CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Eternal Life</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/e/eternal_life.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/john/3-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/e/eternal.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Eternal Life</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/e/eternal_legacy.htm" title="Eternal Legacy">◄</a> Eternal Life <a href="/topical/e/eternal_life_and_blessings.htm" title="Eternal Life and Blessings">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#top" title="Topical Bible Verses">Topical</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Definition and Nature Eternal life, as presented in the Bible, refers to the unending, everlasting life that is granted by God to those who believe in Jesus Christ. It is not merely an extension of temporal life but a qualitatively different kind of existence that begins in the present and continues into eternity. This life is characterized by a deep, personal relationship with God, marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit and the transformation of the believer's character to reflect the nature of Christ. Biblical Foundation The concept of eternal life is central to the New Testament and is intricately linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (<a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25</a>). This statement underscores the belief that eternal life is found in Christ alone. <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>, one of the most well-known verses, encapsulates the promise of eternal life: "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 highlights the love of God as the motivation for offering eternal life and the necessity of faith in Jesus as the means of receiving it. Present and Future Dimensions Eternal life is both a present possession and a future hope. In <a href="/john/5-24.htm">John 5:24</a>, Jesus states, "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" . This indicates that eternal life begins at the moment of faith, transforming the believer's current existence. The future aspect of eternal life is often associated with the resurrection of the dead and the life to come. In <a href="/romans/6-22.htm">Romans 6:22-23</a>, Paul writes, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" . Here, eternal life is portrayed as the ultimate gift and culmination of a life lived in obedience to God. Relationship with God Eternal life is fundamentally about knowing God. In <a href="/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3</a>, Jesus prays, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent" . This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, involving a deep, personal communion with God through Christ. Transformation and Assurance The possession of eternal life results in a transformed life. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ. This transformation is evidence of the reality of eternal life and provides assurance to the believer. In 1 <a href="/john/5-11.htm">John 5:11-13</a>, the apostle John writes, "And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" . Conclusion Eternal life is a central theme of the Christian faith, offering believers both a present reality and a future hope. It is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and is characterized by a transformative relationship with God. The assurance of eternal life provides comfort and motivation for believers to live in accordance with God's will, reflecting the life of Christ in the world.<a name="top" id="top"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Bible Verses</div><a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a> For 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.org<a href="/matthew/25-46.htm">Matthew 25:46</a> And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Topicalbible.org<a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a> For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Topicalbible.org<a href="/luke/23-43.htm">Luke 23:43</a> And Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, To day shall you be with me in paradise. Topicalbible.org<a href="/luke/16-23.htm">Luke 16:23</a> And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Topicalbible.org<a href="/context/revelation/20-12.htm">Revelation 20:12-15</a> And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Topicalbible.org<a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a> And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Topicalbible.org<a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Matthew 25:41</a> Then shall he say also to them on the left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Topicalbible.org<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/166.htm">166. aionios -- agelong, eternal</a> ... Thus believers live in " (166 ) life" right , experiencing this now as a . (Note the Gk tense of eternal life in Jn 3:36, 5:24, 6:47; cf. Ro 6:23.)]. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/166.htm - 8k<a href="/greek/2222.htm">2222. zoe -- life</a> ... from and is sustained by . The Lord His gift of life with , creating each in which gives all the capacity to know His eternal life. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2222.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/2227.htm">2227. zoopoieo -- to make alive</a> ... particularly used of God . The Lord infuses eternal life () into us each time we receive (obey) . This enables not just Him (cf. Gal 2:20 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2227.htm - 8k<a href="/greek/3962.htm">3962. pater -- a father</a> ... 3962 ("father") is used of our heavenly . He imparts life, from physical birth to the gift of eternal life through the birth (regeneration, being born again). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3962.htm - 8k<a href="/greek/42.htm">42. hagiosune -- holiness</a> ... 42 ("holiness/sanctification") is "the brand" of God's sanctification that brings His gift of holiness so the believer can fully enjoy eternal life now and in ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/42.