An Eternal Gift

The United Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) and United Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) allow for custodial accounts that are sometimes used by parents and grandparents to transfer financial gifts to minors when they reach a certain age. Once the account is set up, any assets added to the account become the possession of the minor—but it can only be used when he or she reaches the required age, usually 21.

People who set up these accounts often come to regret their decision, since there are no conditions besides age and no spending restraints, and many 21-year-olds lack the wisdom and maturity to handle a sizeable chunk of wealth. Yet these types of accounts have, in many other cases, proven to be a blessing to the young person receiving them.

Similarly, God’s gift of eternal life belongs to us at the time that we receive Christ. The apostle John wrote that “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11, 12).

John goes on to say that he has written this for believers so they can know they “have eternal life” (verse 13). If you belong to Christ, you are part of the family of God and the eternal life account has been set up in your name. It belongs to you. But the actual realization of the gift will only come at the appointed time—on the day of Jesus’ return when He will give “eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality” (Romans 2:7).”

Apply It:

Thank Jesus today for His incomprehensible gift of eternal life.

Dig Deeper:

Daniel 12:2; 1 John 2:25; Mark 10:29, 30

Key Bible Texts

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (1 Corinthians 15:51 KJV)