Jesus promises everlasting life to anyone who believes on Him.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” — John 6:47
In simple terms: God loves you. You are a sinner. Jesus died for your sins. Believe in Him and receive eternal life as a free gift.
Why this matters
If your life ended today, do you know for certain where you would spend forever? It’s one of life’s biggest questions, and deep down, we all long for hope and assurance. God wants you to know the answer with confidence. The truth is not complicated, and it’s not based on your performance, your lifestyle, or how “good” you have been. It’s about a clear promise God has given us in the Bible, rooted in His profound love for you.
Why we need a Saviour
God’s standard is perfect. The Bible reveals that God is holy and just, and His character requires perfect righteousness. His standard is not merely “being good,” but a sinless perfection that none of us can achieve on our own.
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” — Isaiah 59:2
Our sin creates a separation. You and I and every person on the earth, except Jesus Christ, have sinned. We’ve all broken God’s perfect law through our thoughts, words, or actions. Sin is any thought, word, or deed that rebels against God’s will. The Bible is clear that this sin has a consequence: spiritual death and separation from God.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” — Romans 3:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 6:23
God’s Plan for Salvation: Jesus Christ
Jesus lived a perfect life. God’s solution for our sin problem is Jesus, His Son. Jesus came to earth, born of a virgin, and lived a completely sinless life, perfectly fulfilling God’s righteous standard. He is the only one who could serve as a substitute for humanity.
“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21
He paid sin’s penalty. Jesus willingly went to the cross and died in our place. His death was a full and final payment for the sins of the entire world. This was not a random act; it was the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and justice.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
He rose from the dead. After three days, God the Father raised Jesus from the dead. This resurrection is the proof that Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted and that His work is finished. It confirms His victory over sin and death, guaranteeing everlasting life to all who believe.
“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:14
How to receive eternal life: Believe in Christ alone
Salvation is by grace and is through faith—not by works, promises, rituals, church attendance, lifestyle, or anything to do with yourself. To believe is to be persuaded that God guarantees you everlasting life because Christ died for your sins and rose again, and nothing else. This belief is more than just intellectual agreement; it is to trust in or rely upon Jesus Christ alone, to place your full trust in Jesus’s finished work on the cross to save you, rather than trusting in your own efforts or goodness.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16 “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.” — Ephesians 2:8–9 “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31
God’s promise and your assurance
The very moment you believe on Jesus, you have everlasting life. It is a gift you possess right now and forever. Your assurance does not rest on your feelings or performance; it rests entirely on the finished work of Christ and the unbreakable promises of God.
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” — John 10:28
“He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” — John 5:24
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” — 1 John 5:13
What about you?
Have you ever personally trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for everlasting life? If you are now persuaded that He gives this gift to you freely, you have that very life—this very moment. You can express your trust to God in a simple prayer, but remember: a prayer does not save you. Jesus saves the one who believes.
What’s next?
Good works and spiritual growth do not earn or keep your salvation; they are the natural and grateful response to God’s free gift of grace. Here are some simple next steps to help you grow in your new relationship with Christ:
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Read the Gospel of John. This book of the Bible was written so that you could know you have everlasting life (1 John 5:13). Reading it will help you better understand who Jesus is, what He has done, and the promises He has given you.
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Talk to God in prayer. You can now talk directly to God, who loves you as His own child. There are no special words to say. Just open your heart and talk to Him as you would a loving Father—with honesty and gratitude.
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Find a church that teaches the Bible. Look for a local church or fellowship that clearly and consistently teaches salvation as a free gift by grace through faith in Christ alone. Attending regularly will provide an environment for you to learn more about God and connect with other believers.
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Be baptized and serve. Baptism is a public picture of what has already happened in your heart. It is an outward testimony to others that you have died to your old life and have been raised to walk in new life with Christ. Serving others is a way to express your gratitude for what God has done, not a way to earn His favor.
FAQ — Quick Answers
- Do I need to repent?
Repentance is a change of mind about the way you approach God. It is a decision to stop trusting in your own efforts—such as good works, rituals, behavior, or life style—and to turn and believe in Jesus Christ alone for everlasting life. You are saved the moment you believe.
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” — Acts 16:31
- What if I sin later?
Everlasting life is everlasting. God disciplines His children as a form of correction, but He will not revoke the life He promised.
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” — John 10:28 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” — John 5:24
- Don’t works prove I’m saved?
No. Your assurance of everlasting life rests on Jesus’ promise, not on your performance. While good works do not earn or keep your salvation, they are a powerful testimony of your faith. God works through you to show His light to the world and to help others, which glorifies Him and provides a witness to the Gospel.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
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Is baptism required to be saved? No. The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith alone in Christ, not by any work or ritual. Baptism is an important public testimony for a believer, a symbolic act that identifies them with Christ’s death and resurrection.
There are two types of baptism in the New Testament:
- Water Baptism: An outward, public symbol of a new believer’s faith in Christ. It is an act of obedience for a person who is already saved.
- Spirit Baptism: The inward, spiritual work of God that takes place the moment a person believes. This is the Holy Spirit placing the believer “in Christ” and into the body of Christ. This is the baptism that saves, and it happens to every believer the moment they believe.
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 12:13
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel.” — 1 Corinthians 1:17
- Can someone lose salvation or stop believing?
The one who has believed hath (as in currently have) everlasting life. Doubts don’t undo God’s gift; return to His promise and grow in His Word.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” — John 6:47 “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” — John 10:28
The Best News Ever
Salvation is not because of anything you have done, but because of everything Jesus has already done. You can have everlasting life simply by believing on Him.