One of my favorite scriptures is part of Christ’s Intercessory Prayer, found in John 17:3.
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
This scripture states very plainly our goal in this life: to come to know our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I have always loved the doctrine that life eternal is not to know about God, but to know God. Even if we knew everything there was to know about God, it wouldn’t be enough if we didn’t have a personal relationship with our Father in Heaven and with our Savior. Through that personal relationship, we can be changed and purified, that we may qualify for eternal life.
It is hard to get to know someone without spending time together, so if we want to know God, we need to learn how to spend time with Him. Scripture study - feasting upon the words of Christ - and private, earnest prayer will help us to communicate with our Father and learn of His ways. As we strive to apply the teachings we learn and invite the Spirit into our lives, His influence will become more present in our lives. The Spirit is a member of the Godhead, and as we become familiar with what it feels like to be in His presence, we will understand God better and be more prepared to meet Him. I know that living the gospel will help us come to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and that when we ultimately return to God’s presence, we will feel at home there.
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
This scripture states very plainly our goal in this life: to come to know our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I have always loved the doctrine that life eternal is not to know about God, but to know God. Even if we knew everything there was to know about God, it wouldn’t be enough if we didn’t have a personal relationship with our Father in Heaven and with our Savior. Through that personal relationship, we can be changed and purified, that we may qualify for eternal life.
It is hard to get to know someone without spending time together, so if we want to know God, we need to learn how to spend time with Him. Scripture study - feasting upon the words of Christ - and private, earnest prayer will help us to communicate with our Father and learn of His ways. As we strive to apply the teachings we learn and invite the Spirit into our lives, His influence will become more present in our lives. The Spirit is a member of the Godhead, and as we become familiar with what it feels like to be in His presence, we will understand God better and be more prepared to meet Him. I know that living the gospel will help us come to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and that when we ultimately return to God’s presence, we will feel at home there.
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