Faith, Part 3 of 3Sample

Whoever believes, receives eternal life

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he dies, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

Time and again the Lord Jesus makes the connection between “faith” and “eternal life.” Especially in John's gospel, this repeatedly gives us warnings in which way to choose…

In several verses, “eternal life” is contrasted with “being lost,” “damnation,” “death” and “the wrath of God.” This is not just about quantity, as if believers only live a little longer than unbelievers. It is even more about a deep quality of life, which begins here on earth and unfolds in the hereafter.

Without faith, you live under God's wrath, and that ultimately leads to eternal death. There are not even words to describe how terrible that condition is. For example, the Bible calls it “utter darkness.” The Lord Jesus gave His life to save us from that condition. He wants to give us eternal life. Later, when our body dies, but also right now. Whoever believes may live in God's light and is freed from His wrath. What a relief that is! And this eternal life becomes even more beautiful when God's new world comes, on “the last day.”

Do you think of “eternal life” primarily in terms of quality or quantity? Try to imagine how wonderful it is that eternal life has both aspects in it: boundless joy and gladness that never ends!