How you can achieve eternal life through your Faith
We often wonder about the reality of eternal life. Is it real?
We also ponder if we can be in heaven together with Christ and our loved ones existing eternally with joy and without the pain and hardships that we usually experience in our earthly lives.
Humans have yearned for immortality throughout history—a life transcending time and death's limitations. While science and technology explore various avenues, a timeless source offers a profound promise of eternal life: Faith.
What does eternal life mean?
What Jesus Meant by Eternal Life
In Christianity, eternal life holds profound significance, representing God's ultimate promise and gift to believers. It encompasses a spiritual existence that transcends time and temporal boundaries.
The New Testament contains abundant teachings from Jesus regarding eternal life. He emphasizes that this everlasting state is bestowed upon individuals who believe in Him and live according to His guidance.
Eternal life transcends mere physical immortality; it encompasses a profound, intimate connection with God and an everlasting companionship with Him. It signifies a lasting bond with the divine essence of God, wherein believers encounter boundless bliss, serenity, and satisfaction in His holy presence.
The Bible reminds us that the gift of eternal life is not something we can earn through striving or attain through our merit. Instead, it is a divine blessing freely bestowed upon us by the immeasurable grace of our heavenly Father. Our entrance into this everlasting life comes through one singular act of Faith: placing our unwavering trust in the person of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of John echoes this truth with resounding clarity. It proclaims that those who embrace Jesus, who anchor their belief in Him, will not face destruction but will be endowed with eternal life (John 3:16). This profound promise carries a transformative power beyond human comprehension.
Unveiling the essence of grace: the power of Faith
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through Faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9
Image: Guilherme Stecanella | Unsplash
Within the vast tapestry of biblical teachings, a few passages beautifully capture the profound essence of God's grace. These verses are a poignant reminder, emphasizing the bedrock of our salvation and grace's pivotal role in our connection with the divine.
Ephesians 2:8 echoes: "Through faith, you have been saved by grace." In these words, the apostle Paul highlights a crucial truth - our salvation is a precious gift bestowed upon us by God, unearned and unmerited. It is not attained through personal achievements or virtuous deeds but solely through the limitless grace of our Heavenly Father. This divine favor envelops us when we trust God and His steadfast promises.
Expanding upon the previous point, verse 9 resoundingly reaffirms the core message. Salvation is bestowed upon us as a divine gift, unaffected by deeds, thereby preventing any grounds for boasting. These impactful words are an undeniable testament that salvation cannot be achieved through mere human exertion.
Paul's message encapsulates the heart of Christianity, highlighting the transformative power of God's grace. It is an invitation to embrace this remarkable gift with gratitude, recognizing that our salvation is not rooted in ourselves but in the boundless love of our Creator.
As we grasp the depth of His grace, we are liberated from striving to earn our salvation and instead find freedom, peace, and assurance in the perfect work of Christ. This passage ignites a passion for worshipping the One who, out of His abundant grace, extends the offer of salvation to all who believe in Him.
Essential Bible verses about heaven and eternal life
Here are five Bible verses that speak about eternal life:
1. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
At the heart of the Christian Faith lies God's profound love for humanity and the invaluable blessing of His Son, Jesus Christ. The sacred words affirm that anyone who embraces Him will be shielded from eternal ruin and bestowed with everlasting life. Consequently, by placing their trust in Jesus, individuals are granted the magnificent privilege of dwelling eternally in the glorious presence of God.
2. "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." - John 10:28
Jesus' pledge of everlasting life resonates with His disciples. It guarantees a steadfast bond with God, granting unshakable assurance. No earthly influence or authority can sever the unbreakable ties to His affection and the eternal purpose He has intricately woven for their souls. In this sacred embrace, they find unwavering solace and relentless hope.
3. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23
There is a contrast between the consequences of sin and the gift of God. Sin leads to spiritual death and separation from God, but God offers the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the compassionate nature of eternal life, which believers receive by God's mercy rather than earning it through their efforts.
4. "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." - 1 John 5:11-12
This verse declares that God has granted eternal life to believers. By having a personal relationship with Jesus, individuals enter into the eternal life that God has promised. On the other hand, those who reject Jesus as the Son of God do not possess this eternal life.
5. "In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time." - Titus 1:2
Believers have hope in the reality of eternal life. The verse emphasizes that God, who is faithful and trustworthy, promised this eternity even before the beginning of time. It underscores the certainty and reliability of God's promise, assuring believers that their hope in eternal life is based on God's unchanging character.
The Thief on the Cross: saved by grace
Image: Jesus forgives the Thief on the Cross | Canva
Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." - Luke 23:43
One of the most remarkable demonstrations of God's saving grace can be found in the story of the thief on the cross, a narrative etched within the sacred pages of the Bible.
Luke 23: 39-41 reads: "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him. 'Don't you fear God,' he said, 'since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.'"
In this gripping tale, both criminals were crucified alongside Jesus. While one chose to mock Him, the other discerned the innocence of Christ and acknowledged his guilt. Even in the face of impending death, the repentant thief demonstrated unwavering Faith in Jesus and pleaded for His mercy.
Out of His boundless grace, Jesus responded with a resounding promise of salvation. He assured the thief that he would be united with Him in paradise on that very day. This extraordinary exchange is a powerful testament to the redemptive might of grace, extending its transformative reach to even the most undeserving souls, irrespective of their past deeds or circumstances.
Moving toward eternity
Image: Andre Benz | Unsplash
The tale of the thief on the cross stands as a profound reminder that salvation cannot be earned through human efforts or religious rituals; instead, it is a gift bestowed freely by the grace of God.
It exemplifies that a sincere profession of Faith and complete reliance on Jesus Christ can lead to instantaneous forgiveness and eternal life, regardless of one's background or lack of opportunities for a lifetime of virtuous acts.
This narrative offers hope and encouragement to all who feel unworthy or burdened by the weight of past mistakes. It unveils the boundless love of our Heavenly Father and the unfathomable extent of His grace, serving as a poignant reminder that salvation is available to anyone who turns to Jesus in Faith.
