“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life–the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us–that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”
~1 John 1:1-3 (ESV)
What did they hear?
They heard the words of Christ.
Life.
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
~John 6:68b (ESV)
What did they see?
They saw Christ in the flesh.
Life.
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
~John 14:6b (ESV)
What did they touch?
They touched the wounds of Christ.
Life.
“Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”
~John 20:27b (ESV)
The Life was made Manifest.
Christ
Eternal Life incarnate, displayed for all to see, to hear, to touch.
Eternal life crucified, risen, bearing wounds proclaiming victory over death.
Eternal life ascended.
Eternal life proclaimed.
Christ
The message John proclaims is not that we can obtain eternal life from Christ, but that we can find eternal life in Christ.
We do not come to Christ so that He can give us eternal life.
We come to Him because He is eternal life.
Our gospel is incomplete if eternal life is separated from the person of Christ.
Because eternal life isn’t living forever.
Eternal life is Christ.
“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”
~I John 5:20 (ESV)