God has purposes for you that start on earth and lead into eternity.
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life;
he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
I write these things to you who believe
in the name of the Son of God
so that you may know that you have eternal life.
-1 JOHN 5:11-13
Even before I was one year old, my life almost ended. Have you had any near-death experiences? My parents were in a canoe with me, enjoying a ride on the river. Suddenly, the canoe tipped over and they couldn’t find me. After multiple dives underwater, I still couldn’t be found.
Too much time had elapsed, and it appeared I drowned. On a third and final dive, my mother located me trapped under the corner of the canoe and pulled me loose up to the surface of the water. I don’t remember that day, but gratitude swells in my heart whenever I hear the story.
God has used my mom to rescue me on a number of occasions.
It makes me realize my life is a gift. God has purposes for you that start on earth and lead into eternity. God’s grace never ends. Jesus wants you to always experience His grace. God says that you will have eternal life when you put your trust in His Son, Jesus, as your Savior.
These verses were written so that you will have God’s promise given to you very clearly. Eternal life and the forgiveness of sins is not something you can earn; it is an undeserved gift!
If it was based on your performance and morality, then your confidence would waver. But this promise is based on Jesus and the fact that He died for our sins at the cross and overcame death.
This is not only the greatest pardon known to humanity; it is also an assurance that God wants you to have: you have been eternally rescued! No one can change the reality and reliability of God’s promises.
The gift of eternal life is free for you. But this gift cost Jesus His life and The Father His Son.
Let these verses sink in deeply. This is an aspect of future grace that many people unnecessarily resist. Since you can trust Him with heaven, know God is also faithful to you in your daily schedule and relationships.
Next time stress increases, demands are overwhelming, the pace is exhausting and no relief is in sight, remember Who holds your future. Let Him give you His perspective and His plan. He is Lord of the big picture and the finer details. Serve God with gratitude, confidence in His Word, and a teachable heart.
Excerpt republished with permission from Rooted in Grace by Jesse Bradley c. 2012.
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