Though I knew this verse as a child, I was still terrified of death or being left behind for the rapture. I was afraid my faith wasn’t perfect or sincere enough. Thankfully and graciously, God doesn’t ask for perfection from us. When we strive to live perfect lives, we do so in vain and begin to reflect the lives of the Pharisees.
Jesus, God’s son, was the perfect sacrifice for our sin, and understanding this is where I began my personal walk with God. Ideally, all of our lives would look a particular way, yet scripture simply states “that whoever believes in him (Jesus Christ) has eternal life.”
As an adult, I’ve learned that eternal life starts now. I’m convicted daily of my human nature, but instead of being held captive by my sin, I am redeemed through Christ. This truth allows us to be more like Him every day, but it starts with belief, not perfection.