Eternal Life
Eternal Life
By Mike Gendron
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (First John 5:13)
Eternal life is a free gift of God (Romans 6:23). Without this wonderful gift mankind faces eternal separation from God and everlasting punishment (Second Thessalonians 1:8) because God is holy and righteous (Habakkuk 1:12) and must punish sin (Exodus 34:6, 7). Everyone has sinned and falls under the judgment of God (Romans 3:10, 23). The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). God’s righteousness demands perfect righteousness to enter heaven (Matthew 5:18) and we can come to God only through Jesus (John 14:6). Jesus lived a perfectly righteous life as He obeyed (Hebrews 7:26) and fulfilled the law of God (Colossians 2:14).
Since it is impossible for us to become righteous, God offers us the righteousness of Christ as a gift (Romans 5:17). Jesus paid the death penalty we deserve for our sin (Roman 5:8). The gift of eternal life is free to us because Jesus paid such a great price for our redemption (Titus 2:13-14). The gift of eternal life can only be received by repentance (Acts 3:19) and faith (John 3:36). God’s gifts are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Salvation is available to those who receive it by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) and not by righteous deeds (Titus 3:5). Those who attempt to earn acceptance before God by their own works nullify the grace of God (Romans 11:6). Those who receive the gift of eternal life are adopted into God’s eternal family (John 1:12) and nothing can ever separate them from God’s love (Romans 8:28-29).
Have you ever personally received God’s gift of eternal life? If not, why not repent from your dead works (Hebrew 6:1) and receive this precious gift with empty hands of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Then find an evangelical church that will help you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, our wonderful Savior.