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Elements of Motivation (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Eternal life, as denoted by the Greek term *zoe* (G2222), is distinct from mere immortality, which signifies unending existence without corruption. In biblical usage, *zoe* encompasses the spiritual vitality of God, representing life as God lives it. This is evident in John 12:25-26, where two different Greek words for life are used: *psuche*, referring to physical life, and *zoe*, which, when combined with the adjective eternal, indicates the divine quality of life. This life is not just about endless duration but includes the power to produce a super-abundant quality of living beyond mere existence. Eternal life, or *zoe*, is about living according to the will of God endlessly, imitating the way He lives through self-sacrifice and service. As highlighted in John 12, Jesus teaches that sacrificing one's life, much like a seed dying to bear fruit, is the key to eternal life. This principle applies to daily living, where fruits unto eternal life are produced through service to God and others. To follow Jesus, as mentioned in John 12:26, means to imitate Him, living a life of continuous sacrifice, which aligns with the essence of *zoe*. Furthermore, *zoe* is manifested in the present, not merely as a future promise. In I John 1, eternal life is described as something that can be seen, heard, and touched now through the life of Jesus Christ, inviting believers to fellowship with God immediately. This fellowship, a core aspect of *zoe*, involves living in harmony with God's will, loving and hating the same things He does, and walking together in agreement. Thus, eternal life as *zoe* is both a current reality and a preparation for the Kingdom of God, achieved by living God's way now.

The Elements of Motivation (Part Six): Eternal Life

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The term *zoe* (G2222), often translated as eternal life, carries a profound meaning beyond simply living without end. It encompasses a life of intimate fellowship with God, reflecting a deep, personal relationship akin to the closest human bonds. This eternal life is not just an endless existence but a unique quality of life that God grants, distinct from the death-producing life lived before one's calling. It involves living as God lives, in a way of giving rather than getting, aligning oneself with His character and purpose. Understanding *zoe* also reveals that it is tied to fellowship with others who share the desire to live like God, forming a tightly knit community under Christ as the Head. This fellowship is marked by self-sacrificial love, mutual service, concern, prayer, labor, and helpfulness. Furthermore, *zoe* is bound to doing the will of God, as only those who conform to His will abide forever, attaching themselves to a permanent reality that transcends the passing lusts of the world. Life beyond the grave is thus connected to how one lives now, preparing to walk eternally with Him through the blood of Jesus Christ and a life aligned with His way.

John (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The word *zoe* (G2222), meaning life, is a significant term in the book of John, used thirty-six times by itself and fifty-five times in all its forms, far exceeding its usage in Matthew, Mark, and Luke combined, where it appears only seventeen times. This frequent use underscores its importance to the presentation of key ideas. Beyond its basic meaning of vitality or activity, as the opposite of death, John imbues *zoe* with deeper connotations, enhancing the dimension of understanding. John employs *zoe* in two distinct senses. First, it is presented as the opposite of destruction, condemnation, and death, positioning Jesus as the fountainhead and source of life. In Him was life, and if a person desires life, they must go to Christ to obtain it, just as one would go to a stream or well for water. Second, John uses *zoe* to denote quality, distinguishing it from mere existence. A person without Christ may exist, but they do not truly live. This qualitative sense, seen in passages like John 10:10, defines life as God-life, a kind of life that Christ brings beyond simple existence, adding depth to its meaning. Life, as John portrays it, is exemplified in the way Jesus of Nazareth lived as a man. It is not merely about following a list of rules but observing the example of Christ's mind, heart, and attitude. This life is filled with love, joy, peace, hope, faith, patience, gentleness, goodness, meekness, self-control, and faithfulness. It is the only kind of life worth living for eternity, highlighting why a transformation in living is necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. Without aligning with this way of life, eternal existence would be a curse rather than a blessing.

Dying—Once in a Lifetime (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker

To some Hebrews 9:27 - 'it is appointed for men to die once' - seems to contradict I Corinthians 15:51: 'We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.'

The Book of Life

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Several times, the Bible mentions a book or books that God uses to record the names and perhaps additional information about each person who has lived.