“Q&A on Abiding”

“Digging Deeper”
An opportunity for you to continue the study of God’s Word throughout the week.

FRIDAY
“Q&A on Abiding”

1 John 3:24
Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

This past week, one of the readers of “Digging Deeper” asked an interesting question on Facebook about abiding that was worth sharing.

QUESTION: What does it mean when it says that someone who hates his brother does not abide in eternal life? What is the difference between possessing eternal life and abiding in eternal life?

ANSWER: Great question! Think of the difference between possessing a house and living in a house. Although I may own a house, I may not live in it. Even if I am living in the house, I may not abide in it at all times. But the house is still mine. I possess it. It is the same with our eternal life. When a person believes in Jesus Christ for eternal life, they receive eternal life, which is by definition eternal and never ending. However, although they possess eternal life, they may not abide in eternal life. Specifically, when they hate someone, they are not abiding in their eternal life.

QUESTION: If they don’t abide in it but still possess it, if they die will they enjoy it?

ANSWER: Yes. Check out John 10:27-30.