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W W W . S A I N T E R S E C T I O N . O R G
2
� M A R C H 2 O 1 5
The question of eternal life has
been paramount throughout history. In fact, most of the world's religions claim
there must be something beyond the veil of death.
Some argue
there would be no need for religion without the concept of an afterlife.
Many religions insist we live forever--in one form or another--either in sublime bliss,
or in endless torment.
Christianity stipulates
that only through someone else can one obtain eternal life.
Most other religions maintain that eternal life depends solely on the individual's actions.
Good works, benevolence, even perfect adherence to laws and morals--
these
cannot atone for sin, negating any possibility of admittance into Heaven.
No, it's not about what you can do;
it's all about what Christ has done!
The fact is,
although Christ has completed the work of bridging a way back to the
Father, the fi nal decision still rests with you! You don't have to accept His free gift of
salvation and eternal life. Where you spend eternity is entirely up to you.
Paul laid out the choice succinctly in Romans 6:23:
"For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Put even more simply, Jesus plainly said that in order to live forever, you must
fi rst be born again! That sounds confusing to the unbeliever, but to the believer,
it makes perfect sense!