What’s the best gift you could receive? I want to make the argument it’s eternal life. Eternal life is life as God has it that fulfills us in this life and secures us in the life to come. God appointed Jesus as the designated agent of eternal life, the one through whom the gift of eternal life would pass to humankind. When he gives eternal life, we discover that eternal life is all about knowing God and knowing Jesus Christ. Eternal life in its essence is a relationship. It’s not just living for 100,000 years and never dying. And, here’s the good part, eternal life begins the moment you believe, not the moment you die. Eternal life is both a future hope and a present reality. However, eternal life is a gift that must be received.
Do you ever have any unopened presents at Christmas? Usually not, if everyone is present, right? People like gifts, want gifts, and open gifts. Eternal life is God’s gift to humankind. But it must be opened—received and accepted. Otherwise, eternal life remains a theological truth, a wonderful thought, a lofty idea.
How do you know that you have received Jesus’ gift of eternal life? You know by having entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; by knowing Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord; by realizing that your sins have been forgiven; by observing a change in your life; by having the certainty that when you die you are going to heaven.
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About Rick Ezell
I am a husband, father, pastor, and writer.
This blog is about shaping character, transforming church, and impacting culture. I believe that if one defines their moments then their moments will determine their character and their character will influence their world.
I write on personal development, church leadership, and our changing culture. I also write about the resources I am developing and the books I am writing.
My goal is to create challenging, relevant, and inspiring content that will help you be a better person, the church be a better parish, and the world a better place. If you are interested in those things, this blog is for you.
I have served the church my entire career as a student minister and senior pastor. I studied at Samford University, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (eventually I will get it).
I have written eight books. My most recent ones are Chapter 13: The Excellence of Love and Soul Therapy: The Healing Words of Psalm 23. Both are available as eBooks. I have written over 1000 articles for various local, regional, and national publications.
I have been married to Cindy for thirty-three years. We have one wonderful daughter. We live in Greenville, SC.
In my free time, I enjoy writing, reading, running, tennis, and golf.
You can contact me via email or follow me on Twitter or Facebook.
This is my personal blog. The opinions I express here do not necessarily represent those of my employer. The information I provide is on an as-is basis. I make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.
