What is eternal life?

 This story doesn’t start with us—it begins way back with a man named Abraham. Abraham loved God so deeply that when God asked him to offer his only son, Isaac, as a sacrifice, he was willing to do it (Genesis 22:1–18). But at the last moment, God stopped him and provided a ram to sacrifice instead. That moment was more than a test—it was a preview of something much greater: that one day, God would give His own Son, Jesus, as the sacrifice to save us.

Centuries later, Jesus walked the earth—not just as a wise teacher, but as the living Son of God with power beyond comprehension. He touched the eyes of the blind, and they could see (Mark 10:51–52). He told a paralyzed man to get up—and the man walked (John 5:8–9). These weren’t just physical healings. They were signs that Jesus can restore what’s broken in us, starting with our hearts. And then there was Lazarus—Jesus’ friend who had been dead four days. Jesus stood outside his tomb and shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And Lazarus did—alive and whole again (John 11:38–44). That moment wasn’t just about Lazarus—it was a declaration that Jesus holds power over death itself.

But here’s the real heart of the story: every single one of us has sinned. We’ve all done things that separate us from a perfect and holy God. Scripture says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). This doesn’t just mean physical death—it means eternal separation from God, a spiritual death. But because Jesus loves us, He took that punishment upon Himself. He went to the cross willingly, carrying every sin we've ever committed (John 19:30; 1 Peter 2:24). It’s as if He said, “I’ll take the penalty. I’ll pay their debt.” And He did. But death couldn’t keep Him. Three days later, He rose from the grave, victorious over sin and death (John 20:1–18). Because He lives, we can be forgiven. Not by earning it—you can’t work your way into heaven—but by believing in Him, trusting that His death and resurrection are enough (Romans 5:8).

So what does all this mean for you—right now?

It means Jesus is offering you forgiveness. Hope. A future beyond earthly comprehension. He already paid the price. All He asks is that you believe—believe that He died and rose for your sins, and that He alone has the power to save. Open a Bible. Learn who He is. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead—and you will be saved (Romans 10:9). Tell others. Retell this story of love. Live your life as a light in a dark world. Share this good news with everyone you meet.

Because for those who believe, this is just the beginning. The joy of eternal salvation has only just begun.