God gave us eternal life; the life is in his son. So, whoever has the son, has life; whoever rejects the son, rejects life.But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess your faith and are saved. Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame
This is the real and eternal life: That they know you, The one and only true God, And Jesus Christ, whom you sent.”
1 John 5:11-12 MSG
Romans 10:8-11 NIV
John 17:1-5 MSG
The Essence of Eternal Life in Christ
The verses from 1 John 5:11-12, Romans 10:8-11, and John 17:1-5 encapsulate the core message of Christian faith: the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. This promise is the cornerstone of Christian belief, offering hope and assurance to believers.
In 1 John 5:11-12, the apostle John succinctly states, “God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life.” This passage emphasizes that eternal life is a gift from God, intrinsically linked to Jesus. It underlines the belief that accepting Jesus as the Son of God is essential for receiving this eternal life. The message is clear: life, in its truest and most profound sense, is found in Jesus.
Romans 10:8-11 further expands on this by explaining how one can receive this gift. “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” Paul writes, highlighting the accessibility of salvation. He continues, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This passage underscores the simplicity and sincerity of faith required for salvation. It is not merely an intellectual assent but a heartfelt belief, coupled with a public confession of faith. Paul reassures believers that this faith will never lead to shame, affirming the reliability and honor of God’s promise.
John 17:1-5 provides a deeper theological context, with Jesus himself praying to the Father. He says, “This is the real and eternal life: That they know you, the one and only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent.” Here, Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God and Himself. This knowledge is not just intellectual but relational, implying an intimate and personal relationship with God through Jesus.
In summary, these verses collectively highlight that eternal life is a divine gift granted through Jesus Christ. It is accessible to anyone who believes in their heart and confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Lord. This belief leads to an everlasting relationship with God, marked by an unshakable hope and the promise of eternal life.