Would you like to know the secret to attaining eternal life?

Well, you already know it. How? Because it has been revealed to us…Jesus himself told us, so it’s not really a secret anymore. The secret to eternal life is one that is hidden in plain sight. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life …” [John 3:36]

Read that statement from Jesus once again, word by word, focusing on each word.

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life …” [John 3:36]

To hear is to understand. It is powerful! It is life-giving!

Let’s just break it down to take careful note of exactly what Jesus is saying. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, you already HAVE eternal life! You don’t have to die to experience eternal life; you are living it right now! “Has” is present tense. Eternal life is not something future, it is a present possession. Eternal life is the present actual possession of each of us who believe in Jesus as Son of God. WOW!!!

This life you are living now is not just part of eternal life, it is eternal life. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life …” [John 3:36]

I’ve read this scripture multiple times, but it was really only a few years ago that the meaning really struck me – like a ton of bricks. An Emmaus AHA! Moment – a revelation with Jesus breaking open the scripture. Understanding and clarity was gifted in that moment. I felt as the two disciples on the road to Emmaus – ‘Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?’ [Luke 24:32]. My own heart burnt within me.

When Jesus was being baptised by his cousin John, “suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And suddenly there was a voice from heaven, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.‘ [Matthew 3:16-17]

Accepting you believe Jesus is the Son of God, and that therefore you already possess eternal life, God the Father is now using those very words about you. This is my beloved son/daughter, in whom I am well pleased.

“We are called children of God and this is what we really are.” [1 John 3:2]. Clear and specific – you are a child of God, of that there is no doubt. And yet, in moments of weakness, you may doubt it. The statement by St John should once and for all remove every vestige of doubt and of fear. “Children of God … … we really are.” Now there’s a Mother’s Day gift for ALL of us.

St Paul offers more Good News: “Jesus is not ashamed to call (us) brothers and sisters.” [Hebrews 2: 11] That gives added emphasis to the statement ‘I am God’s child and an heir to God’s kingdom.” Jesus, Son of God, proudly calls us brothers and sisters. Jesus says, “For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister…” [Mark 3:35].

Open the ears of your heart and hear Jesus proclaim you as brother or sister. Open the eyes of your heart and see God the Father embracing you as son or daughter. Isn’t this great news!

And it keeps on getting better! In the Parable of the Sower [Mark 3:1-20], Jesus clearly says, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you.” [Mark 3:11] So, not only does Jesus open the scriptures to you, he opens the kingdom of God to you as well.

Let’s just examine this Good News in summary:

• You believe in Jesus, the Son of God and therefore you have eternal life.
• You are a child of God.
• Jesus proudly calls you brother or sister.
• Jesus not only opens scripture to you, he also opens up the mystery of the kingdom of God.

It bears repetition that the secret to eternal life is hidden in plain sight: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life …” [John 3:36]

Now, just in case you still don’t fully believe, let’s hear again from John. “God has granted us eternal life and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life … …I write all 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 5:11-13]

Life is worth living. Live it to the fullest and always Treasure Life! Happy Mother’s Day.