Eternal Life
There never was a more important question asked than that which the young ruler put to the Lord Jesus. “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). Eternal life is the most precious gift in the universe to be given, at no cost to the sinner whatsoever. It embraces all the blessings of salvation in this world, and then a place in the family of God forever. It is no wonder this young man ran to ask the Lord Jesus this question. The wonder is that so few people ever do run to make the same inquiry. Men run to seek earth’s prizes, but they are slow in their pace when they are seeking eternal life. It is a gift which can be imparted by God alone. He offers this gift to all; therefore it lies within the reach of every one. “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3: 15, 16). It is a gift, however, that cannot be obtained by human effort or good works. Eternal life cannot be gained by saying so many prayers, fasting so many hours, by being baptized in a certain way, joining a particular Church, by giving so much money to charity, or by any other kind of religious act or service. The Word of God states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9).
Eternal life is the gift of God; it is obtained through the Lord Jesus Christ. His words are unmistakably clear: “He that believeth on ME hath everlasting life.” By the selfless act of sacrifice upon the cross of Calvary, the Lord Jesus shed His precious blood to purge away your sin and make you fit for Heaven. Eternal life is bestowed on all who will accept it.
The way to get it is to take Christ as Savior and Lord. Admit your condition as one who is a guilty sinner (Rom 3:10), and helplessly lost (Luke 19:10). Repent of your sin and come in faith believing God about His Son. The Philippian jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And that cry was returned with, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:30-31).
