Are We Missing the Point?

“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.”

How can I achieve eternal life? If you’ve ever wondered this, you’re in good company. Mankind’s search for the eternal is aptly summed up in the famous Groucho Marx quote, “I intend to live forever or die trying.” Christians believe the only way to live eternally is through Jesus Christ. But, what does that mean? Do we just need to believe Jesus sacrificed Himself for us and rose again? Do we need to obey everything He ever said? Should we only obey what Jesus said, or everything the church says?

We read in the book of James that faith is dead if not accompanied by works, and even demons believe in one God. Not only that, we even see a demon declare Jesus is the Son of the Most High God in Mark chapter 5. Clearly then, belief alone is not enough to save us. There must be some sort of action taken on our side. Many assume that action is obedience to a set of rules, or showing ‘good works’. The apostle Paul makes it clear, however, that eternal life is a free gift, and comes by grace alone (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8). Jesus even tells us that many who do good works in His name will not be in heaven (Matthew 7:22–23). What, then, is this action we need to take to attain eternal life?

Since sin is divergence from the law of God, it’s understandable to think the opposite — strict obedience to the law — should be our main focus. The problem with that is, it’s impossible. Throughout Scripture, we see people attempt this and fail. Paul verifies in Romans chapter 3 that every person is guilty under the law and has fallen short. And what is the consequence of these sins? Our iniquities cause separation from God (Isaiah 59:2). Habakkuk 1:13 also tells us God is so pure He cannot even look on wickedness.

On the other hand, John 17:3 defines eternal life as knowing “the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” If we are desiring eternal life with God, and know our sin separates us from Him, we can conclude our focus should be doing what we can to stay in a close relationship with Him. Does the Bible support this conclusion? John 15:4 NASB says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless…

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