Topical Encyclopedia Definition and NatureEternal life, as presented in the Bible, refers to the unending, everlasting life that is granted by God to those who believe in Jesus Christ. It is not merely an extension of temporal life but a qualitatively different kind of existence that begins in the present and continues into eternity. This life is characterized by a deep, personal relationship with God, marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit and the transformation of the believer's character to reflect the nature of Christ. Biblical Foundation The concept of eternal life is central to the New Testament and is intricately linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). This statement underscores the belief that eternal life is found in Christ alone. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses, encapsulates the promise of eternal life: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" . This verse highlights the love of God as the motivation for offering eternal life and the necessity of faith in Jesus as the means of receiving it. Present and Future Dimensions Eternal life is both a present possession and a future hope. In John 5:24, Jesus states, "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life" . This indicates that eternal life begins at the moment of faith, transforming the believer's current existence. The future aspect of eternal life is often associated with the resurrection of the dead and the life to come. In Romans 6:22-23, Paul writes, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" . Here, eternal life is portrayed as the ultimate gift and culmination of a life lived in obedience to God. Relationship with God Eternal life is fundamentally about knowing God. In John 17:3, Jesus prays, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent" . This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, involving a deep, personal communion with God through Christ. Transformation and Assurance The possession of eternal life results in a transformed life. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ. This transformation is evidence of the reality of eternal life and provides assurance to the believer. In 1 John 5:11-13, the apostle John writes, "And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" . Conclusion Eternal life is a central theme of the Christian faith, offering believers both a present reality and a future hope. It is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and is characterized by a transformative relationship with God. The assurance of eternal life provides comfort and motivation for believers to live in accordance with God's will, reflecting the life of Christ in the world. Topical Bible Verses John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Topicalbible.org Matthew 25:46 Romans 6:23 Luke 23:43 Luke 16:23 Revelation 20:12-15 Matthew 10:28 Matthew 25:41 Greek 166. aionios -- agelong, eternal ... Thus believers live in " (166 ) life" right , experiencing this now as a . (Note the Gk tense of eternal life in Jn 3:36, 5:24, 6:47; cf. Ro 6:23.)]. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/166.htm - 8k 2222. zoe -- life 2227. zoopoieo -- to make alive 3962. pater -- a father 42. hagiosune -- holiness 2210. zemioo -- to damage, suffer loss 2590. karpos -- fruit 4416. prototokos -- first-born 1012. boule -- counsel 1954. epiloipos -- still left Library Eternal Life. Lay Hold on Eternal Life. The Eternal Life. January 15. Whether one Can Merit Eternal Life Without Grace Eternal Life, Though the Reward of Good Works, is Itself the Gift ... Whether Anyone Without Grace Can Merit Eternal Life? How is Eternal Life Both a Reward for Service and a Free Gift of ... Of the Desire after Eternal Life, and How Great Blessings are ... Eternal Life is "Grace for Grace. " Predestination to Eternal Life is Wholly of God's Free Grace. Resources What is eternal death? | GotQuestions.orgWhat things in this world have a true eternal value? | GotQuestions.org Eternal security - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Eternal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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