November 20

Eternal life.—1 John 5:20.

THE beloved disciple informs us, in the eleventh verse of this chapter, that God hath given to us eternal life, and that this "life is in his Son." But in the verse from which the text of this exercise is selected, he expresses it still more emphatically. — "this is the true God, and eternal life." Every thing relating to eternal life is essentially connected with Jesus Christ. He has given us the only clear and full revelation of it, in his blessed gospel. He has made known unto us the sure way to its glorious possession. He has published it as the great blessing which he came to confer on a dying world. And he assures us that all who believe him shall have everlasting life. But every thing connected with eternal life is inseparably identified with Christ. The place of its enjoyment is the house of his heavenly Father, which he ascended to prepare for us; and where he dwells; to which also he receives all his people; that where he is they may be also. So that to possess eternal life, is to be with Christ—to be "for ever with the Lord." The glory conferred upon the inheritors of eternal life is Christ's glory. They are glorified with Jesus, and partake of the same glory which he possesses; for, addressing his Father, he says, "the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, as we are one" (John 17:22.) Glorified saints are said to wear crowns, and to sit upon thrones, and to be clothed in white robes. Now these crowns are given by Jesus. The apostle reminds us that Christ, the righteous judge, would not only give him a crown of righteousness, but also to all them who love his appearing. (1 Timothy 4:8.) Jesus saith, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give a crown of life." The throne on which they sit is his throne. — "He that overcometh shall sit down with me on my throne," (Revelation 3:21.) And the robes they wear have been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. How obvious then that this Jesus is eternal life.