In Touch - June 14, 2005

In Touch Daily Devotional 
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Tuesday June 14, 2005
The Gift of Eternal Life
1 John 5:6-13

Eternal life is a gift from God. It is given to us without regard to the good works we have done or the sins we have committed. Scripture tells us that, apart from Jesus Christ, we are helpless to save ourselves. To receive this gift of life requires agreeing with the testimony of Scripture: God the Father sent His Son Jesus for the purpose of dying on the cross for our sins. Jesus took upon Himself the debt we owed for our sins (Romans 6:23) and paid it in full.

What are the characteristics of this salvation gift?
Freely Accepted. The guilt of our sin has been removed without cost to us, and we are accepted into God's family. There is no act so vile that it is not covered by the cross of Christ—rejecting Jesus to the very end of life is the only exception.

Fully Sufficient. The death of Christ paid for every sin—past, present, and future. Nothing is required of us except believing in Jesus. To think otherwise is to proclaim His work on the cross as insufficient.

Forever Ours. Having received our salvation, we do not have to work to keep it. It is a true gift with no strings attached and is permanently ours. Through God's promises in Scripture and the witness of the Holy Spirit within us, we can know for sure that we have eternal life.

Our feelings do not determine whether we are saved or not; the only thing that matters is what God says. (Acts 16:31) Have you thanked God today for this precious gift?

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Do you have questions about the end times? Be sure to watch Answers for End Times, a powerful webcast that aired live on May 19, featuring Dr. Dwight Pentecost and Dr. Stanley. Visit www.intouch.org for more information.

Pray for Dr. Stanley and In Touch Ministries with thousands of others across the globe. Join the Impact Prayer Team today! Visit www.intouch.org for more information.