And They Have Kept Your Word
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. ~ John 17:3
Eternal life is not found in a prayer, a ritual, or a fleeting emotional decision. Jesus defined it clearly, “This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). This is not just about knowing about God, it is about knowing Him, personally, relationally, and obediently. Many people walk around claiming to be Christians, but according to Scripture, most are deceiving themselves. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21-23 that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom, but only those who do the will of His Father. Many will say they served Him, yet He will respond, “I never knew you.” Why? Because they never truly knew Him.
Jesus prayed, “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word” (John 17:6). There is the test — “they have kept your word.” True salvation changes a person. It produces obedience, not perfection, but a life that is marked by following Christ and honoring His Word. John 14:15 says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” That is not optional, it is evidence. Real saving faith results in a transformed life. It does not mean you will never fall, but it does mean you will not stay down and love the darkness. You will fight your sin, cling to Christ, and walk in His truth.
We live in a time where the devil has convinced millions that as long as they prayed a prayer or “accepted Jesus,” they are fine. Meanwhile, they live like the world, love their sin, and ignore God’s Word. That is not eternal life. That is self-deception. Eternal life is not automatic, emotional, or inherited. It comes through knowing the true God through His Son, Jesus Christ. And that knowledge always bears fruit.
So here is the wake-up call, examine yourself. Are you truly His? Have you repented and trusted in Jesus? Are you following Him in obedience to His Word, or just checking a religious box? The devil would love to distract you with everything but the one thing that matters, knowing Christ. Do not settle for a false peace. Eternal life is found in Him alone, and those who truly know Him will live like it.
2 Samuel 13:1-39
John 17:1-26
Psalm 119:81-96
Proverbs 16:6-7
New Testament: John 17:1-26
Summary: The High Priestly Prayer
Overview: John 13-21 Click Here to Watch Video
John MacArthur’s sermon, “The Lord’s Greatest Prayer, Part 1,” delves into John 17, where Jesus offers a profound prayer to the Father on the eve of His crucifixion. This chapter stands out as a unique glimpse into the intimate communion between the Son and the Father, revealing the depth of Christ’s intercession for His followers. MacArthur emphasizes that, despite being divine, Jesus exemplified complete dependence on the Father through prayer, highlighting the importance of prayer in the believer’s life. This sermon invites listeners to explore the richness of Christ’s prayer and its implications for our relationship with God.
Read or listen to the full sermon here: The Lord’s Greatest Prayer, Part 1
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