Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and NatureEverlasting life, often synonymous with eternal life, is a central tenet of Christian theology, representing the life that begins with faith in Jesus Christ and continues beyond physical death into eternity. It is characterized by an unending, intimate relationship with God, free from the corruption and suffering of the present world.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of everlasting life is deeply rooted in Scripture, with numerous references throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ frequently speaks of everlasting life as a gift from God to those who believe in Him. In
John 3:16 , it is written, "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 underscores the belief that everlasting life is granted through faith in Jesus Christ.
Old Testament InsightsWhile the Old Testament does not explicitly use the term "everlasting life," it lays the groundwork for the concept. Passages such as
Daniel 12:2 hint at a future resurrection and eternal destiny: "And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt." This prophetic vision points to a future hope beyond the grave.
New Testament TeachingsThe New Testament provides a fuller revelation of everlasting life, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In
John 17:3 , Jesus defines eternal life in relational terms: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." Here, everlasting life is not merely an unending existence but a profound, personal knowledge of God.
The Apostle Paul also speaks of everlasting life as a gift from God, contrasting it with the wages of sin.
Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This highlights the grace of God in offering eternal life through Jesus Christ, in contrast to the natural consequence of sin, which is death.
Theological ImplicationsEverlasting life is not only a future promise but also a present reality for believers. It begins at the moment of faith in Christ and transforms the believer's life here and now. This life is marked by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will and assures them of their eternal inheritance (
Ephesians 1:13-14).
Eschatological HopeThe hope of everlasting life is a source of comfort and motivation for Christians, encouraging them to persevere in faith and good works.
Revelation 21:4 offers a glimpse of the ultimate fulfillment of this promise: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This vision of a new heaven and a new earth assures believers of a future where they will dwell with God forever, free from the effects of sin and death.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are called to live in light of the promise of everlasting life, setting their minds on things above and not on earthly things (
Colossians 3:1-2). This eternal perspective shapes their values, priorities, and actions, as they seek to glorify God and share the message of eternal life with others.
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.orgJohn 5:24
Truly, truly, I say to you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life.
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John 3:36
He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God stays on him.
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Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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John 6:40
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
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Matthew 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
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Ecclesiastes 9:5
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
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Greek
166. aionios -- agelong, eternal... "Eternal (166 )
life operates simultaneously of time, of time, and beyond time --
ie what gives time its
everlasting meaning for the believer through faith
...5053. teleutao -- to complete, to come to an end, hence to die
... Figuratively, 5053 ("come to closure") means reaching one'severlasting destiny
(good or bad... From a presumed derivative of teleo; to finishlife (by implication...
Library
Whether Man Can MeritEverlasting Life Without Grace?
... TREATISE ON GRACE (QQ -114)OF THE NECESSITY OF GRACE (TEN ARTICLES) Whether
man can meriteverlasting life without grace? Objection...
Death andEverlasting Life. May 21.
... Death andEverlasting Life. May 21. Do not rashly count on some sudden radical change
happening to you as soon as you die to make you fit for heaven....
How a Young Irishman Opened Moody's Eyes.
... verse: 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish, but haveeverlasting life.'" He didn't...
Believe and be Saved
... eternallife; for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but haveeverlasting life....
Appendix ii. The Order of the Communion
... the Cross, for us miserable sinners, lying in darkness and the shadow of death;
that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us toeverlasting Life....
Psalm CL.
... For thus do we advance to aneverlasting life of happiness, first by condemning
our own sins, then by living aright, that, having condemned our illlife, and...
When a Man Sows, He Expects to Reap.
... and only two, directions in which the law leads: Sowing to the flesh, and a harvest
of corruption"sowing to the Spirit, and a harvest ofeverlasting life....
Assurance.
... "He that believeth on the Lord Jesus Christ shall not perish, but have
everlasting life." Don't you believe it? Don't you believe...
The Parable of the Householder. A Sermon, by Bishop Latimer.
... his death and suffering, and study to live well and godly; and yet not to make merits
of their own works, as though they should haveeverlasting life for them...
John iii. 12, 13
... Ver.16. "God," He saith, "so loved the world that He gave His Only-begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but haveeverlasting life."....
Resources
What are the strongest biblical arguments for the divinity of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does John 3:16 mean? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a believer respond to the characteristics of God? | GotQuestions.orgEverlasting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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