WCF 22 August 1993

Theme: Eternal Life

 

1.   Reading
John 3: 1-21

2.   Introduction
The word 'eternal' in the Scriptures is usually used to describe something that is endless, or is by nature unrestricted as to duration. A good example of its use is in 2 Cor 4:16 - 5:1. It actually derives from the word meaning 'an age', and can be thought of as meaning 'belonging to the age'. Usually this means the age which is coming, when sin, death and the devil are finally dealt with and Christ reigns for ever in glory. Sometimes though it refers to an age that is past, as in 2 Tim 1:9.
It is used of God (Rom 16:26), His glory (1 Pet 5:10), Christ's kingdom (2 Pet 1:11) and of our life in Christ (Jn 3:16). The word 'eternal' means 'everlasting' because the age to come is everlasting, but it also has the meaning of all the other blessings and glories of the age to come, the greatest of which is fellowship with God. So John defines eternal life as 'knowing God and the Lord Jesus'.

3.   Eternal Life Comes from God throughChrist
1 Jn 5:11; Jn 10:28; Jn 17:2. It is the life of God Himself, provided by His Spirit, and by His sovereign will.

4.   Eternal Life Comes from Nowhere Else
1 Jn 5:12; Jn 14:6; Jn 5:39. Not from our efforts, not from religious observance however worthy, not even by studying the Scriptures.

5.   Eternal Life is Received by Faith
Jn 3:16; Jn 1:12,13. Jesus invitation to the Rich Young Man describes what faith involves - abandoning all other forms of security and depending on Jesus alone (Matt 19:16-23).

6.   Eternal Life is Taken Hold of Now
1 Tim 6:11,12,17-19. We receive now, take hold of now, and so prepare for the future. We have to flee from some things and pursue others. We are laying a foundation for the future.