Eternal life, experience of

Eternal life is a present possession, to to be experienced here and now, but it also offers rich and joyful future prospects.

Eternal life as a present possession

John 5:24 See also Romans 6:22; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:4–5; Colossians 2:13, Colossians 3:1–4; 1 Timothy 6:12

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.

The Holy Spirit as a sign of new life

Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 1:13–14; 2 Timothy 1:14

Eternal life as a future hope

1 Peter 1:3–5

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Present experience the basis for future hope

See also Colossians 1:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

Eternal life contrasted with present suffering

Romans 8:18 See also Matthew 5:11–12; Luke 18:28–30 parallels Matthew 19:29, Mark 10:29–30; James 1:12

I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.

The life to come

1 Timothy 4:8 See also Romans 2:7; 2 Corinthians 5:4; Colossians 1:5; Jude 1:21

For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.

Being with Christ for ever

2 Corinthians 5:8 See also Luke 23:43; John 14:2–3, John 17:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:15–17

We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Assurance of eternal life

The keeping power of God

John 10:28–29 See also Romans 8:38–39; 1 Peter 1:3–5

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

The believer's confidence in God

John 17:2–3 See also Psalm 73:26; Job 19:25; 1 John 5:11–13

For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him. Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

The sure and certain hope

Titus 1:2, Titus 3:5–7; 2 Peter 1:10–11