What does it mean to have eternal life? Is it something that we can experience only after we die, or is it something that we can enjoy now? And what are the benefits of having eternal life?
Eternal life is a gift from God that He offers to anyone who believes in His Son, Jesus Christ. John 3:16 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.” Eternal life is not just a quantity of life, but a quality of life. It is not just living forever, but living in a way that pleases God and fulfills His purpose for us.
Some of the benefits of having eternal life are:
- We have a personal relationship with God. Eternal life is not just a ticket to heaven but a relationship with the Creator of the universe. Jesus said in John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Knowing God means that we can talk to Him, listen to Him, learn from Him, and love Him. He is our Father, our Friend, and our Lord.
- We have peace and joy. Eternal life is not just a future hope, but a present reality. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Having eternal life means that we have peace with God, peace with ourselves, and peace with others. It also means that we have joy that is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God. Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- We have a new identity and purpose. Eternal life is not just a change of destination, but a change of direction. When we receive eternal life, we become a new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Having eternal life means that we are no longer defined by our past, our failures, our sins, or our labels. We are defined by who we are in Christ: loved, forgiven, accepted, and chosen. We also have a new purpose: to glorify God and to serve Him with our gifts and talents.
- We have a secure future. Eternal life is not just a promise for tomorrow, but a guarantee for eternity. Jesus said in John 11:25–26, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” Having eternal life means that we have nothing to fear in death because death is not the end but the beginning of a better life. It also means that we have nothing to fear in life because God is with us and for us. Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
These are some of the benefits of having eternal life. But the greatest benefit of all is that we get to be with God forever. Revelation 21:3–4 says, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'”
If you have not received eternal life yet, you can do so today by trusting in Jesus as your Savior and Lord. He died for your sins and rose again to give you eternal life. All you need to do is confess your sins to Him and ask Him to forgive you and come into your heart. He will give you eternal life and make you His child.
If you have already received eternal life, you can enjoy it more by growing in your relationship with God through prayer, reading His Word, worshiping Him, and obeying Him. You can also share it with others by telling them about Jesus and inviting them to receive His gift of eternal life.
Eternal life is the best thing that has ever happened to us. Let us thank God for it and live for Him every day.
