In Jesus’ prayer for the believers in John 17:3, He acknowledges the only real way to be saved: “And this is the way to have eternal life-to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” By saying this, he demonstrated what the prayer for sinners should be: to know God and acknowledge that he is the true God, and to believe that Jesus is the son of God. This is the first step to salvation. When you believe God is who he says he is, and that Jesus is who God says he is, then you will understand who you are, a sinner in need of grace and forgiveness.
He goes on to declare His glory in verse 4: “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” By declaring his glory, he shows the believer how to live. We should live in light of eternity, always working to show the glory of God and the authority of Jesus Christ in our lives. Every act of service should radiate his glory. Every word we speak should declare his glory. Our lifestyles should bring honor to the one we serve.
The reward for giving God glory here on earth and proclaiming his name is eternity with him forever. Our life on earth should be an outpouring of the love we have received from God and the forgiveness he gave us through Jesus Christ. Does your life reflect his glory?