God Is Life

If I were to ask any Christian (or any human who believed in an eternity) if they would like eternal life, I’m confident they would answer yes. I mean, who wouldn’t? Death is scary. Not existing at all is even scarier. The idea of living on eternally is appealing to most people.

            Yet, if I were to have you define eternal life, I wonder what you would say? Heaven? That’s probably the most common answer. When we die we go to Heaven and live eternally in a white robe with a halo and wings, and let’s not forget about that harp! But, I wonder if this is the Biblical picture of eternal life.

            John is called the disciple who Jesus loved. He was very close to Jesus. We could even use the word intimacy (in a purely non-sexual way) to describe the relationship that John had with Jesus. So when John writes something about our savior it would do us good to listen to what he has to say.

           

            “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—” (1 John 1:1–2 ESV)

            1 John is filled with many “God is…” statements – God is light, God is love, and God is greater – yet one that is often overlooked is “God is life.” Though the phrase “God is life” doesn’t explicitly appear in these verses the message is still there. Let’s explore these verses together.

            Notice that John first explains how he was a witness of the incarnation, that is, God in human form. He speaks of that which was from the beginning. In the Greek, this not only is speaking of always existing, but also of having authority. He is speaking of one who has always existed and always ruled. In other words, God himself.

           

            Yet he also says that we have heard, seen, and even touched, that which was from the beginning. This speaks of Christ who took on human flesh. He then refers to Christ as the word of life. This life was made manifest. What does that mean? It means that Christ appeared into human history. It is this life that we proclaim. Yet this life was with the Father and was made manifest.

            You see, John here speaks of eternal life, not as an event, or place, or even a position, he speaks of eternal life as a person, namely Jesus Christ.

            There is no life without God. God created life. It wasn’t until God breathed into Adam that life was given to him. Adam was created with a tree of life so that he wouldn’t have to face death. Just as Adam brought physical life to all the earth, Jesus brought eternal life to all the earth. Yet He did more then bring life, He is life.

            If you want eternal life it starts with The Eternal Life. Do you know the one who is life? This is not just a gift that God gives; it is a central part of who He is. Do you love life? Do you have life? Do you know life?

            “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days” (Deuteronomy 30:19–20 ESV)