36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
John penned similar words in I John:
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:11-12 (NIV)
The vital principle animating living beings, the very life-force itself, is given eternally to those who believe in the Son. Conversely, those who reject or disobey through unbelief, outwardly expressing the inward attitudes of their hearts, continue to remain under God’s just wrath – His necessary righteous action against evil. The conclusion of the matter appears to be quite clear: we are given two options - believe in the Son or reject the Son – eternal life or eternal wrath – the choice is ours. Jesus is the object of faith, He being the divine condition for both our abundance and joy here and now and eternally. Jesus Himself stated:
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
He also tells us these following Truths in John:
15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:15 (NIV)
24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24 (NIV)
“Before Jesus invades our lives, our hearts are under enemy occupation; but on our own personal Decision-Day, we receive Him as our Savior, and we’re justified! A process of sanctification then begins as our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors increasingly come under His control and we grow in the victorious Christian life. Satan fights for every inch of territory, and we find ourselves in constant war with the world, the flesh, and the devil – but the victory of Jesus is unstoppable, and we are more than conquerors as we increasingly worship Him with all our hearts.” Robert J. Morgan
Jesus’ constant mantra while His feet walked this dusty earth was “Believe”- Believe my Word, Believe my miracles, Believe I AM in the Father and the Father is in Me, Believe I do only my Father’s will, Believe I came from God, Believe I came to seek and to save the lost – Believe! Believe! Believe!
“Luther was right: the root behind all other manifestations of sin is compulsive unbelief—our voluntary darkness concerning God, ourselves, his relationship to the fallen world and his redemption purpose... If the fall occurred through embracing lies, the recovery process of salvation must center on faith in truth, reversing this condition.” Richard Lovelace, Renewal as a Way of Life
Even in Christ’s great priestly prayer He prays for those who would subsequently come to believe from the testimony of those who would faithfully continue to proclaim His message – passing down Truth from generation to generation. His great desire is for us to be with Him eternally:
20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21 (NIV)
24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. John 17:24 (NIV)
The communion and fellowship believers now experience on this side of heaven will be magnified in eternity. Indeed, when Jesus’ disciples came back from ministering in His name their focus for rejoicing was that even the demons submitted to them. Jesus’ reaction was excessive, ecstatic joy yet these were the words He spoke to them:
18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:18-20 (NIV)
The personal relationship of believers in Christ should always be the source of their joy. He has saved our scrawny necks, blotting out our sins and bringing us life and immortality – that is certainly reason for joy to get physical!
“Hast thou, O my soul, felt the weight of thy own guilt and misery, and been enabled, in reality and truth, to lay hold by faith of the blood of Christ for thy redemption, and faithfully to devote thyself to him in heart and life? Then hast thou a sure foundation to go upon: let it be thy constant care firmly to depend upon these and such like blessed declarations; look to Jesus for every blessing thou standest in need of. Has Christ brought life and immortality to light? Then look unto him and live. Is there redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins? Then throw all thy guilt upon his atonement. Has he blotted out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against thee? Then shake off self-righteous dependences, and legal fears also. Did he die for thy sins? Then let his goodness and love lead thee to unfeigned repentance; let the sense of thy sins break thine heart, but encourage thy hope in the gospel.” K.H. Von Bogatzky