the animal kind of life that depends on instinct alone. When the animal dies, that is the end, no life after death.
Secondly, there is “soulish” or human life. This soulish life is from “psyche” where the word “psychology” or “physiological life” comes from. The Bible says, “And the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Gen. 2:7. This kind of life is what all human beings have which is not only powered by the blood but also is operated by the five senses of seeing, feeling, smelling, touch and taste. Physical life is a gift, allowing us to experience God’s creation, form relationships, to reproduce, etc on earth. However, it is temporary, limited and will eventually pass away, “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Jam. 4:14.
These two kinds of life are limited, the natural human life is limited and subjected to sicknesses, poverty, trouble, aging, stagnation, confusion, frustration, lack of purpose and direction, loneliness, defeat, eternal death – eternal separation from God.
But the third kind of life which is Spiritual life, eternal life or “Zoe” life which is life made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. This life goes beyond mere physical existence, giving us a deeper connection to God and spiritual insight. Spiritual life begins when we receive the Holy Spirit and are “born again” . “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” John 3:6-7 Through the Spirit, believers experience a new kind of life, marked by inner transformation and a renewed mind (Rom. 8:6). Spiritual life is essential for living according to God’s will and experiencing His presence daily. This life is the foundation of Christian growth, leading to joy, peace, and purpose that transcends physical circumstances.
Eternal life is much more than simply living forever; it is a deep, everlasting relationship with God, characterised by love, joy, peace, and a perfect understanding of and living God’s nature while here on earth. Some of the characteristics of eternal life include the followings,
Firstly, knowing God personally – “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”John 17:3. Eternal life is defined by knowing God personally and intimately. It is not merely a future experience but begins now through a close, intentional and transformative relationship with Him.
Secondly, receiving eternal life through faith in Jesus. As previously mentioned, this is the highest kind of life, it can only be obtained by believing and confessing Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. The Bible teaches that eternal life is a gift from God, available to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. This life is given freely, not earned, and is the result of God’s love and grace. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 6:23.
Thirdly, it is experiencing a new kind of life. It is the highest form of life at the end of eternity. The Bible declares in 2Cor. 5:17 that, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” It is a new kind of life described by Jesus Himself in John 10:10 as a life of abundance, “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”. Which brings a new sense of purpose, joy, family, motivation, focus and fulfilment, even in the present. Jesus’ promise of life “to the full” speaks to the richness of living in God’s presence and purpose.
Fourthly, eternal life is a life free from sin and death. This life sets us free from the life of sin which eventually brings death. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Rom. 8:2. Those who have eternal life, who are conscious and working by its principles will automatically have power over sin, they are justified, free from condemnation now or later and therefore can never experience temporary or eternal separation from God which is the second death.
Finally, eternal life gives hope for the future. John 5:24 says, ““Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” Eternal life offers a hopeful future where believers will dwell with God forever, free from suffering, pain, and death. This hope transforms how we view earthly struggles, knowing that a perfect, eternal life awaits. “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.” 1John 2:25. He has promised us life that can not be limited by death or grave. Rev. 21:3-4, says “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”Eternal life culminates in a complete, unbroken relationship with God. Believers look forward to a future where we are in God’s presence, fully healed and perfected, with no limitations or separation from Him.
In conclusion, my dear friend, have you possessed this highest kind of life? It is a life without limitations either now or in eternity. It is an abundant life that makes you become all that God has got in plan for you, to live as overcomers, more than conquerors and a victorious life. It is a quality as well as a quantity kind of life. If you have not possessed this life, please give your life to Jesus today, and you shall have this life within a twinkling of an eye. My fellow Christian friend, do you know what you possess when you gave your life to Jesus? If you do not know or are conscious of what you have, you can not live it, experience, or enjoy it. Therefore, I call your attention to who you are and what you carry today, that is, Jesus, the eternal life Himself – 1John 5:20 – “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” 1John 5:20. Do not let your ignorance stop you from becoming what Jesus has in stock for you, stop postponing what you should enjoy now till after you live this physical world. The choice is your! Remain blessed!
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