John 17:3 (NKJV): "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."
In these words, Jesus unveils the essence of eternal life. It is not merely about a future in heaven, nor is it simply an escape from hell. Eternal life, according to Jesus, is about a relationship—a deep, personal, and intimate relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
When Jesus says, "that they may know You," He uses the Greek word "ginosko," which signifies an intimate, experiential knowledge. This is not about knowing facts or doctrines about God, but knowing Him as one would know a close friend. It is a knowledge that transforms us, shapes our lives, and impacts our daily walk.
To truly grasp what it means to know God personally, we can reflect on other scriptures that highlight this relationship. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, the Lord declares: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord. Here, God emphasizes that true glory and fulfillment come from understanding and knowing Him—His character, His ways, and His heart.
Similarly, in Hosea 6:6, God expresses His desire for relationship over ritual: "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." God is not interested in our religious performances but in our hearts that seek to know Him and walk in His ways.
In the New Testament, Paul echoes this truth in Philippians 3:10 when he writes, "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." Paul's greatest pursuit was to know Christ deeply and personally, even in sharing His sufferings and being transformed into His likeness.
As we reflect on John 17:3, we are invited to examine our own relationship with God. Do we know about Him, or do we know Him personally? Do we seek His face, listen to His voice, and walk in His presence daily? Eternal life begins now, in the present, as we cultivate this relationship. It is a life characterized by ongoing fellowship with God, where His love, grace, and truth become the foundation of our existence.
Knowing God personally transforms our lives. It affects how we view ourselves, how we treat others, and how we face the challenges of life. In John 10:14-15, Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep." This mutual knowing between the shepherd and His sheep reflects the deep bond we are called to have with Christ. It is a relationship of trust, love, and security.
Eternal life is found in knowing God personally. It is about a relationship that goes beyond intellectual assent or religious activity. It is a daily walk with our Creator, our Savior, and our Friend. Let us seek to know Him more deeply, to experience His love more fully, and to live out this eternal life that Jesus came to give us. May our hearts echo the words of Psalm 63:1: "O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water."
In this pursuit, we find the true meaning of eternal life. It is a life that starts now and continues forever, in the presence of the One who knows us intimately and loves us perfectly.
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