The inspired writer, the Apostle Paul wrote, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). This passage lets us know that we have a choice regarding our eternal destiny. We can choose life or death. We choose life by accepting the gift of God through Jesus Christ when we obey the gospel and live faithful unto death. We choose death when we allow sin to reign in our lives without repentance or coming to Christ. The scripture says the gift of God is through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, although eternal life is a gift, one cannot expect to realize it outside of Jesus Christ.