God's Big Deal is Eternal Life
Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 22, 2024 | John 3:14-18
KEY VERSE:
"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 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Think for a moment about the latest offer in the market; buy one fridge and get a free microwave, travel on our airline, and get free hotel accommodation etc. Life itself offers us deals that we follow, only to discover their emptiness later. The Lord Jesus told Nicodemus the objective for which God’s love was expressed through the giving of His one and only Son; “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.” Nothing could be clearer.
God warns us of the possibility of perishing, eternally separated from God in eternal suffering in Hell (a place prepared not for humans, but for Satan and his demons). Hell becomes the final destiny of those who reject God’s offer of love expressed through Christ. Those who reject Jesus and His death as their substitute will face God’s judgment based on their own merit, and because they will fall short, they will be placed with the architect of sin, Satan, in his final condemnation in Hell.
On the other hand, God offers a deal that is too good to be refused; whoever believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (God in human form), and believes in His death and resurrection will enter into a realm of life where they begin even in this life to live the God-kind of life, to have a revived spirit that corresponds to God and responds to God’s demand for right living, not from external force but from internal conviction. The eternal life offered by God is also the satisfied life, it is life forevermore under God, beginning now and lasting through the centuries unending.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
God desires and intends that you will not perish but have eternal life. Will you take the offer, have you taken the offer? Thank God for His abundant goodness in saving you.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the offer of yourself for my salvation from Hell and for my opportunity to be saved. I believe in you; may I live and experience the eternal life which begins now. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
In Greek, the phrase used for "eternal life" is "ζωὴν αἰώνιον" (zōḗn aiṓnion). "Zōḗn" refers to life, vitality, or existence, while "aiṓnion" denotes eternity, perpetuity, or without end.
The phrase is used in other passages like:
John 17:3 (NIV) - "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
Romans 6:23 (NIV) - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
"Eternal life" in the biblical context refers to a quality of life that transcends temporal existence and extends into eternity. It is not merely endless duration but a state of being in an intimate relationship with God, characterized by joy, peace, and fulfilment.
This eternal life is made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not earned through good deeds or religious rituals but is a gift of God's grace. Believers receive this gift by trusting in Jesus as their Savior and committing their lives to Him.
Eternal life begins the moment a person believes in Jesus and continues into eternity, where believers will enjoy perfect fellowship with God in His kingdom forever.
Reflections: How does the promise of eternal life in Christ impact your perspective on life and your priorities? How can you live in light of this hope each day?
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