"Welcome to Faith Talk. I'm Reverend Jay Stuart Glover, and today's episode is titled 'Eternal Life: When Does It Begin?' Often, when we hear the term 'eternal life,' we think of it as something that starts after we've left this world, something reserved for the afterlife. But today, I want to challenge that perspective. Instead of viewing eternal life as something distant or future-oriented, let's explore the idea that eternal life begins in the here and now, in our present journey with God.
'Eternal' refers to something that is infinite, everlasting, without beginning or end. It’s a concept that transcends time, existing beyond the limitations of past, present, and future. In both theological and philosophical contexts, this term carries significant weight, and is often used to describe
1-the nature of God,
2-life beyond death, and
3-spiritual truths.
So, yes:
We believe God is eternal—without beginning or end.
We believe in life beyond our earthly existence.
And we also believe in the eternal nature of the Word of God, from which we derive our spiritual truths and guidance for the living out our faith tradition.
As we delve into this, it’s always helpful to search the Scriptures and allow God to speak to our hearts and minds. So, what does Jesus say about eternal life?
From Jesus’ own words, we come to know that eternal life is fundamentally about communion with God. It begins the moment we trust and believe in Him, and continues beyond physical death. Eternal life is characterized by knowing God, living in the joy of His presence, and being transformed by that relationship into Christlikeness.
1. Knowing God and Jesus Christ
- In John 17:3, Jesus defines eternal life as a deep, personal knowledge of God and Himself: 'Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.'
- Here, 'knowing' God goes beyond an intellectual understanding. It implies an intimate, relational knowledge that transforms the believer’s life into one that lives out eternal truths. This underscores the idea that eternal life is not just a future hope but a present reality.
2. Present Reality and Future Hope
- Jesus often speaks of eternal life as both a present reality and a future promise. For example, in John 5:24, He says: 'Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.'
- Believers already possess eternal life now, experiencing the beginnings of this life through their relationship with Jesus. This eternal life will be fully realized in the future, beyond death and the grave. And beyond the grave we have the assurance of:
3. The Promise of the Resurrection
- Jesus links eternal life to the resurrection. In John 11:25-26, He declares: 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.'
- Eternal life, therefore, is not just a spiritual truth that transforms us in this earthly life but also speaks to the promise of resurrection and the continuation of life beyond death.
4. Abundant Life
- In John 10:10, Jesus says: 'I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' This 'abundant life' is often understood as the quality of life that begins now in fellowship with Christ and continues eternally. It involves spiritual fullness, joy, peace, and purpose. It's important to note that this abundant life is not about acquiring material wealth but about living a life rich in spiritual depth.
So, the question becomes: How do we live our lives in this earthly realm now that we know we have entered into eternal life and have the promise of the resurrection? This is the heart of the matter. Knowing that we already possess eternal life and hold the promise of resurrection invites us to examine how our faith shapes our daily decisions, our relationships, and our sense of purpose. We are challenged to consider how the reality of eternal life influences the way we engage with the world, pursue justice, offer forgiveness, and embody Christ’s love. Our lives, in light of this promise, should reflect the eternal life we’re already living—a life that begins now and extends into eternity and is a reflection of Gods presence within us. In answer to the question how should we live our lives.
I’ve selected a few Key Scripture Passages that give guidance relative to living and embracing Eternal Life in the here and now.
1. Micah 6:8 – What the Lord Requires
'He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.'
- This passage summarizes God’s expectations for how we should live: pursuing justice, showing mercy, and living in humility before God.
2. Matthew 25:35-40 – ‘Serving 'The Least of These’
'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
- Jesus teaches that serving others—especially those who are most vulnerable—is a direct expression of our love for Him. It is a key aspect of living out our faith in the present.
3. Matthew 22:37-40 – ‘The Greatest Commandments’
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
- These commandments emphasize that our lives should be characterized by love—love for God and love for others. This love should guide our actions in the earthly realm as we live out our eternal life.
4. James 1:27 – Pure Religion
'Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.'
- This passage emphasizes practical care for those in need and personal holiness as essential expressions of true faith.
5. Matthew 5:14-16 – Light of the world.
'You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.'
- Jesus teaches that we are to be the light of the world, letting our good deeds shine as a testimony of our faith, which glorifies God.
These passages collectively offer a roadmap for living a life of purpose and integrity. They call us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. They urge us to care for the vulnerable and to live in the light of eternity, embracing both the present reality of eternal life and the future hope of resurrection beyond the grave.
Thank you for joining me on this episode of Faith Talk. You can find these episodes on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and other podcast platforms. For more content or to connect with me, visit my website at www.revjaystuartglover.com. There, you can register as a guest for an upcoming episode or contact me directly by email. Please share this podcast with friends and family, and thank you for being a part of our global listening community. I like to express thank you to those who are listing in from the Bronx New York, Germany, Australia, and India. Please know that you are in my prayers. Amen
