What does it mean that I have received eternal life?

To receive eternal life means to enter into a relationship with God that extends beyond this earthly existence. It is a new way of living in relationship with God, experiencing His forgiveness, being spiritually reborn, and having hope beyond this life, through Jesus Christ alone. Receiving eternal life is not based on our own merit or good works, but it is a gift of God's grace.

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

Eternal life is knowing God

Eternal life is not just about living forever, but it is primarily about having a personal and intimate relationship with God today. It is a life marked by fellowship, communion, and intimacy with our Creator. Eternal life involves being in a perpetual relationship with God, the source of life. It is a life of fellowship, communion, and intimacy with Him.

"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." John 17:3

Eternal life is a spiritual rebirth.

Jesus told a man named Nicodemus that in order to see the kingdom of God, one must be "born again." This spiritual rebirth happens when we repent of our sins and put our faith in Jesus Christ. Through this new birth, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a transformed life.

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3

Eternal life is freedom from sin and death.

Eternal life involves being freed from the guilt and consequences of sin and experiencing the fullness of God's grace and mercy, through Jesus’ sacrificial death and supernatural resurrection. Eternal life is deliverance from the power of sin and death.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23

Eternal life is hope beyond death:

Eternal life assures us that physical death is not the end. It offers the hope and assurance of a future beyond this earthly existence and assures us that even after physical death, our spirits will continue to live in the presence of God forever. Overall, eternal life is the unending, abundant life that is granted by God through faith in Jesus Christ.

“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. John 11:25-26

For further study, check out:

The book “Eternity is Now in Session” by John Ortberg
Our sermon series called “Everything You Were Created to Be”

Questions?

If you have any questions, about faith or your next steps, please don’t hesitate to email us at newfaith@relevantcommunity.org.