Article June 6, 2011 Issue

Eternal life is now

By Evan Mehlenbacher

One day I found myself wrestling with the question, “OK, if life is eternal, when does it begin?” 

Since I do believe life is eternal, the query caught me by surprise. Common belief often presents eternal life as an experience one has after death. Lead a good life, general Christian logic asserts, accept Christ Jesus as your Savior, end earthly existence on good terms, and you’ll be received into heaven. And that’s when eternal life begins. 

But that is not possible, I reasoned. The very definition of eternal is to have no beginning or end, like a circle that is complete. Death does not birth life. Eternity doesn’t begin at a point in time or come only after certain rituals like baptism or joining a church. Eternal existence is a gift from God that is our birthright. We already have it. We’re living eternal, spiritual life right now!

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Like a blade of grass
June 6, 2011
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit