Got Eternal Life?

The Bible presents a clear path to eternal life. First, we must recognize that we have sinned against God: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We have all done things that are displeasing to God, which makes us deserving of punishment. Since all our sins are ultimately against an eternal God, only an eternal punishment is sufficient. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).


The Bible says that the sinless (1 Peter 2:22), eternal Son of God came to earth as a man in the form of Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14). Jesus died to pay our penalty for sin. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus Christ died on the cross (John 19:31–42), taking the punishment that we deserve (2 Corinthians 5:21). Three days later He rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1–4), proving His victory over sin and death. His resurrection shows that He is who He claimed to be and that His payment for our sin is sufficient. All who put their faith in Him are forgiven of their sin, adopted as children of God, and made new (John 1:12; Romans 8:9–16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:3–10; 2:1–10). They receive God’s indwelling Holy Spirit who will be with them forever (Ephesians 1:13–14), and they will one day be with God for all eternity (John 3:16; Revelation 21:3). “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

In order to receive salvation we must, by faith, change our mindset regarding Christ—who He is, what He did, and why (Acts 3:19). If we place our faith in Him, trusting His death and resurrection, we will be forgiven and receive the promise of eternal life in heaven. “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). “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved’” (Romans 10:9). Faith alone in the finished work of Christ on the cross is the only true path to eternal life! “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).

If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, here is a sample prayer to express that to God. Keep in mind that saying this prayer, or any other prayer, will not save you. It is only trusting in Christ that can save you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation: “God, I know that I have sinned against you and deserve punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness—the gift of eternal life! Amen!”

If you have any questions, please use the question form on our Bible Questions Answered page.