6645 eternal life, nature of

Triumph over death and infinitely extended life. It also means a unique quality of life, knowing God in this life and sharing the life of Christ. Its source is God himself.

Eternal life is knowing God and enjoying his eternal blessings

Jn 17:3; Ps 16:11 See also Ps 21:4-6; Eph 1:3-14

Eternal glory is the believer’s inheritance 2Co 4:17 See also Da 12:3; 2Ti 2:10; 1Pe 5:4,10

Contrasted with eternal judgment and rejection Mt 25:46 Interpreters differ over whether “eternal punishment” implies an experience that continues for ever, or annihilation which is eternal in the sense of being irreversible. See also Da 12:2; Mt 25:46; Jn 3:16; 2Th 1:8-9

The work of helping others come to eternal life Jn 4:35-36

Eternal life as endless life

The guarantee of the resurrection 1Co 15:20-22 “firstfruits” because the resurrection of Jesus Christ is seen as the beginning of a harvest. See also Ps 49:15; Isa 26:19; 1Th 4:14

Death will be vanquished Rev 21:4 See also Isa 25:8; 1Co 15:26,50-57

Believers will live for ever Jn 11:25-26 See also Lk 20:34-36; Jn 6:51,54,58; Jn 8:51; 1Jn 2:17

Eternal life as a quality of life

Jn 10:10 See also Jn 4:14

One of the blessings associated with the kingdom of God Mt 19:29 pp Mk 10:30 pp Lk 18:30; Lk 18:18

Life with Christ Jn 6:67-69; Jn 15:5; Col 3:4; 1Th 5:10

Eternal life as experiencing Jesus Christ’s life

Gal 2:20 See also 2Co 4:10-11; Ro 6:4,8; Ro 8:10-11

God is the source and giver of eternal life

God the Father Jn 17:3 See also Dt 5:26; Ps 36:9; Ps 42:2; Ps 56:13; Mt 22:32 pp Mk 12:27; Lk 20:38; 1Ti 6:13

God the Son Jn 14:6 See also Jn 1:4; Jn 11:25-26; Jn 17:3; 1Jn 1:1-2; 1Jn 5:20

God the Holy Spirit Jn 6:63 See also 2Co 3:6; Gal 6:8

See also