GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE
Workers are paid for the work they do, and while at times that wage is merited on the quality of the work performed, quite often it is static based on economic realities - especially in entry-level jobs. Similarly, Paul notes that all sin, no matter how seemingly innocuous, has earned every person who has ever lived a single and eternal wage from the hand of a just God: death. The gift of God's grace, however, stands in stark contrast to the wages of sin. God gives eternal life not because sinners merit it, but because his Son earned it. Eternal life is a gracious gift from a loving God to his people who repent and trust in his salvation.
This gift of eternal life is not static; it's not something that will only be actualized upon physical death. Rather, eternal life is a dynamic relationship that believers enter into through faith in Jesus Christ and experience right here and now. Jesus promised his followers that they could have life to the full while living on this earth (Jn 10:10). This joyful, victorious life is possible through a deep and abiding relationship with God (Jn 15:4 - 6). Eternal life in heaven and on the new earth is, then, the glorious and unimaginably awe-inspiring extension of the believer's dynamic and growing relationship with God on earth.
Jesus, I know that my sins have earned me nothing but suffering and darkness. Thank you for gifting me with a peace and light I never could have earned. Amen.
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