The concept of eternal life, as described in the Bible, transcends mere existence; it is a transformative force that has profound implications for both our present and future. This blog explores how eternal life dispels mortality, its connection to the Word, and the assurance of its present reality for believers.
Eternal Life That Dispels Mortality
Eternal life is a powerful force and it dispels mortality, much like light overcomes darkness or heat dissipates cold. The moment we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Lord, we become a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, we still inhabit bodies of flesh that await full redemption (Romans 8:23).
Rom 8:11 talks about the direct effect that eternal life has on our mortal bodies.
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Rom 8:11
The extent to which this life influences us is directly related to the amount of divine life we allow to manifest within us. We can let the life in us to transform us by the transformation by the renewal of the mind (Rom 12:2). This life enables us to live in the newness that Paul speaks of in Romans 6:4, by walking in the Spirit rather than in the flesh.
I want to give you something to think about. Even with our mortal bodies, if life of the Spirit flows continuously, does that mean that it is possible to never die?
Eternal Life Through the Spoken word
In the Gospel of John and his first epistle, Jesus is referred to as “The Word” (John 1:1-14, 1 John 1:1-3). Peter also emphasizes that Jesus has the “words of eternal life” (John 6:68). The words of Jesus carry eternal life, which is why John calls Him the “Word of Life.” This means that the words Jesus speaks are not just instructions or teachings; they are imbued with life itself (John 6:63, Acts 7:38).
Moreover, these words are spirit as well as life. Jesus is described as a life-giving spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45), and His words are “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12), capable of judging on the last day (John 12:48).
As 1 Cor 15:45 says, “the last Adam is a life giving spirit”. Since we are the first fruits of his kind (James 1:18), the new creation kind, we are “life giving spirits” as well, which is why Jesus prophesied that “out of our belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38).
Since we were created in the image of God, and we are first fruits of His type, our words are life as well. What an amazing responsibility do we have! This is why Paul says in Eph 4:29 that no unwholesome talk should come out of our mouth, and it is about words which have no purpose, for with great power comes great responsibility. Use the life in your words to change and transform your surroundings to make it more like heaven, and not to agree with the devil.
We have eternal life NOW!
The moment we believe we have eternal life.
When a person believes in Jesus Christ, they receive eternal life immediately. This is not just a future promise but a current reality. Jesus states in John 5:24, “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.” This indicates that eternal life begins at the moment of faith. This understanding is further supported by several other Scriptures (John 3:15-16, 36; 6:40, 47). John also emphasizes this in 1 John 5:11-12, stating, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life.” Additionally, Jesus’ mission, as described in John 17:2, was to give eternal life to those whom the Father had given Him. Since these people were chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), it makes sense that eternal life is granted to them as soon as they believe, not only after they die.
Live it out!
Eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality for those who believe in Jesus. It is a gift that dispels the power of mortality, allowing us to live in the fullness of Christ’s life even now.
This life flows through us, and we become life givers in the places we live, nation and everywhere. This brings more meaning to the phrase “You are the light of the world”, which is because of the life that radiates from within.
As we grow in our faith and understanding, we are called to live out this eternal life, reflecting the nature of Christ in all we do. The assurance of eternal life should shape how we live today, giving us confidence in our identity as new creations and motivating us to walk in the newness of life that God has graciously given us.
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