The Gift of Eternal Life

Opening Verse

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.”
— John 17:2 (KJV)

Introduction

Eternal life is not something we can earn, buy, or achieve on our own. It is a gift given through Jesus Christ. In His prayer to the Father, Jesus makes it clear that He has been given authority over all people, and He alone grants eternal life to those whom the Father has given Him. This is the promise of salvation—one that should fill our hearts with gratitude and urgency.

Devotional Story

A young man struggled with the weight of his past. He had made mistakes, wandered far from the truth, and felt unworthy of God’s love. One day, he came across an old Bible in his grandmother’s house. As he flipped through the pages, he stumbled upon John 17:2.

The words struck him deeply. “That he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” He had spent years trying to fix himself, to be “good enough” for God, but now he realized—eternal life wasn’t about his efforts. It was a gift from Jesus, given freely to those who believe.

That night, for the first time in years, he knelt in prayer. He asked Jesus to take control of his life, to lead him, and to cleanse him from his past. A deep peace filled his heart, and he knew—he belonged to Christ.

What This Means

Jesus has the power to grant eternal life, and He freely gives it to those who put their trust in Him. You don’t have to work for it, you don’t have to prove yourself—He has already made the way through His sacrifice on the cross. All you have to do is believe and receive Him.

Think About This

• Have you fully surrendered to Jesus and received the gift of eternal life?
• Are you still trying to earn God’s favor, or do you trust in Christ’s finished work?
• If Jesus has given you eternal life, how are you living in gratitude for that gift?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gift of eternal life. I know that it is not something I can earn, but something You have given through Your sacrifice. Help me to fully trust in You and surrender my life to Your authority. Keep my heart focused on the things of eternity and lead me to share this good news with others. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Closing Verse

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
— 1 John 5:11 (KJV)