It has been widely reported that, having flown into space, he is now funding a project that will look at “reversing the aging process” or, to quote one headline, “Jeff Bezos funds the quest for eternal life.”
It seems that Bezos, who is 57 years old, has reflected on the fact that life on earth does not go on forever but through significant investment in an age-reversal firm he hopes to reverse the aging process, and even seek immortality.
If I could speak with Bezos I would like to ask him what motivated him to invest in this firm, what he really hopes to achieve through this investment and what concerns does he have if his life does end. Hopefully, with my Bible open, I could point out that death is inevitable (Hebrews 9:27), eternal life is available for everyone (John 3:16) and this eternal life is a gift from God (Romans 6:23).
Although I’m very doubtful that my conversation with Jeff Bezos will ever happen, the message concerning eternal life is one that needs to be stated. Eternal life is available, not just for the richest man in the world but for the poorest. It is offered, as a gift, not only to those entering mid-life and beyond but to the youngest of people. The eternal life that God offers is far greater than the hope of living on this earth forever.
The eternal life that God offers to each and every one of us is vastly superior to living forever on this earth. We live on an earth that is filled with wars, disease, and all manner of troubles. Although we have a lot to be thankful for, and benefit from many provisions for us in this world, it is a “broken” world. Not only is the world broken but our relationship with God, who created the world and all that is in it, is broken.
This relationship is broken because of our rebellion against God – the Bible calls it sin. Sin separates us from God, so we are unable to enjoy Him as we should, and unless that sin is dealt with and the relationship restored it will demand eternal punishment. The Bible does speak very clearly about unavoidable judgement for every individual.
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27)
The great news, for all mankind, is that God has provided a way by which the relationship can be restored, an individual can know and enjoy God forever and any judgement need not be feared.
When the Bible speaks about eternal life it is not describing the length of life but a quality of life. The Lord Jesus has provided us with a statement on the essential nature of eternal life.
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3)
Eternal life is to have a personal, dynamic and continuous relationship with the one true God.
Perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible summarises how this has been made possible.
"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)
The sin that separates you from God could not be ignored, so God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, into this world to bear the punishment for the sins of others. The Lord Jesus came into this world, becoming fully human, and lived a perfect sinless life. When He died on the cross, he took the punishment from God for sin.
This demonstration of God’s love is beyond any other demonstration of love that will ever be seen in this world.
The great news for everyone, including Jeff Bezos, is that you do not need to invest vast wealth into a project that is seeking to provide eternal life on earth, but through a genuine repentance for your sin and a turning in faith to Jesus Christ you can have eternal life.
Eternal life is a present possession for all who trust in the Lord Jesus for salvation. This relationship with God can be enjoyed now and for eternity.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life” (John 6:47 ESV)
Image source: Daniel Oberhaus
