[Scripture reading for this study are noted throughout.]
If you were to place the entire Bible in chronological
order, the first six words would be: “In
the beginning was the Word.” (John 1:1)
With those words we are transported back to before creation and the
existence of time. There we find the Word, Jesus, an eternity into His eternal
existence! See Psalm 90:2. The words
John chose state this very truth. “In the
beginning was the Word.” “Was” -
en - is the imperfect tense of the
Greek word eime (to be), which refers
to a continuous action from the past through to the present, continually has
been and still is. When the beginning
began, Jesus already was. Jesus is
eternal, without beginning or end. He
was and is and always will be!
Revelation 1:8.
So what is the big deal about Jesus being
eternal? Our eternity depends on
it! One who is finite cannot extend to
us infinity – what is eternal. Out of
immense love, that is exactly what God chose to do. His eternal purpose was and
is our having eternal life, so that we could forever and always live with Him
in a dynamic relationship of grace and glory.
Our being eternal beings required Him creating us in
His image. (Genesis 1:26) Being like Him meant we are able to think and choose
for ourselves what we want or don’t want – a free will. He wants us to decide whether
or not we want to have an eternal life relationship with Him. However, free
will has two sides: willingness and willfulness. Because willfulness (or
choosing to reject the life relationship He offers) would bring eternal death
(perpetual dying without hope), His eternal purpose of our having eternal life
required an eternal plan, an act of divine love. The One through whom all
things were created (John 1:3) would be the One through whom eternal life with
Him would be possible. (Ephesians 3:11,12) Jesus didn’t join the plan. He was
the plan! The plan is eternal because
Jesus is eternal.
Jesus being eternal is also a big deal, because what
He alone makes possible is eternal as well:
- · Eternal life (John 3:16; John 5:24; John 17:1-3),
- · Eternal salvation (Isaiah 51:6; Hebrews 5:9; Hebrews 7:25),
- · Eternal joy (Psalm 16:11),
- · Eternal blessings (Psalm 21:6),
- · Eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:10),
- · Eternal encouragement (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)
- · Eternal security (Isaiah 43:13; John 10:27,28).
These are just a few.
“As many as are the promises of
God, in Him they are yes!” (2 Corinthians 1:20) Since He is the same yesterday, today and forever
(Hebrews 13:8) there is nothing to alter His efforts on our behalf.
Eternal is not about someday, but every day! Our
eternity doesn’t begin on the other side of the grave, but at the place of
faith in the grace of God. Thus, it should impact every aspect of our lives as His
eternal nature and presence in our lives gives us guidance, purpose, security,
protection, comfort, hope, peace and so much more. As we live in the dynamic
eternal relationship He created us to have with Him, we can begin to live
eternally (now and always) the wonderful life He designed us to have.
Making It
Personal
What we believe will not change who we are until it is
intentionally applied to our daily lives. So stop and really think it
through. What does Jesus being eternal
truly mean to you?
How does this impact your perspective on your own
life?
How are you living eternally here and now?
