The gift of life is knowing Christ. Jesus became like us so we could become more like Him. Growing in Christ is a journey of transformation, becoming more aligned with His Spirit each day. (FB-Cal Jernigan, Central Christian Church, Mesa, Arizona)

Through the sacrifice of Christ, who bore our sin, we no longer fall victim to sin, which is the wager of death. Instead, we have been gifted with eternal life when our human bodies are shed.

Hebrews 2:17 (NIV) explains: “For this reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest.”

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) states: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

1.Eternal life is the free gift 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

The idea here is that we cannot earn eternal life through good works. It is given freely through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Christ took the penalty for sin so that anyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness and life with God that starts now and continues forever.

2. Abundant life right now 

In John 10:10, Jesus says: “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” 

This points to more than just life after death. It is about restored relationship with God, peace, purpose, and the Holy Spirit living in believers. The “gift” is not just heaven later but a different quality of life today.

3. New creation/Born again 

2 Corinthians 5:17 describes it this way: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come.” 

So, the gift includes a new identity, a cleared record, and adoption into God’s family.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ties it together: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”