Prayer's Answer!

Some people go through the challenges of life thinking they don't have a prayer. However, we do, because Jesus came and not only gave Himself on the cross for our sins, He also prayed for us as well. Prior to our Lord's arrest and crucifixion, as He began His prayer on behalf of the disciples, He also included those who would eventually believe in Him through their testimony. ( John 17:20) Through the perpetuation of that testimony we have become believers as well. Yes, Jesus came to earth and offered up Himself with our eternal life in mind.

In our Lord's prayer He stated. . .
"(3) And THIS IS ETERNAL LIFE, that they KNOW YOU THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST whom you have sent." ( John 17:3 ESV)

TO KNOW! This is not merely knowing in an intellectual manner such as knowing about God; the Scriptural truths relative to His essence and existence. The word translated "know" is from the Greek word "ginowsko", a word also used in the Greek for an INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP. In the context of this verse we should recognize the need for a close, ABIDING RELATIONSHIP with God and the Lord Jesus Christ such as would draw us to find out what pleases God and then strive to carry it out in our life.

There are many who may acknowledge God and may even use His Name, but is there a GENUINE RELATIONSHIP? Is the life lived truly connected to Him and His Will? This important RELATIONSHIP is one that begins in this realm and goes on into eternity. To know Him in the sense of Jesus' prayer is to walk in an ABIDING RELATIONSHIP with Him. In that RELATIONSHIP we are to seek not the glory of mankind but "the glory that comes from the only true God." ( John 5:44)

In John's first of three letters he later wrote that Jesus "IS THE TRUE GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE." ( 1 John 5:20 ESV) This implies the oneness of the Father and the Son and the realm -- BEING IN HIM -- wherein eternal life is gained. Knowing the Father and Jesus in a RELATIONAL way is the answer to the prayer relative to our eternal salvation. May the RELATIONSHIP be cherished as the eternal gift it is!

Have a great day WALKING IN HIM!
Carl

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