Eternal Identity
Jesus never referred to His followers and believers as “Christians.” He always called us Sons and Daughters -- Family. There is much difference in being a follower and in being Family. Family is much more of an actual relationship and has inherent benefits that are endowed and not earned.
For humanity to get it right and to be correct in their choices for their identity, their origin, and their eternal destination, we must consider these realities for us from the nexus of time and eternity and the importance of each. Sadly, most never consider their eternity and their eternalness when establishing their true identity, their real origin, and their eternal destination.
I am convinced that understanding His identity, His origin, and His destination were what made Jesus able to navigate, to endure, and to succeed in His life mission during His time journey. He clearly understood the reality of Heaven’s realm and the earth realm. His understanding enabled Him to see into Heaven’s realm continually. Jesus understood that the earth realm was only temporary and that Heaven’s realm, His and our forever destination, is eternal and forever.
Read this from John Chapter 8:
Then Jesus said, “I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness.”
The Pharisees were immediately offended and said, “You’re just boasting about yourself! Since we only have your word on this, it makes your testimony invalid!”
Jesus responded, “Just because I am the one making these claims doesn’t mean they’re invalid. For I absolutely know who I am, where I’ve come from, and where I’m going. But you Pharisees have no idea about what I’m saying. For you’ve set yourselves up as judges of others based on outward (temporal) appearances, but I certainly never judge others in that way. For I discern the truth. And I am not alone in my judgments, for my Father and I have the same understanding in all things, and he has sent me to you.
-John 8:12-16, The Passion Translation
