Our culture is obsessed with longevity. While the desire for a lengthy existence of good quality is natural, it’s also shortsighted. The Bible does emphasize living a godly life now. But it also contains numerous reminders that believers will remain after this old world is gone.
No pill or diet can extend our days on earth beyond the number God has willed. But we can live forever in a flawless home with a perfected body, doing soul-satisfying work. When we believe Jesus Christ is God’s Son and trust Him as our Savior, we receive the gift of eternal life. Believers get to spend eternity serving and fellowshipping with the Lord.
Although followers of the Son of God are promised a place in heaven, eternal life isn’t really about location. The true value of having a soul that never dies is that we are always in the presence of God. For those who reject the offer of everlasting life with the Lord, there is an alternative. We call it hell. The souls ending up there suffer a terrible fate—agony and complete separation from the living God. After death, no mercy or grace can bridge the gap between hell and heaven. The matter must be settled while we are on earth (Heb. 9:27).
Eternal life is irrevocably linked to the person of Jesus Christ. As John wrote, “He who has the Son has the life” (1 John 5:12). Reaching a healthy old age is a laudable goal, but nothing’s more important than receiving the Savior and the gift of eternity in His presence.
