Eternal Life is a Gift

Our current life as we know it is only temporary. Someday we will all die (well, with the exception of those believers who are lucky to be alive at Rapture who will be changed without dying). But this death does not signify the end of human existence. No Bible believer will deny the truth that life continues after death (See John 5:28-29 for instance). But where do we go after we die? Our current life is followed by an afterlife in which we will not cease to exist. This is eternity future, duration without end and outside of times and seasons.

The Two Destinations

In the afterlife, there are two distinct locations. When a person dies here on earth, he/she either goes to heaven to be with Christ (that is, the saved ones), or goes down to hell to await judgment (that is, the unsaved). Those who go to hell are said to have perished, which means, they are permanently separated from God and delivered into the lake of fire. But those who die and go to heaven are those who have received eternal life. These will be with God for all eternity. But how do you become one of these? How do you receive eternal life? These are the questions that I intent to answer in this article.

Today’s Text:

John 17:2-3 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

The Purpose of the First Coming of Christ

As clearly pointed out in our text above, Jesus Christ came for the main purpose of taking us to eternity with God. “…that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.“ (John 17:3). Those who have trusted in Christ are those who are “given” to Christ. These have already received eternal life through Him. Salvation is eternal life. Therefore those who have genuinely believed in Jesus are saved and got the gift of eternal life.

John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.

The One Condition

As clearly seen in the above verses and many more in the Bible, eternal is contingent on faith in Christ alone. There are no works involved. The reverse of faith is the rejection of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself has something to say about that:

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

It is simple. You’re either saved or lost. If you’re saved, you have been redeemed and granted the free gift of eternal life. But if you’re unsaved, you’re an enemy of God; and according to Jesus Christ, the wrath of God abides with you. And if you die in that condition, that’s exactly what it means to perish.

But it doesn’t have to be that way since there is a way of out this hopeless condition. However, you only have a chance while you’re still alive. The moment you’re dead, your chance is over.

Briefly, the following are some biblical facts about eternal life:

1. It Can Only Come from One Source

Although there are many religious groups or sects in our world today, it is certain that there is only one Way to God. And that is Christ.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

This is particularly true because:

• Christ is only One who died for our sins and rose again. He gave Himself while others require that you make sacrifices to them
• He is the only One who lived, died, bodily resurrection, and is alive forever. Think about this for a moment: all the inventors of other religions are dead and remain dead.
• Christ is the only One who is currently interceding for the believers with the Father.

2. It Has Been Freely Offered to Everyone

Salvation, and of course eternal life is available to all! Christ died for the sins of the whole world. As far as God is concerned, He has reconciled the whole world unto Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). But then everyone is not automatically saved until they have put their trust in Christ. Therefore the only condition for eternal life is faith. “…that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

John 20:30-31  And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

As mention earlier, getting saved does not require any work. You cannot earn salvation. You’re not required to pay for it or pay back. Who can even pay the price supposing payment is required? (The only suitable payment is for you to die and go to suffer for all eternity in hell. That exactly what we deserve as the “wages” of our sins. And this is why Christ had to give Himself).

Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Titus 3:3-7 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Have you received this gift of eternal life and are you sure about it? This is another way of saying “are you saved”? One valid excuse for not having something is to say “I cannot afford it!” But this is not the case for salvation and eternal life. It is offered free of charge. No cost to you because Christ has paid the price.

You Can Receive it Today

All it takes is faith in Christ. How it works: admit who you’re: a sinner who is unable to save him/herself. Repent from your sins and believe that Jesus Christ the Son of God died for your sins and rose again. This is what it means to trust in the blood of Christ. It is through the blood that we have redemption and forgiveness of sin (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). This is what it means to be saved. And with salvation comes the gift of eternal life. Confess your faith in Christ to God and ask Him to help you to henceforth live for His glory.

For more on getting saved and living the Christian life, please spend some time on this website and check out related articles. Also, I can be reached through Believe@GraceTidings.org if you need to talk to someone about faith in Christ.

Thank you for reading!