If it’s true, what exactly must one believe to receive this gift?  In the Gospel of John, chapter 6, verse 47, Jesus says: “ Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.”  Jesus clearly states that anyone who trusts (believes) in Him for eternal life, has it.  Notice again what Jesus said: “he who believes in Me has everlasting life.”  He didn’t say will have, He said has.  Simply put, the gift of eternal life is instantaneous, the very second a person believes Jesus’ promise of eternal life, he or she has it (it’s really that simple). 

Why would understanding John 6:47 be of importance to an unbeliever?  A reasonable answer would be, because when he/she passes into the eternal future, he/she will reside there “forever.”  The Word of God tells us we must choose during our time on earth to be with God forever or choose to be separated from Him forever.   Odd as it may sound, the choice is ours.  If we don’t cognitively make the choice to trust in Jesus for eternal life during our life time, the automatic default is separation from Him (John 3:18), forever.

Ultimately, The Word of God tells us that each individual human being, beyond the age of accountability, is volitionally responsible and will be held accountable for what they have believed in time regarding Jesus Christ.  Ideally, this discussion group will be helpful to those who are not absolutely certain of their eternal future.    

I’ve read many answers to the AARP question “Is There Life After Death?” on the “End of Life” discussion board.  Many have expressed their views and beliefs, with sincerity and respect, regarding an afterlife.  Many question whether there is life after this one.  Others firmly believe, this is all there is and we just cease to exist at physical death. 

It appears to me that everyone believes in something, even the atheist and agnostic.  Everyone who has expressed their beliefs on the “End of Life” discussion board believe something, is not believing there is no God, a belief; or believing we all cease to exist when we die, a belief; or believe that mankind evolved from a single cell millions of years ago, “so what’s the use”, also a belief; there are many, many beliefs.  To that end, I think it is reasonable and makes good sense for one to devote some serious time to checking out what the Word of God has to say about our eternal future and what role we might have in it and to do so before ones time runs out.  If one is not a believer in Christ for eternal life, there is much to gain if one were to discover their belief has been wrong, so there is nothing to lose by checking it out.  According to God’s Word, when we enter in to the afterlife, it will be too late to make a choice about what we believe (Luke 16:23-31), the choice to believe God’s promise of eternal life must be made before physical death, the rich man mentioned in the Luke verses was keenly aware of this but he could do nothing about it.

All chapters of the Bible are written to believers except one, the “Gospel of John” found in the New Testament.  Would it not be entirely reasonable that a “just” and “fair” God would provide adequate and understandable information for the unbeliever so he/she could make an informed decision, “for” or “against” Him?   The Gospel of John was written exclusively for the benefit of the “unbeliever”; this includes those who are confused by false religious rhetoric and/or have been persuaded to believe false information about eternal salvation (if someone was given false salvation doctrine, believed it and is now relying on that belief for eternal life, that would make that person still an unbeliever, would it not).  

What someone chooses to believe is entirely between them and God, that’s freedom of choice.   However, the purpose of this discussion group, if you decide to join, is to help provide people on the fence with accurate information (i.e., offer them key verses in scripture, provide links to articles and/or audio’s by recognized Christian scholars and through objective discussion).  If those on the fence are open minded to God’s Word and are seeking His Truth, it will be God the Holy Spirit who will make it clear in the minds of the unbeliever as to whether or not the salvation information being presented to them is correct and OK to believe.  Then, an individual will have the perfect right to decide “for” or “against” the salvation offer as it is his or her God given right to make that free will choice.

Therefore, I encourage everyone who is not absolutely certain about their eternal future to first read the Gospel of John (it’s only a click away).  The Gospel of John is actually an “eye witness” testimony of what the Apostle John actually witnessed himself about Jesus’ signs, miracles and teachings (John 20:30-31).  You may not fully grasp some of the more technical words or phrases, but you should get the big picture of what John’s testimony is clearly communicating.  I favor the New King James Version because it uses vocabulary closer to today’s usage making it easier to understand than the standard King James Version written back in the 15^th century.  The New American Standard is also excellent.   As you read through the Book of John, you will read the words of Jesus Christ, the uniquely born Son of God who became both man and God at the same time, who was crucified and resurrected to pay for the sins of the world so all mankind, would have the opportunity to receive the “free gift” of eternal life.  The message of eternal life is proclaimed throughout the Book of John, here are just a few examples: John 3:14-16; 5:20-24; 6:47.  

If the above sparked your interest and left you with a desire to learn more about what the Word of God says about eternal life or you wish to be a Christian contributor in our discussions, I invite you to join this group.