“The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
On the side-view mirror of a car, there is a disclaimer: “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.” This disclaimer exists because our eyes trick us into thinking that other cars are far off in the distance when they are actually quite close. This is not the only time our eyes and minds trick us. When we think about eternal life, we often envision something far ahead of us. We think about living in heaven after we die. In Christ, we are promised eternal life, but it is not as far off as we might think. Jesus said the one who believes in the Son has eternal life, not will have eternal life. This isn’t just a promise to look forward to but a reality that exists right now for all who believe in Jesus.
When we believe in Him, His life becomes real in us. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” When we follow Christ, our hope is more than a distant dream of something that will happen one day; it is a new life that happens now on earth. Believing in Him changes everything. That is why the one that does not obey does not see life. Their false belief is revealed by their unchanged life. It is those who believe in Christ and take up new life in Him who will see eternal life. Today is a new day and the beginning of a new year. No matter how last year went for you, you can begin experiencing eternal life now. Believing in Jesus means more than knowing what He did; it means allowing this reality to change how you live. It is not easy, but it is worth it.
- How has your life been changed by belief in Jesus?
- What distracts you from the life you have in Christ daily? How can you take this new year as a fresh start to truly experience life in Him?
- Pray and ask God to help you keep your eyes on the unseen eternal life you have in Him.
