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Personal Requirements to Enter into Eternal Life
According to Habermas, entrance into eternal life necessitates personal requirements or
“entrance requirements”1 such as repentance, faith in God as revealed in Jesus Christ,2 and the
acceptance of His teachings. These requirements are often seen as foundational elements of
Christian belief and are emphasized throughout the New Testament. Apparently, Jesus felt as
though, in his own person, he confronted his audience with the decision of salvation, obedience,
or judgment. Whether or not people inherited God's Kingdom depended on how they responded
to him.3
Jesus' demand for repentance was characterized by turning to God through faith in His
chosen messenger to change their minds.4 According to Habermas, Jesus' own remedy for sin
confronted his listeners with a decision. Repentance (Mk 1:15a; Lk 13:1–5), which involves a
complete change of lifestyle, was a crucial message he preached (Mk 1:15a; Lk 13:1–5).5 In
repentance, we acknowledge our sins and turn away from them. The process involves
recognizing one's need for forgiveness, as well as a willingness to change direction. A genuine
desire to live according to God's will is required for receiving God's grace and mercy. Habermas
asserts that Jesus called others to follow him, leaving all to follow him. As a result of such a
commitment to Jesus Christ, our lives and outlook change significantly, and we reach out to
others and love them as ourselves.6
Faith is the foundational aspect of Christian belief. It involves trusting in Jesus Christ as
the Son of God and Savior, accepting His atoning sacrifice for sins, and believing in His
1 Gary R. Habermas, The Risen Jesus & Future Hope (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers,
2003), 137.
2 Ibid., 142.
3 Ibid., 137.
4 Ibid., 141.
5 Ibid., 138.
6 Ibid., 141.
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resurrection. During his ministry, Jesus proclaimed the need for faith in God, in himself, and in
his teaching as God's chosen messenger, someone who suffered, died, and rose again.7 For
salvation, this faith involves more than intellectual assent, it involves deep trust and reliance on
Jesus. In proclaiming the Kingdom of God and the necessity of obedience in order to share in its
benefits, Jesus would not have distinguished himself from a prophet. A personal invitation to
participate in God's Kingdom is what Jesus provided beyond this, confronting people with their
decision to respond to him by faith.8
One must surrender their lives to Jesus as their Lord and Savior to be committed to Him.
To honor Him, we must follow His teachings, obey His commands, and live our lives
accordingly. An ongoing process of discipleship and spiritual development is part of this
commitment.
Salvation and Radical Commitment
Salvation and radical commitment are intimately connected to Jesus' message of the
kingdom, as Habermas explains in chapter 5. Jesus preached repentance and faith in light of the
kingdom of God, emphasizing the need for a wholehearted dedication to God's reign and
purposes. Faith, according to Kierkegaard, is not just agreement with a creed, but a radically
transformed life devoted to God.9 Accordingly, Jesus' kingdom message encompasses both the
offer of salvation and the call to radical discipleship and allegiance to God's kingdom. A true
Christian, according to Habermas, is one who is totally surrendered to the teachings of Jesus
Christ.10 Jesus admonished the disciples to “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33 KJV).
7 Ibid., 139.
8 Ibid., 140.
9 Ibid., 142.
10 Ibid.,142.
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Therefore, it is proposed that this dedication commences with prioritizing God above all
else in our lives.11 In Luke chapter 9, when Jesus called upon a man to follow Him, the man
expressed a desire to first bury his father. However, Jesus replied, “Let the dead bury their dead:
but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60, KJV).
Followers of Jesus who repent and commit themselves to Him must submit completely to
Him.12 Christian discipleship is rooted in Jesus' message of radical commitment to his kingdom.
A genuine encounter with the gospel's transformative power results in radical commitment,
which is the response that flows from salvation and ongoing experience of God's kingdom. These
principles form the basis for a life of faithful discipleship and participation in God's redemptive
purposes.
Biblical Interpretation of Eternal Life
When the Bible speaks of eternal life, it refers to a quality of life that begins in the
present and extends into eternity. This concept is explored by Habermas in chapter 6, where he
delves into the biblical understanding of eternal life as a life lived in fellowship with God,
characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy. Habermas argues that Jesus' resurrection
demonstrates the future Kingdom is not some imaginary realm or a tale for children. In addition,
it is a substantial place. Neither is it merely a state of mind or merely a realm of spirits. As Jesus
appeared with a transformed body, so does the believer hope to receive the same. Thus, God's
eternal Kingdom is a place where substantial persons can reside.13 Peter comprehended that the
essence of living in the Kingdom commences in the present moment.14 Hence, he proclaimed,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy
11 Ibid., 144.
12 Ibid., 144.
13 Ibid., 158.
14 Ibid.
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hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1
Peter 1:3 KJV). Similarly, in envisioning the future realization of the Kingdom,15 the Apostle
Paul addressed the Corinthian church, stating, “For we know that if our earthly house of this
tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in
the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1 KJV). Hence, elucidating that we are presently citizens of heaven
and destined for eternal life.16
Elements of Miracles
Reflecting on the questions posed and drawing insights from the Gospel of Mark, we find
that miracles serve as signs pointing to the kingdom of God and affirming Jesus' identity and
authority. In Mark's Gospel, miracles such as healing the sick, calming the storm, and raising the
dead demonstrate Jesus' power over nature, sickness, and death, reinforcing the central message
of repentance, faith, and entrance into eternal life.
15 Ibid., 158.
16 Ibid.
