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
John 17:3; Psalm 16:11 See also Psalm 21:4–6; Ephesians 1:3–14
Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
Eternal glory is the believer's inheritance
2 Corinthians 4:17 See also Daniel 12:3; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 5:4, 1 Peter 5:10
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.
Contrasted with eternal judgment and rejection
Matthew 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 Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:46; John 3:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9
And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
The work of helping others come to eternal life
Eternal life as endless life
The guarantee of the resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:20–22 “firstfruits” because the resurrection of Jesus Christ is seen as the beginning of a harvest. See also Psalm 49:15; Isaiah 26:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:14
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
Death will be vanquished
Revelation 21:4 See also Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:26, 1 Corinthians 15:50–57
‘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.”
Believers will live for ever
John 11:25–26 See also Luke 20:34–36; John 6:51, John 6:54, John 6:58, John 8:51; 1 John 2:17
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Eternal life as a quality of life
John 10:10 See also John 4:14
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.
One of the blessings associated with the kingdom of God
Matthew 19:29 parallels Mark 10:30, Luke 18:30; Luke 18:18
Life with Christ
John 6:67–69, John 15:5; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:10
Eternal life as experiencing Jesus Christ's life
Galatians 2:20 See also 2 Corinthians 4:10–11; Romans 6:4, Romans 6:8, Romans 8:10–11
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
God is the source and giver of eternal life
God the Father
John 17:3 See also Deuteronomy 5:26; Psalm 36:9, Psalm 42:2, Psalm 56:13; Matthew 22:32 parallel Mark 12:27; Luke 20:38; 1 Timothy 6:13
Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
God the Son
John 14:6 See also John 1:4, John 11:25–26, John 17:3; 1 John 1:1–2, 1 John 5:20
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
God the Holy Spirit
John 6:63 See also 2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 6:8
The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.