“But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16
November 3, 2022
Early on in my Christian life it was explained to me that eternity could be illustrated by thinking of a bird of some kind flying once a year to take a peck at Stone Mountain (Georgia) (why it would want to do that I don’t know). Eternity would only be beginning when that theoretical bird had pecked away the entirety of Stone Mountain. The finite human mind is not equipped to comprehend eternity and the relationship between time and eternity. The apostle Paul in giving himself as an example of God’s grace said that to believe in Jesus Christ was to receive eternal life. Exactly what is that? Life, as we know it, forever? No. The words “eternal life” appear thirty eight times in the New Testament. It is the spiritual life given to the believer, “the life of abundant joy and immeasurable blessing in the presence of God forever.” (ESV Study Bible). Only those who “believe in” Christ have it (Jn. 3:16). Think of your full inheritance in Christ and one of your best days as a Christian when your obedience to God was seen to be bearing fruit, when God’s presence was especially sweet to you, when Christ’s death for you brought tears to your eyes, and dear Christian family and friends brought joy to your heart. More could be added, but the hope that we have in Christ for eternity is to give us the occasion to celebrate the gift of eternal life. H
Eternal life is the sweet nectar of being born again and the delicious fruit of the Holy Spirit – forever.