Eternal Life: Understanding and Attaining
Salvation, in its essence, is the process by which one is saved from sin and its eternal consequences, resulting in a state of grace, peace, and eternal life.
In Christianity, salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ. It involves acknowledging one’s sins, repenting, and believing in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Key principles include:
- Faith and Belief: Believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who sacrificed himself for humanity’s sins and rose again.
- Repentance: Turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness from God.
- Grace: Understanding that salvation is a free gift from God, not earned by human efforts.
- Baptism: A symbolic act of purification and admission into the Christian faith.
- Living a Christ-like Life: Following the teachings of Jesus and striving to embody his compassion, love, and grace.
Confess that you are a sinner.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
As a sinner, you deserve death.
“For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23)
Christ died for your sins and that He rose from the grave.
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)
Eternal Life: Know for sure you have it
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
Eternal Life is a free gift
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 ESV.
It is not earned or deserved.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV.
Man is a sinner
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23 ESV
Man cannot save himself because he is not perfect.
“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 ESV
God is merciful and Just
”I have loved thee with an everlasting love” Jeremiah 31:3
What did he do?
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
” All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—everyone—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 ESV
Faith is the key that opens the door to Heaven
Is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life. It means resting upon CHRIST ALONE and what HE HAS DONE rather than in what you or I have done to get us into heaven.
And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31 ESV
To receive the gift of Eternal Life you must
Transfer you trust to Christ, accept him as you savior, receive Jesus Christ as LORD, REPENT of you sins and ask forgiveness. He will reveal his will to you as you grow in your relationship with him.
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” John 10:28-29 ESV
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3.
The concept of being “born again” emphasizes a spiritual transformation that allows one to enter God’s kingdom. It is often interpreted as a new beginning, a turning away from a life of sin and toward a life devoted to God. This transformation is not a physical or earthly one, but a spiritual one, initiated by the Holy Spirit. Being “born again” involves being born of water and the Spirit (Baptism). Water is used as a symbol of purification and new beginnings.
If this is what you really want, go to God in Prayer
“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 1o:13 ESV
Suggested Prayer
“Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust in You for my salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life.”
If this prayer is the sincere desire of your heart, look at what Jesus promises to those who believe in him:
” Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. John 6:47 ESV
Welcome to God’s Family
- If you have truly repented (forsaken, turned away) from your sins
- Placed you trust in Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death
- And received the gift of eternal life
- You are now a child of God! Forever!
What’s next
- Read the bible starting with the gospel of John, read a chapter a day.
- Pray several times a day to spend time talking to God.
- Worship by attending a church that honors Jesus Christ and teaches you the Bible.
- Fellowship with Christians who will help you grow in Faith.
- Tell others what Jesus Christ means to you.
Gospel track provided by Evangelism Explosion International, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33307 and Patrick.
Patrick Brown was born at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ on February 25th, 1949. He became a Christian Believer when he stepped off the plane in Vietnam in 1971. Since that time, he has devoted his life to the Lord through ministering as a Sunday School teacher in various churches in Mississippi. He is a graduate of Exploding Evangelism (EE) and certified as a Gospel Evangelist Trainer. Patrick is a member on staff at Christian Grandfather Magazine in charge of Daily Devotionals. He and his wife, Sherrilyn, enjoy retirement in Ridgeland, MS.
Enough for the Poor in Spirit.
Your friend – His servant,
Isaac Otieno