What is…
eternal life

In the Old Testament, this expression occurs only in Daniel 12:2 (Revised King James Version, “everlasting life”).

However, it occurs frequently in the New Testament (Matthew 7:14; 18:8,9; Luke 10:28; compare 18:18). It comprises the whole future of the redeemed (Luke 16:9), and is opposed to “eternal punishment” (Matthew 19:29; 25:46). It is the final reward and glory into which the children of God enter (1 Timothy 6:12, 19; Romans 6:22; Galatians 6:8; 1 Timothy 1:16; Romans 5:21); their Sabbath of rest (Hebrews 4:9; compare 12:22).

The newness of life which the believer derives from Christ (Romans 6:4) is the very essence of salvation, and hence the life of glory or the eternal life must also be theirs (Romans 6:8; 2 Tim. 2:11-12; Romans 5:17, 21; 8:30; Ephesians 2:5-6). It is the “gift of God in Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). The life the faithful have here on Earth (John 3:36; 5:24; 6:47, 53-58) is inseparably connected with the eternal life beyond, the endless life of the future, the happy future of the saints in heaven (Matthew 19:16, 29; 25:46).

Those who experience eternal life will be blessed with perfect joy and perfect knowledge of our Creator.

Article Version: July 5, 2018

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