“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

It’s not so much a place as a relationship. Eternal life is a relationship with the eternal God. And it is not only possible but the only source of true happiness. We can find it in the here and now because we can know God in the here and now. What a concept! Could there be anything more important than knowing God?

The first disciples forsook all and followed Jesus. There is a real sense in which we should do likewise. Of course, we must make a living. Of course, we must be occupied with getting by day by day with all the things that attend life on this earth. But there is a sense in which we can and should forsake all and follow Jesus. Not his teaching, not his rules. But Him.

Seek to know him for therein is the secret of happiness. Everything else is dung, said the apostle Paul. Paul declared his life objective to be the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. (Philippians 3)

The psalmist declared, “In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures forever more.” (Psalms 16:11) Have you experienced this? I can tell you, it is worth pursuing. After 50 years as a Christian, I can say without equivocation, this is the key to life. Nothing else will satisfy like the presence of God. To know Him is indeed eternal life and I recommend it in the strongest terms.