How do we know that eternal life is a gift?

The assurance that eternal life is a gift comes from a thorough examination of biblical doctrine, underscored by verses such as Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, 'For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.' This highlights that salvation, including the gift of eternal life, is purely an act of divine grace and not a product of human effort or merit. The nature of this gift emphasizes God's sovereignty and love, as He freely gives eternal life to all who believe in Christ.

Moreover, in Romans 5:15, the Apostle Paul explains, 'But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.' This further reinforces the idea of grace as a gift, pointing to Christ’s redemptive work as the foundation for our eternal hope. The unmerited nature of this gift can also be seen in the covenants made by God, where He, out of deep love, provides eternal life to His chosen people, affirming that our assurance of eternal life rests entirely in His faithfulness and promise.