KNOWING GOD - PURPOSE OF CREATION AND SALVATION
The commonest scripture you can get almost every Christian quote without hesitation is John 3:16. It isn't strange it's so because most of Christian came to the knowledge of Christ when inspiration drawn from it was being used to preach. Today we will have a critical look at the verse.
John 3:16 KJV
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The first part of the verse tells us more about God's salvation through Christ. God has made it so simple. It isn't by our works, not by juxtaposing good deeds and bad deeds that which outweighs the other, but simply believing in Christ in your heart and confessing He is Lord. What makes me like this is that you don't need a specific venue to do that, wherever you find yourself He is there at that moment just believe.
The second part of the verse presents something unique which much attention is not given to. "but have everlasting life". Everlasting life is synonymous to eternal life. In the bible eternal life was presented in two folds. First as long life in and with Christ. Let's not forget that not all will be alive at the second coming of Christ.
The second part explains eternal life as Christ defined it according to John 17:3. Please read it over and over again.
John 17:3 KJV
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Very touching right? It presents to us that for eternal life we don't have to just die before we have it. But through our knowing of him we have it more and more. Knowing God is the purpose of our salvation and creation. God is calling us to himself. Knowing God excedes our scholastic knowledge of him to experiential knowledge of him. God wants us to encounter him. He is calling us to higher level of intimacy with him. We drink more of the streams of life as we get to know him.
Now you know, Eternal Life shouldn't be merely enjoyed after death. It starts NOW. Pursue God all the days of your life. The storms will rage still pursue to know him. Get more of him. Out live your life of eternity now through knowing Christ. Yearn to know him beyond knowledge in your head, your life won't be the same.
Prayers
Dear God, I thank you for the enlightenment through your Word. I now know eternal life starts now. I want to know you beyond the knowledge I currently have of you. Make yourself known to me amd fill my soul with more of your living stream. Amen