John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in the Bible. It’s basically Jesus summarizing His purpose on Earth which was all about love: “God so loved the world.” Now I want you to replace the word “world” with your name, because what Jesus was saying is for every single person. God so loved you that He sent His Son, Jesus. And if we trust in Him and accept that He is truth and the Son of God, then we will have eternal life (my paraphrase). Although each of us will die a physical death, Jesus promises His followers a spiritual life with God for all of eternity. While our bodies will give out, our soul will live forever in Heaven or Hell. It all depends on what we believe about Jesus.

Ok, but can we lose eternal life once we’ve received it? If you could lose it – it would be temporary life. Jesus promises eternal life, meaning an eternal relationship with God. This isn’t just a promise for eternity, but a promise for an abundant life today. In John 10:10 Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

The abundant life Jesus was talking about doesn’t refer to material things; it doesn’t mean you’re going to fulfill the “American dream.” Maybe you will or maybe you won’t. That’s not the point. When Jesus promised an abundant life here on earth for His followers, He was speaking about living the most meaningful, fulfilled and purposeful life possible in Him.

In other words, our lives won’t be perfect, free from problems and uncertainties – but we can be confident that Jesus will walk with us through all of the ups and down – always and forever. Nothing will take away that relationship with Jesus. Why? Because God so loved – YOU.