Faith in Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Like so, Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Therefore, Faith is the core element to receiving Eternal life in the Bible, and it is necessary to sustain the spiritual Christian walk through faith. The Book of Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eternal life refers to life everlasting in the Kingdom of Heaven with God, who has given believers in God this life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Eternal life is a promise of certainty in the Christian faith combined with a declaration of assurance of everlasting life with God for those who believe in Him. It is a key element of Christian hope that provides believers with a sense of purpose and meaning in life beyond this mortal world.
Eternal Life and Salvation
In Christianity, salvation refers to transforming one from unrighteousness to righteousness with an awareness that the wages of sin are death, but the gift of salvation through God offers eternal life. Eternal life is an essential aspect of salvation, as it represents the promise of everlasting life with God for those who believe in Him.
The Gospel of John emphasizes the bond between eternal life and salvation. In John 3:16, Jesus says, “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.” This verse highlights the importance of belief in Jesus to obtain eternal life and salvation.
Ephesians 2:4-5 also stresses the role of God’s grace in salvation and eternal life, saying, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” This scripture underscores that eternal life and salvation are the results of God’s mercy and grace, which are freely given to believers through faith in Christ.
Eternal Life and Judgment
In Christianity, eternal life is closely related to God’s justice of His people, as the righteous ones of God are justified by faith and declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. The New Testament emphasizes that eternal life is not attained through personal merit or good works but through faith in Jesus Christ, who bore the punishment for our sins on the cross. As seen, faith paves the way to receiving salvation, while good works pave the way to receiving rewards.
In Acts 13:38-39, the apostle Paul says, “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him, everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” This verse brings to light the relationship between forgiveness of sins, justification, and eternal life, all of which are achieved acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Paul says, “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” This passage reinforces the guarantee of eternal life for believers, even for those who have died, through the resurrection of the dead.
Conclusion
In summary, there’s no doubt that eternal life in the bible is a gift that’s only achievable through faith in Jesus Christ. This means that one cannot acquire eternal life through their own efforts or deeds, regardless of how commendable they may be. By recognizing the central role of faith in achieving eternal life, believers can have the assurance that their salvation is secure and can live with the hope and peace that comes from the promise of eternal life with God.