The Gift of God: Eternal Life in Christ Jesus Our Lord!

Tim Hansel in his book "When I Relax I Feel Guilty," writes some insights of what most people want from God.

"I would like to buy $3.00 worth of God, please. Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I don't want enough of Him to make me love a black man or pick beets with a migrant. I want ecstasy, not transformation; I want the warmth of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the Eternal in a paper sack. I would like to buy $3.00 worth of God, please."

If we would be totally honest, the idea of transformation really scares us. That is because we know that such a radical change would be quite uncomfortable. We realize that with transformation comes a major overhaul of our lives and priorities.   -(From a sermon by Scott Chambers, The Mission if You Accept it: Transformation, 2/15/2011)

A familiar verse is that found at the end of Romans Six... "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23). This passage is often used to suggest that eternal life is...a gift given when one becomes a Christian, or a gift requiring no effort on the part of the recipient(s).

It's is true that elsewhere we learn that eternal life is described as a "present possession", enjoyed now by the Christian (1 John 5:13). This refers to a relationship made possible by knowing God and Jesus (cf. John 17:2-3); a feature of that which Jesus describes as the "abundant life" (cf. John 10:10). However, salvation is not merited, or earned (cf. Titus 3:4-7). Even though it does require obedience (Hebrews 5:9), the gospel contains that which must be obeyed (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17).

One can see in the context of Romans 6, the gift of eternal life as described by Paul is not a present possession, but something received at the end of life (cf. Romans 6:22). And, is received not without effort, but as the result of a holy life! (cf. Romans 6:22).

Now, as we carefully consider Romans 6, verse 22 along with the rest of Romans Six, note first that eternal life is given to those who have been set free from sin. How is this possible? First, by dying to sin. Paul begins Chapter Six by revealing:

1. One who dies to sin should no longer live in sin (Romans 6:1-2).
2. He who has died has been freed from sin (Romans 6:7).

Secondly, eternal life is given to those who have been set free from sin in baptism. He (Paul) then explains how and when one dies to sin:

1. Where we are baptized into His death (Romans 6:3-4).
2. Where we are united together in the likeness of His death (Romans 6:5).
3. Where our old man was crucified with Him (Romans 6:6)...
     a.) That the body of sin might be done away with
     b.) That we should no longer be slaves of sin

In short, those who have died to sin in baptism have been set free from sin. But, now note that according to Romans 6, verse 22, eternal life is given to those who have become slaves of God. In other words, we are no longer slaves of sin. Consider what Paul wrote:

1. We have died to sin (Romans 6:1-2).
2. We now live with Christ (Romans 6:8-11).
3. We are not to let sin reign and have dominion over us (Romans 6:12,14).

Yes, we are no longer slaves of sin, but we are now slaves of righteousness!

To clarify this point, consider what is now the duty of Christians:
   
1. We are to present ourselves to God as alive from the dead (Romans 6:13).
2. We are to present our members as instruments of righteousness to God  (Romans 6:13).
3. We have become slaves of righteousness through obedience (Romans 6:16-18).

As slaves of God, we are now to be obedient slaves of righteousness. Additionally, from Romans 6, verse 22 we learn that eternal life will therefore be given to those who have the fruit of holiness. It will be given to those who were once slaves of sin. They were slaves of sin:

1. When they presented their members as slaves of uncleanness and lawlessness (Romans 6:19).
2. When they were free in regard to righteousness (Romans 6:20).
3. When they produced shameful fruit leading to death (Romans 6:21).

We are told that those who were slaves of sin are now slaves of righteousness:
   
1. For the purpose of holiness (Romans 6:19c).
2. For the fruit leading to holiness (Romans 6:22).

And finally, from Romans 6, verse 22 we learn that for those who have the fruit of holiness, eternal life is given at the end of life. At the end, eternal life is given to those:
   
1. Having died to sin (Romans 6:22a,1-11).
2. Having become slaves to God (Romans 6:22b,12-18).
3. Having had the fruit of holiness (Romans 6:22c,19-21).

Let's take a look at some observations concerning that which comes at the end, or "eternal life." Some translations say "everlasting life" (KJV, NKJV), but it's the same expression translated "eternal life" in Romans 6, verse 23. Here, Paul speaks of our "future hope," given at the Judgment of which Jesus often spoke (Matthew 25:46; Mark 10:29-30); as Paul did elsewhere (Romans 2:4-7; Titus 1:2; 3:7) pertaining to that life with God we enter into in the age to come (cf. Revelation 21:3-7).

In conclusion, from our study of the context of Romans 6:22-23, we have seen that eternal life is given to those who have been set free from sin; given to those who have become slaves to God; given to those who have the fruit of holiness; and given at the end of life.

So, how is eternal life called a "gift" (or "free gift")? Because it requires the kindness, love, mercy and grace of God (cf. Titus 3:4-7). And,  despite our obedience, we have not earned, or merited this gift of eternal life. We must ask ourselves, "Do we desire to receive "God's gift of eternal life?"  If so, then one must ask, "Have I been set free from sin by dying to sin in baptism?" "Have I become a slave to God, presenting myself as a servant of righteousness?" "Am I bearing the fruit of holiness in my life?"

Let Jesus be your author (source) of eternal life as you humbly obey Him (cf. Hebrews 5:9; Mark 16:15-16).

Scripture: James 1:17; 1 Corinthians 12:11; 1 John 5:15; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 6:23; James 1:5; Titus 1:2

Prayer: Dear Lord, may all of us - whatever our circumstances - never be so taken up with our own concerns that we do not see or respond to the needs of others. May we live with courage the different challenges that each of us faces. Amen

May your day be blessed!

Hayden