OWN IT!

You don't own it until you experience it!

Owning Eternal Life

You may think eternal life is something you cannot own until you die or even after the judgement when you hear Jesus say, “Well done.” The fullness of this gift, and it is a gift, may not be fully owned until we reach the other shore, but possession is essential now. Didn’t John write, “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 5:13) He goes on to say this is where we get our confidence to approach God, who is eternal in the heavens. The alternative is to live like an earthly termed-limited being whose future is doubtful. There is a difference in the way we live when we know we can never die. Fearing death paralyzes us and prevents living the full and abundant life God intended and Jesus gives. Mid McKnight said, “Why should I fear death when I have the deed to heaven in my back pocket?”

What does it mean to own eternal life?  Before I can own it, I first must know what it is. It is not mere quantity of life; it is quality of life. If eternity was simply an extension of my daily life now, there are days that would not sound very inviting. However, if eternal life is a qualitatively different kind of life, a new life, rooted in knowing the Father and the Son (John 17:3), then bring it on. The transition should be evident in my life. I am evolving from being an earthly creature to becoming a heavenly one. This is not just about not sinning as much, as it is about learning to live life to the fullest. Living like a pauper while your mattress is stuffed with hundred-dollar bills to the point of it being lumpy is ludicrous. With all the whining and complaining we do you would think we were terminal. Let’s make up a new word: ETERMINAL.

There is a difference between waiting to own eternal life and owning it now. Someone will protest that it is arrogant to proclaim that you are saved. We often say, “I hope I am saved.” You wouldn’t say, “I hope I am married” or “I hope I have money in the bank.” You either own eternal life or you do not. There is no “almost” or “fixin’ to.” Take the deed out of your back pocket and read it. If you don’t find a deed there, contact me and I will show you how to get one. YOU DON’T OWN IT UNTIL YOU EXPERIENCE IT.