In a prayer to his Father in John 17:3 Jesus provides a definition of eternal life: “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” 

John Knox was a well-known Scottish theologian who had a big impact on the church. When he was on his deathbed, he asked his wife to bring him “his anchor.” His anchor wasn’t a physical anchor, but a Bible passage—the one that first made him a believer: John 17:1-3. His wife read it to him yet again. It gave him comfort as he passed from this world into the next.

Just as an anchor keeps you secure in a storm and ensures your ship doesn’t get thrown off course or dashed into some rocks, so did these verses keep Knox secure in the storms of life, ensuring he didn’t get thrown off course or dashed into the proverbial rocks.

The same can be true for you.

Jesus teaches us that eternal life is knowing “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [he has] sent.” When we come to know Christ, we have made the biggest and most important decision in our lives. It assures us that we are given forgiveness; that when we die and meet God we will be embraced and welcomed into heaven; that all tears will be wiped away; and that we will live in perfect fellowship with the God of peace forever.

It also means something for the here and now. We will strive—with God’s help—to walk in the footsteps of our King of grace, truth and holiness.

Do you feel as if the storms of life are threatening your ship? You too can have an anchor: Jesus Christ.

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Notes:

–“How to get the most out of a sermon.” If you follow Jesus, listening to sermons is a significant part of your discipleship. They are called a “means of grace” (even via imperfect preachers). So don’t you want to understand, make the most of, and engage with them? This talk provides practical assistance. It’s about being proactive, not passive. Click here or listen or tune in through ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan.’

—Article. “Have the Gospels Been Distorted?” Here’s a concise piece I wrote which has been published by The Gospel Coalition Canada. Click here to read.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.