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First Baptist Church, Spanish Fort

Jesus gives the gist of eternal life in John 17:3: “That they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

Tracing the word translated “eternal” in the Book of Hebrews yields a five-pointed truth. Initially we discover eternal salvation in Hebrews 5:9: “And having been perfected, [Jesus] became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”  

Fearfully we encounter the teaching of eternal retribution in Hebrews 6:2b. This verse closes with the words “eternal judgment.” Of course, this refers to hell. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this, the judgment” (9:27).    

Faithfully we read about eternal redemption in Hebrews 9:12. Within the context of this passage, we read about “the eternal Spirit” (v. 14) and “the eternal inheritance” (v. 15). Jesus Christ’s blood (Heb. 9:22–28) is our only hope of redemption.  

Expectantly we look for a word about eternal reward. In Hebrews 11:6 and 24–26, we read, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. … By faith, Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”   

Gratefully we find the principle of eternal security many times in the Bible. For example, we read from Hebrews 12:2 and 13:5b, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. … For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Corrie ten Boom, who helped many Jews escape the Holocaust, stated, “In God’s faithfulness lies eternal security.”

Will you have eternal rejoicing or eternal regret? Allow me to encourage you to repent and place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.