Life
We often think of ‘life’ as having a beginning and an end.
Whilst this is a natural, or created, material reality, this is not the divine picture of life.
Life, in the divine definition, is a quality of existence that occurs when material existence enters into the patterns and practices of God. When Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and life more abundant” he was talking about more that just the idea of our forgiveness of sins (although this is part of this idea).
Let me explain. Jesus modelled the life of God in human flesh. He demonstrated what perfect communion between God and humankind looked like. He invited us into the same space when He said,
“Abide in Me and let my words abide in you.”
“Abide in Me,” means – stand where I stand; in My shoes; in My standing before God; in My identity as a son/daughter; in My place; be My representative; when people see you, they see Me. It’s a statement of location, before God and before humankind. Feel your belonging to the Father, as I feel My belonging before the Father. His deep love for Me, is also that same deep love that He has for you. Wow!
“Let My words abide in you,” means – let the priorities of a son/daughter be your priorities; let the words that exchange between Me and My Father, be the same words that exchange between you and the Father. These words will be identity shifting, earth changing words about the Kingdom agendas, priorities, powers, purposes. They will release in you the supernatural insights and power that will affect earthly things, bringing divine outcomes to the earth, as the Father establishes, through His sons and daughters, His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven (Matt. 6:10).
So, Divine life is both relational and dialogical. Divine life is the result of obedience to the will of the Father. Divine life locates us in the centre of the perfect design of humankind, in relational unity with the Godhead. Divine life is energised by the same quickening Spirit that raised Christ from the dead.
God is Life.
His relational unity and practice (within Himself) is the evidence of it – and generates that life. The design of humankind was to always to participate within this relational unity and thus experience this Divine life.
Existence, outside of this connection, is defined as “death,” and only has limited capacity and duration. Separation from the Divine pattern and design for human existence ultimately results in death – because existence, outside of God, has no capacity to generate life in and of itself. Existence only ‘possesses’ life by grace. But one day, that grace will be removed – and total separation from God will take place. This is utter terror and horror in its purest form. This is the final and ultimate death for existence that is not found in God.
The movement from death to life is a movement back into original design. It is the relational unity of humankind with God, standing in Jesus, revealed by the Spirit, completely restored and made whole.
