| We are such creatures of time that it is very
difficult for us to think about eternity. No doubt we would be astounded
if we actually knew how many times a day we look at our watch or a calendar.
Watches come equipped with alarms that beep to remind us of the hour, the
half hour and of our appointments. Computer calendars are equipped with
"pop up" reminders so we won't forget an important birthday or anniversary.
It is an understatement to say that we are a "time conscious" society.
Being consumed by time makes it difficult to spend much time thinking about
eternity.
The Bible does speak of eternal life. The best idea that most people have concerning eternal life is that it begins in heaven and never ends. Beyond that, they would be hard pressed to describe it. Now while it is true that eternal life has to do with never ending life in heaven, it is equally true that there is more to heaven than the "sweet by-and by." In His High Priestly Intercessory Prayer recorded in John 17, Christ described eternal life in these words. "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent." (John 17:3) In other words, the essence of eternal life is knowing God and knowing Christ. Christ did not say that eternal life is to know about God or to know about Christ. The knowledge of which Christ speaks is not a mere intellectual, speculative, theoretical knowledge of doctrines, but an experiential, heart-affecting, life influencing acquaintance with the only true God . Eternal life is to know God, to know Him personally through Jesus Christ. Knowing God is the most excellent knowledge there is, because it is a knowledge that imparts the life of God to the soul. On the other hand, ignorance of God is death to the soul. Because of Adam's sin, we are all born ignorant of the true and living God. In order to dispel this spiritual ignorance, Christ came to reveal God. He could say, "He that has seen Me, has seen the Father." God has not only revealed Himself in Christ, He has also revealed Himself in His word. The way to know God is to study His word and the life of Christ. It is only through Christ that we can be brought to savingly know God. He is the One mediator between God and Man. Christ said, " Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." (John 14:6). Once we know God, we must continue to seek to know Him in a more deeper and intimate way. In his book Knowing God (a most helpful book) J. I. Packer quotes C.H. Spurgeon, : The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father." If you want to receive God's free offered eternal life now, simply receive Jesus in your life as your personal Lord and Savior through prayer. For more information, feel free to share your decision to us. E-mail us at eccmanila@yahoo.com
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