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/2210.htm">2210. zemioo -- to damage, suffer loss</a> ... eternal significance in every scene of life by living in faith ("His inworked persuasion," 4102 , Phil 3:8,9). This eternal gain always follows, no matter how ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2210.htm - 8k<a href="/greek/2590.htm">2590. karpos -- fruit</a> ... By definition, fruit (2590 ) results from life-streams -- the Lord living His life through ours -- to yield what is eternal (cf. 1 Jn 4:17). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2590.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/4416.htm">4416. prototokos -- first-born</a> ... 16). [4416 () refers to "the first among others (who follow)" -- as with the , the eternal who possesses life (Jn 5:26).]. firstborn ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4416.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/1012.htm">1012. boule -- counsel</a> ... 1012 -- properly, a , used particularly of the -- purposefully arranging , which guarantees every scene of life works to His eternal purpose. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1012.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/1954.htm">1954. epiloipos -- still left</a> ... This intensified term (used only in 1 Pet 4:2) stresses the profound, eternal that each decision (action), in every scene of life (cf. 2 Pet 1:1, Gk text). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1954.htm - 7k<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><a href="/library/drummond/natural_law_in_the_spiritual_world/eternal_life.htm">Eternal Life.</a> ... ETERNAL LIFE. "Supposing that ... Spencer. ONE of the most startling achievements of recent science is a definition of Eternal Life. To ... /.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/eternal life.htm<a href="/library/orr/food_for_the_lambs_or_helps_for_young_christians/lay_hold_on_eternal_life.htm">Lay Hold on Eternal Life.</a> ... LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE. The "crown of life" lies at the end of the race. Some run well for a time, and then because of slight hindrances turn from the way. ... /.../food for the lambs or helps for young christians/lay hold on eternal life.htm<a href="/library/kingsley/daily_thoughts_/the_eternal_life_january_15.htm">The Eternal Life. January 15.</a> ... The Eternal Life. January 15. Eternally, and for ever, in heaven, says St. John, Christ says and is and does what prophets prophesied ... /.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /the eternal life january 15.htm<a href="/library/aquinas/nature_and_grace/article_two_whether_one_can.htm">Whether one Can Merit Eternal Life Without Grace</a> ... Article Two Whether One can Merit Eternal Life without Grace. Whether One can Merit Eternal Life without Grace We proceed to the second article thus: ... /.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/nature and grace/article two whether one can.htm<a href="/library/augustine/the_enchiridion/chapter_107_eternal_life_though_the.htm">Eternal Life, Though the Reward of Good Works, is Itself the Gift ...</a> ... Chapter 107."Eternal Life, Though the Reward of Good Works, is Itself the Gift of God. Wherefore, even eternal life itself, which ... /.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 107 eternal life though the.htm<a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_anyone_without_grace_can.htm">Whether Anyone Without Grace Can Merit Eternal Life?</a> ... OF MERIT (TEN ARTICLES) Whether anyone without grace can merit eternal life? Objection 1: It would seem that without grace anyone can merit eternal life. ... /.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether anyone without grace can.htm<a href="/library/augustine/anti-pelagian_writings/chapter_19_viii_how_is_eternal.htm">How is Eternal Life Both a Reward for Service and a Free Gift of ...</a> ... A Treatise on grace and free will, Chapter 19 [VIII.]"How is Eternal Life Both a Reward for Service and a Free Gift of Grace? ... /.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 19 viii how is eternal.htm<a href="/library/kempis/imitation_of_christ/chapter_xlix_of_the_desire.htm">Of the Desire after Eternal Life, and How Great Blessings are ...</a> ... THE THIRD BOOK. ON INWARD CONSOLATION CHAPTER XLIX Of the desire after eternal life, and how great blessings are promised to those who strive. ... /.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xlix of the desire.htm<a href="/library/augustine/anti-pelagian_writings/chapter_21_ix_eternal_life_is.htm">Eternal Life is "Grace for Grace. "</a> ... A Treatise on grace and free will, Chapter 21 [IX.]"Eternal Life is "Grace for Grace.". Perhaps you ask whether we ever read in ... /.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 21 ix eternal life is.htm<a href="/library/augustine/the_enchiridion/chapter_98_predestination_to_eternal_life.htm">Predestination to Eternal Life is Wholly of God's Free Grace.</a> ... Chapter 98."Predestination to Eternal Life is Wholly of God's Free Grace. And, moreover, who will be so foolish and blasphemous ... /.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 98 predestination to eternal life.htm<a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/eternal-death.html">What is eternal death? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/eternal-value.html">What things in this world have a true eternal value? