Understanding the Gift and Assurance of Eternal Life

Eternal life is not simply about living forever; every human being is created for eternity. The real question is not whether we will exist eternally, but where and how we will spend that eternity. God, in His mercy, has saved us from eternal punishment through the sacrifice of Jesus, and by His grace, He has given us the gift of eternal life—a quality of life that is defined by knowing God and being transformed into the likeness of Christ. This life is not just a future hope, but a present reality that shapes our character, our understanding, and our relationship with God.

To help us grasp the fullness of eternal life, consider it as a gift with three “attachments.” The first is insight. Before knowing Christ, we were spiritually blind, but through the Holy Spirit, God reveals His character and truth to us. This revelation is progressive, growing brighter as we walk with Him, and it is rooted in treasuring and keeping His Word. Just as a diving bell spider survives in a hostile environment by creating a protective bubble, we are called to live in the world but not be of it, insulated by God’s Word and presence.

The second attachment is intercession. Jesus, even in the face of His own suffering, prays for His followers. He intercedes for our sanctification, that we would be set apart and become more like Him. This intercession is ongoing—Jesus and the Holy Spirit continually pray for us, advocating for us before the Father, especially when we are weak or uncertain. This means we are never alone in our spiritual journey; God Himself is invested in our transformation.

The third attachment is the irreversibility of eternal life. God’s gift is secure and unchanging. Once given, it cannot be taken away. We are kept and protected by the power of God, not by our own efforts. This assurance brings unity among believers and anchors our faith, giving us confidence that nothing can separate us from God’s love. However, this security is only for those who have truly trusted in Christ; proximity to spiritual things is not the same as possession of eternal life.

Eternal life is meant to be lived out now, as we grow in Christlikeness, rest in God’s intercession, and stand firm in the assurance of His unchanging promise.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Eternal life is not merely endless existence, but a new quality of life rooted in knowing God and being transformed into His likeness. This life begins now, not just after death, and is marked by a growing understanding of God’s character and purposes as we walk with Him. The Holy Spirit progressively reveals truth, illuminating our hearts and minds to the things of God. [03:22]
• 2. The Word of God is our spiritual “diving bell,” insulating us from the world’s destructive influences. Treasuring, guarding, and obeying God’s Word is essential for thriving in a hostile environment. As we value His Word above all else, it shapes our identity and enables us to live distinctly, even while remaining in the world. [17:47]
• 3. Jesus’ intercession for us is a profound expression of His love and commitment. Even in His darkest hour, He prayed for His followers’ sanctification and unity, modeling selfless concern for others. Today, both Jesus and the Holy Spirit continually intercede for us, advocating for our growth and transformation, especially when we are weak or uncertain in prayer. [27:24]
• 4. The security of eternal life rests on God’s unchanging nature, not our performance. Once God gives eternal life, it is irreversible—He will not change His mind or withdraw His promise. This assurance anchors our faith, brings unity among believers, and frees us from fear, enabling us to live boldly and confidently in Christ. [36:20]
• 5. Proximity to spiritual things does not guarantee possession of eternal life. Judas was close to Jesus, heard His teaching, and witnessed His miracles, yet never truly believed or received salvation. True assurance comes from a personal trust in Christ, resulting in a transformed life and the indwelling presence of God. It is vital to examine ourselves and ensure we are anchored in genuine faith. [43:38]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:07] - Introduction to Eternal Life
• [03:22] - The True Meaning of Eternal Life
• [04:37] - Mercy, Grace, and the Gift of Eternal Life
• [06:16] - Eternal Life Brings Insight
• [08:18] - Jesus Reveals the Father
• [09:50] - The Ongoing Work of the Holy Spirit
• [12:44] - The “I Am” Statements and God’s Character
• [16:44] - Living in the World but Not of It
• [17:47] - Treasuring and Keeping God’s Word
• [22:07] - Receiving and Accessing Eternal Life
• [24:03] - Eternal Life Brings Intercession
• [27:24] - Jesus Prays for Our Sanctification
• [35:16] - The Irreversibility of Eternal Life
• [36:20] - Kept by the Power of God
• [39:40] - Assurance and Unity in Eternal Life
• [43:38] - The Example of Judas and True Assurance
• [44:32] - Living Out Eternal Life Today
• [45:35] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Reading

John 17:6-12 (ESV) — > 6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
> 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.
> 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.
> 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.
> 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.
> 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.
> 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”

Observation Questions

1. According to John 17:6-8, what did Jesus say he had done for the people God gave him? What was their response to his words?
2. In verse 9, who does Jesus specifically say he is praying for, and who is he not praying for?
3. What does Jesus ask the Father to do for his followers in verse 11?
4. The sermon compared God’s Word to a “diving bell” for Christians. What does this illustration mean, and how does it relate to living in the world? [[16:44]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says eternal life is not just living forever, but a new quality of life that starts now. How does knowing God and being changed to be like Christ show up in a believer’s life today? [[03:22]]
2. Jesus prays for his followers’ sanctification and unity. Why do you think Jesus focused on these things, even as he was about to suffer? [[27:24]]
3. The sermon talks about the “irreversibility” of eternal life. What does it mean that eternal life is secure and cannot be lost? How does this affect a believer’s confidence? [[36:20]]
4. Judas was close to Jesus but did not truly believe. What warning or lesson does this give to people who are around spiritual things but may not have genuine faith? [[43:38]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said that eternal life brings “insight”—the Holy Spirit helps us understand God and his truth more and more. Can you think of a time when God helped you see something new or understand him better? How did that change you? [[06:16]]
2. God’s Word is described as a “diving bell” that protects us from the world’s harmful influences. What are some specific ways you can treasure, guard, or obey God’s Word this week to help you live differently from the world? [[17:47]]
3. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always interceding (praying) for us, especially when we are weak or don’t know what to pray. How does knowing this change the way you approach prayer or difficult situations? [[29:34]]
4. The sermon said that eternal life is “irreversible”—once God gives it, he will not take it back. Do you ever struggle with doubts about your salvation? How can you remind yourself of God’s promise and find assurance? [[36:20]]
5. The example of Judas shows that being close to spiritual things is not the same as having true faith. How can you examine your own heart to make sure your faith is real and not just based on being around church or Christian activities? [[43:38]]
6. Eternal life is meant to be lived out now, not just after death. What is one area of your life where you want to see more of Christ’s character showing through? What step can you take this week to grow in that area? [[24:03]]
7. The sermon encouraged us to help others who may struggle with assurance or understanding eternal life. Is there someone you know who needs encouragement in their faith? How could you come alongside them this week? [[39:40]]