Question 120: How should you prepare for eternal life?

Answer:

I should prepare for eternal life by repenting of my sins, trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and growing in holiness through prayer, Scripture, worship, and good works. I live each day in hope, seeking to love God and my neighbor, and looking for the coming of Christ and the resurrection of the dead. (Luke 12:35–37, 2 Peter 3:11–14, Titus 2:11–13, Philippians 1:21, Matthew 25:1–13)

Full Scripture References

“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, ready to open the door when he comes and knocks.” — Luke 12:35–36 (BSB)

“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God.” — 2 Peter 3:11–12 (BSB)

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we await the blessed hope—the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” — Titus 2:11–13 (BSB)

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21 (BSB)

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” — Matthew 25:13 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Preparing for eternal life begins with repentance and faith—turning from sin and trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. It continues with a life of growing holiness, marked by communion with God in Word and Sacrament, obedience to His commands, and a living hope in His promises. Eternal life is a gift, not a reward for merit, but those who receive it are called to walk in a way that is worthy of the Gospel. The Christian life is a journey of sanctification, shaped by grace, expressed in love, and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

To prepare for eternal life is to live in light of eternity. It means storing up treasure in heaven, keeping watch for the Lord’s return, and living each day as a steward of the gifts God has entrusted to me. Prayer, Scripture reading, corporate worship, confession, service to others, and fellowship with the saints are all part of this preparation. I am called to endure in faith, remain vigilant, and seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Article XVII of the Thirty-Nine Articles reminds us that the elect are “called according to God’s purpose… to walk religiously in good works,” and that by God’s mercy, they shall “attain to everlasting felicity.” This means that while salvation is by grace, it bears the fruit of holiness and watchfulness.

Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “Let us live as pilgrims and strangers on earth, looking for a city that is to come. The man who is fit for heaven is the man who thinks often of it, and sets his heart upon it” (Practical Religion, 1878).

Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) teaches, “To prepare for eternal life is not to escape the world but to live in it faithfully, holding fast to Christ, loving as He loves, and seeking the things that last forever” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).

Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) says, “We prepare for eternity by walking daily with Jesus. Holiness is not optional. The Spirit prepares the bride for the Bridegroom, and we must be ready” (Provincial Address, 2019).

Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) explains, “The one who prepares for eternal life lives with urgency and peace. Urgency, because the days are short; peace, because the promise is sure” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Primate of Uganda) affirms, “This life is a preparation for the life to come. We must be watchful, prayerful, and faithful, knowing that our Savior may return at any moment” (Easter Homily, 2021).

To prepare for eternal life is not merely to look forward—it is to live now as those who belong to Christ, who bear His name, and who long to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Prepare yourself now for that life which shall have no end. Live as a citizen of the heavenly city, though still a traveler on earth.” — Sermon 350

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “Let your lamp be burning and your loins girded, for the Bridegroom comes when you do not expect. Blessed is he who is found watching.” — Catechetical Lectures, 15.1

St. Basil the Great (c. 329–379 AD): “We must live this life as though each day were our last, and yet serve in it as those who are to give account to the Lord of glory.” — Exhortation to Holy Baptism

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “Eternal life is prepared for those who love God, trust His promises, and endure in obedience. It is the reward of the faithful, the crown of the righteous.” — Against Heresies, IV.14.1