The title "Eternal Life" ascribed to Jesus Christ encapsulates the profound theological truth that He is both the source and the embodiment of eternal life for believers. This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament and is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing the promise of everlasting life through Jesus.

Biblical Foundation

1. Source of Eternal Life: Jesus is explicitly identified as the source of eternal life. 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 His authority over life and death and His power to grant eternal life to those who believe in Him.

2. Eternal Life Through Belief: The promise of eternal life is closely linked to faith in Jesus. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses, states, "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 salvific purpose of Jesus' mission and the assurance of eternal life through belief in Him.

3. The Bread of Life: In John 6:35, Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," saying, "He who comes to Me will never hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst" . This metaphor illustrates that Jesus sustains spiritual life and offers eternal satisfaction, contrasting the temporary fulfillment of physical needs.

4. Eternal Life as a Present Reality: Eternal life is not only a future promise but also a present reality for believers. In John 5:24, Jesus affirms, "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 passage emphasizes the immediate transformation and assurance of eternal life for those who accept Jesus' message.

5. The Way, the Truth, and the Life: Jesus' declaration in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" , reinforces His exclusive role as the mediator of eternal life. This statement affirms that access to eternal life is solely through a relationship with Jesus.

6. Eternal Life in the Epistles: The apostle John further elaborates on the concept of eternal life in his epistles. In 1 John 5:11-12, he writes, "And this is the 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" . This passage reiterates the inseparable link between Jesus and eternal life.

Theological Implications

The title "Eternal Life" attributed to Jesus Christ carries significant theological implications. It affirms His divine nature, His role as the Savior, and His power to grant life beyond physical death. This title also emphasizes the transformative impact of faith in Jesus, offering believers a present assurance and future hope of eternal communion with God. Through Jesus, the promise of eternal life becomes a central tenet of Christian doctrine, inviting all to partake in the life that He offers.1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
Nave's Topical Index

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... Saviour; lest, therefore, His manifold appellations should make ... Christ: for though
the titles are many ... is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus, because He ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

Cli. Letter or Address of Theodoret to the Monks of the ...
... define doctrine in both directions devise appellations for the ... desire, let him employ
high names, let him ... after the Incarnation our Lord Jesus Christ, was one ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cli letter or address of.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... calling things by their most forcible and popular appellations. ... As for those whose
names I mention, their crimes or ... to know and love; for Jesus Christ's sake. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... There are also many other things which Jesus did, the ... itself could not contain the
fulness of Christ's teaching about ... seek to glory in it by the names we employ ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

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