The elixir of life is a mythical potion that enables those who drink it to live forever. Russian scientists claim to have made a breakthrough in developing an “elixir of life” after discovering bacteria that survived from ancient times in Siberian permafrost. They injected the bacteria into themselves, and claim they no longer get the flu and feel much more healthy and alive.
Designed to live in the paradise God provided, Adam and Eve were permitted by Him to eat from almost every tree in Eden, including the tree of eternal life (Genesis 2:8,16-17). But they willfully ate from the fruit of the one tree they were to avoid (Genesis 2:17, 3:1-7). Because God didn’t want them “to live forever” in their rebellious sinful state, He lovingly prevented them from eating from the tree of life. And all human beings from that time forward were banished from dwelling with Him (Genesis 3:22-24).
The good news is that God still desires that we be with Him. And “by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13-14), we can live with Him forever (Revelation 21:3). “Anyone who believes [in Jesus] has eternal life” (John 6:47).
Eternal life isn’t simply endless existence. It’s quality of life: the adventure of “[knowing] the only true God, and Jesus Christ” (John 17:3). It’s not simply about future existence, but also something we enjoy today (John 5:39; John 6:47-51; Revelation 22:14). The Jewish idea of knowing someone was all about real relationship and complete intimacy (Jeremiah 31:33-34; 1 John 5:20). That’s what we can experience—a life of knowing, loving, and obeying God, both now and forever.
Jesus offers the elixir of life to all who will drink it (John 4:10). Come, drink, and enjoy eternal life with Him! (John 4:14).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 44:1-34
More:
Read Jeremiah 2:13 to read about the “elixir of life” this world offers. Compare this to what Jesus offers in John 7:37-39.
Next:
Who will you tell about Jesus’ “elixir of life” this week? How does it affect you to know that in Him you’re an “immortal” who will enjoy eternal life?
Gary Shultz on January 28, 2017 at 6:04 am
Hi K.T.: There are many thoughts flowing through today’s post. One that caught my attention was the that God moved in response to the disobedience of Adam and Eve. He removed them from the place of blessing from His hand to prevent “hell on earth” with the chance of reaching the “tree of life”. We recoil at the great loss of what was in the garden; however, we also see with what seemed harsh came the better covenant. And God’s grace much greater than man’s failure provided a better goal. A goal and place only attainable by will and choice. As freely as a choice was given in the garden so we now have choice. Yes, burdened by the sin inherited by the original wrong choice, we have a choice with paid redemption. Jesus the path “the way” to all of the this offered it at Eden, at the well, and still offers a path to restore what was lost, and so much more. Thanks K.T.
hsnpoor on January 28, 2017 at 9:05 am
Hallelujah! I think of all the thirsty people I see everyday who would rather die than drink from the “living water” and live forever and it just breaks my heart and makes me crazy….
Tom Felten on January 28, 2017 at 9:39 am
KT, thanks for highlighting the reality that the eternal life Jesus’ has made possible by His sacrifice for us is a reality today. We walk in joy and hope because of what He has done. And He’s given us such an amazing mission—to love Him and other well, and to point others to the reality of Him and the new creational life He’s provided. So grateful for the “elixir” He alone has offered to us!