ETERNAL LIFE IS DIFFERENT FROM EVERLASTING LIFE

In recent times I found myself lapsing into speaking Yoruba ( my first language) and Broken English ( a version of colloquial English spoken in West Africa)in the middle of my English sermons to a worldwide audience.

At first I was perturbed but on close examination I discovered that there are expressions that the English language doesn’t quite cover for me and I believe the essence of the message may not have the full import intended so I unconsciously lapse into those two forms of expression which were my earliest contact with languages .

What I’m trying to say is that when a language is interpreted into another , quite a few things are lost inadvertently.

One of such is the interpretation of Eternal life and Everlasting Life in the Bible . The original Hebrew word is Chayel Olam. This could be interpreted life after death but it’s actually talking about focussing on ETERNITY as opposed to now . The Hebrew phrase for focussing on NOW is Chayel Sha’ah which literarily means fleeting life.

So much has been lost in translation over time as Eternal Life often incorrectly referred to Living for Ever. Jesus spoke a lot about this and captured it in John 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

‭‭This text and a few others in the Bible starts to make it clear that it’s more than just living forever but a lifestyle that is dedicated to eternity . A life that draws sustenance from Eternity . This is a life that weighs all things in the light of eternity . That’s why Jesus said what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Many people will do anything for the life now; lie , cheat , kill , slander etc just to grab a few things here and now .

Many have taken their focus off eternity as the make decisions daily that cause harm to others without even thinking about it.

Eternal Life is a life that knows God and Jesus whom He sent . A life that is surrendered to the dictates of Heaven in all they do . Even when it hurts . Especially when it hurts .

I had so many temptations on my way because of abilities I was born with that easily could have ensnared others but I had to fight to choose Jesus and His way. I had to work away from lots of money just to do His will . This is not easy when you are surrounded by people of less abilities minting it . I’m glad I chose Eternal Life and the results are obvious in my life and circumstances.

The Bible makes it clear that he who has the son has life and he who doesn’t have him , no life . This becomes clear in the light of what has been written above . When you accept Jesus , you get Eternal Life which comes with its own essence very different from what the world does. God becomes responsible for you and your choices align with Heaven.

Let me conclude by saying because I have Eternal Life , which kicks in now I have Everlasting Life which includes reigning with Jesus forever when this dispensation is done .

Blessings,

Rev M A DANIEL
Global Vision Coordinator
Flaming Sword Ministries UK