1 John 5:9-12
We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Scientists tell us that life cannot exist without liquid water, certain essential chemicals and energy. Thanks to God’s design, the Earth has abundant supplies of all three, meaning life can flourish on our planet. Theoretically, life could also exist on other planets with similar environments. So long as the biological processes necessary for life are fed the necessary ingredients, life on Earth goes on. I won’t pretend to actually understand the scientific intricacies of all this, but I trust that modern science has a pretty good handle on what it takes to support life on our planet. There is, however, one more ingredient necessary for joyful, purposeful life. There is one more essential element needed to transform ordinary human existence into eternally-flourishing, spiritually-rich life: the Son of God. When Jesus is added to our hearts through faith, we receive eternal life.
God did not create humans simply to exist alongside all the other forms of biological life in this world. We are more than flesh and blood. God designed us, unique from all other forms of life, so we can know and love him, so we can have a relationship with God that will far outlast the lifespan of our physical bodies. God gave us souls, spiritual hearts that will live forever. John tells us in these verses that some people reject the truth about Jesus, forfeiting their true, spiritual life. Those who accept God’s testimony, however, those who believe that Jesus is God’s Son, those who place their faith in Jesus as Savior, find life that is better in every way than mere human existence. By faith, we receive eternal life with God.
This good news should fill our hearts with joy, peace and hope. Followers of Jesus should be the most grateful, happy, generous, loving, optimistic people in the world, because we know God has given us everlasting life that nothing in this world can take away. The temporary troubles and sufferings we endure today are not worth comparing with the wonderful glory of eternity that awaits us (Romans 8:18). We have found the essential ingredient for true life, and we can offer it freely to everyone we know. Whoever has the Son has life. We rejoice in God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus our Savior.Father in Heaven, You created me to know and love You forever. Thank You for giving me eternal life through faith in Jesus. Help me to live each day with joy and hope, and give me opportunities to share with others the good news of Jesus. I ask this in His name. Amen.
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Pastor Mike Mirakian
