More Than the Good Life

 

I recently had a conversation that really made me pause. We were talking about the difference between two groups of people: those who are nearing death with no real hope—gripped by fear and uncertainty of what happens next—and those who face the end of life with a peace, even joy, that seems unshakable.

The contrast is bewildering. How can one person be filled with fear, and another filled with confidence?

The answer is found in the gospel.

Many people know John 3:16 by heart:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)

This verse is precious and powerful. It captures God’s incredible love. Yet, if we stop reading at verse 16, we might miss the full picture. The very next verse gives even more context:

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17, ESV)

Here we see the purpose of Jesus’ coming: not condemnation, but salvation. The gospel is not merely about God loving us—it’s about God stepping into our hopeless situation and rescuing us.

It’s tempting to think of ourselves as mostly good people who just need a little help from God. But the Bible paints a different reality:

• “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, ESV)
• “None is righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10, ESV)

Sin isn’t just about mistakes or bad habits. We are born into it. From the start, we are separated from God and unable to fix ourselves. Even the best things we do fall short:

• “All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” (Isaiah 64:6, ESV)

The truth is hard: our “good” is pitiful compared to God’s holiness. Left on our own, we stand guilty and condemned.

Here is where the good news of the gospel shines. The apostle Paul summarized it clearly:

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, ESV)

This is the heart of the gospel:

1. Christ died for our sins. Jesus’ death wasn’t just an example of love—it was a substitution. He bore the penalty that we deserved.
2. He was buried. His death was real. He fully entered into the consequences of sin—death itself.
3. He was raised on the third day. His resurrection proves that God accepted the sacrifice. The debt was paid in full, and death was defeated.

Only the blood of Jesus satisfies God’s justice. Only His resurrection opens the way to eternal life.

The gospel is not a call to try harder or be better. It’s not “do this and maybe God will accept you.” Instead, it’s an announcement of what has already been done.

• “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9, ESV)

We respond not by earning, but by believing. By faith, we turn from sin and trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The gospel is not just information to know—it is truth we are called to respond to. The Bible makes it clear that salvation is a gift, but like any gift, it must be received.

1. Acknowledge your sin.
   We can’t be saved until we admit we need saving. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
2. Turn from sin (repent).
   Repentance means more than feeling sorry. It is a change of mind and direction—a turning away from sin and turning toward God. “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19, ESV)
3. Believe in Jesus Christ.
   Trust that His death and resurrection are enough to save you. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31, ESV)
4. Confess Him as Lord.
   Salvation is not just about forgiveness; it’s about surrender. Jesus becomes not only our Savior but our Lord. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, ESV)

You don’t have to use special words to come to Christ, but you can pray something like this from your heart:

“Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I cannot save myself. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and place my trust in You alone. Be my Savior and my Lord. Thank You for the gift of eternal life.”

When we place our faith in Christ, God assures us:

• “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13, ESV)
• “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” (John 3:36, ESV)

That’s the beauty of the gospel. It’s not about what we have done—it’s about what Jesus has done for us.

That is why some can face death with joy while others face it with fear. Without Christ, death is a doorway to the unknown. With Christ, death is not the end—it is the beginning of eternal life with Him.

The gospel is good news because it offers forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life in Christ. The only question is: What will you do with this good news?

Because in the end, living “the good life” is not about comfort, success, or even happiness here on earth. The true good life is only found in heaven—eternal life with Jesus Christ.