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/eternal-security.html">Eternal security - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://clyx.com/term/eternal.htm">Eternal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a> <a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><a href="/topical/e/eternal.htm">Eternal</a><a href="/topical/e/eternal_life.htm">Eternal Life</a><a href="/topical/e/eternal_salvation.htm">Eternal Salvation</a><a href="/topical/e/eternal_security.htm">Eternal Security</a><a href="/topical/e/eternal_separation.htm">Eternal Separation</a><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><a href="/topical/e/eternity.htm">Eternity (23 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/b/believes.htm">Believes (34 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/d/decrees.htm">Decrees (131 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/perdition.htm">Perdition (14 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/creation.htm">Creation (35 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/sayings.htm">Sayings (134 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/eternally.htm">Eternally (4 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/perish.htm">Perish (186 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/creator.htm">Creator (19 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/f/forever.htm">Forever (426 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/establish.htm">Establish (133 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/scriptures.htm">Scriptures (25 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/predestination.htm">Predestination</a><a href="/topical/w/wages.htm">Wages (52 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/f/foreknow.htm">Foreknow (1 Occurrence)</a><a href="/topical/f/foreknowledge.htm">Foreknowledge (2 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/i/immortal.htm">Immortal (3 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/m/mouth.htm">Mouth (534 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/j/johannine.htm">Johannine</a><a href="/topical/e/elect.htm">Elect (32 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/u/unchanging.htm">Unchanging (91 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/m/marked.htm">Marked (163 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/cosmological.htm">Cosmological</a><a href="/topical/i/immortality.htm">Immortality (6 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/promised.htm">Promised (150 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/r/reward.htm">Reward (213 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/ago.htm">Ago (61 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/election.htm">Election (6 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/l/life.htm">Life (6001 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/amen.htm">Amen (74 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/ages.htm">Ages (114 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/f/father.htm">Father (11359 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/h/">Home (270 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/agreement.htm">Agreement (341 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/h/home.htm">Home (270 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/eucharist.htm">Eucharist</a><a href="/topical/r/receive.htm">Receive (350 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/u/unseen.htm">Unseen (18 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/u/upright.htm">Upright (392 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/o/oldest.htm">Oldest (58 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/supper.htm">Supper (17 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/l/leads.htm">Leads (64 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/l/lands.htm">Lands (226 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/l/last.htm">Last (1087 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/g/giver.htm">Giver (21 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/f/farms.htm">Farms (5 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/t/temporal.htm">Temporal (4 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/r/righteous.htm">Righteous (407 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/r/reap.htm">Reap (35 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/r/renown.htm">Renown (24 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/r/remains.htm">Remains (118 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/endless.htm">Endless (10 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/eats.htm">Eats (57 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/ever-living.htm">Ever-living (20 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/d/danger.htm">Danger (118 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/d/drinks.htm">Drinks (28 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/m/mammon.htm">Mammon (4 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/provided.htm">Provided (68 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/planting.htm">Planting (57 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/b/begotten.htm">Begotten (77 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/b/beholdeth.htm">Beholdeth (25 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/assurance.htm">Assurance (16 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/author.htm">Author (5 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/abides.htm">Abides (37 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/aeon.htm">Aeon</a><a href="/topical/s/sisters.htm">Sisters (20 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/strengthen.htm">Strengthen (105 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/sows.htm">Sows (18 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/sabbath.htm">Sabbath (126 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/condemned.htm">Condemned (49 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/awaking.htm">Awaking (24 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/l/logos.htm">Logos</a><a href="/topical/t/throne.htm">Throne (181 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/agrapha.htm">Agrapha</a><a href="/topical/p/punishment.htm">Punishment (417 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/h/heritage.htm">Heritage (435 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/promise.htm">Promise (112 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/b/brothers.htm">Brothers (574 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/e/eternal_legacy.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Eternal Legacy"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Eternal Legacy" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/e/eternal_life_and_blessings.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Eternal Life and Blessings"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Eternal Life and Blessings" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>