John 17:3 (KJV)
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
The Meaning of Eternal Life
Eternal life is not merely endless existence; it is the divine quality of life God imparts to those who believe on His Son. Scripture teaches that every soul will exist forever, but not every soul will possess eternal life. Eternal life is God’s life—holy, pure, victorious, and everlasting—and it is granted only through Jesus Christ.
When Jesus defined eternal life, He did not begin with duration; He began with relationship. “That they might know thee…” Eternal life begins the moment a sinner is born again and enters into a living, covenant relationship with God through Christ.
Eternal Life as a Present Possession
Many believers mistakenly think of eternal life as something received only after death. Scripture says otherwise.
- “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” (John 3:36 KJV)
- “…ye have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 KJV)
The child of God is not waiting for eternal life—he is walking in it now. Salvation is not only a future hope but a present reality. The believer is already spiritually alive, already seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:5–6), already a citizen of the Kingdom of God.
This present possession transforms how the believer lives. Eternal life produces holiness, obedience, spiritual discernment, and victory over sin. It is not passive; it is active, growing, and bearing fruit.
Eternal Life Through the New Birth
Eternal life is possible only through the new birth. Jesus declared:
“Ye must be born again.” (John 3:7 KJV)
This birth is spiritual, produced by the Holy Ghost through repentance and faith in Christ. The first birth gives natural life, but the second birth gives eternal life. Without the new birth, a soul remains spiritually dead—alive physically but separated from God.
The new birth unites the believer to Christ, and because Christ is eternal, those united to Him share in His eternal life.
“I am the resurrection, and the life.” (John 11:25 KJV)
To receive Christ is to receive life itself.
Eternal Life and the Promise of Resurrection
While eternal life begins now, its fullness will be revealed at the resurrection. Jesus promised:
“I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40 KJV)
The resurrection is the ultimate unveiling of eternal life—incorruptibility replacing corruption, immortality replacing mortality.
- “This mortal must put on immortality.” (1 Corinthians 15:53 KJV)
- “So shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV)
Eternal life is both present and future: possessed now in the soul, revealed later in the body.
Eternal Life as the Believer’s Blessed Hope
Eternal life anchors the believer in endurance and faithfulness. The trials of this world, though painful, are temporary. Paul wrote:
“For our light affliction… worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV)
Eternal life gives perspective. It reminds the believer that this world is not the final chapter. Suffering is temporary; glory is eternal. The righteous may be misunderstood, persecuted, or rejected, but eternal life assures them of final victory.
This hope strengthens holiness:
“Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3 KJV)
The promise of eternal life motivates purity, prayer, perseverance, and obedience.
Eternal Life and End-Time Prophecy
Eternal life is deeply woven into prophetic Scripture. Jesus warned of a final separation at His return:
- “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” (Matthew 25:46 KJV)
Revelation declares that believers will reign with Christ:
- “And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:4 KJV)
Afterward comes the New Heaven and New Earth, where eternal life is experienced without sin, sorrow, death, or curse (Revelation 21:1–4; 22:3–5). Eternal life is the destiny of the redeemed who have overcome through faith in the Lamb.
The Consequence of Rejecting Eternal Life
Scripture is clear: to refuse Christ is to remain in death.
- “He that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5:12 KJV)
- “He that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16 KJV)
Eternal life is a gift—but it must be received. To reject it is to choose eternal separation from God, known as the second death (Revelation 20:14–15). Hell is not God’s desire for any soul, but it becomes the eternal end of all who refuse the life offered in Christ.
Conclusion
Eternal life is the greatest promise ever given to man—a gift from God purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. It begins now through the new birth, transforms the believer’s present walk, guarantees resurrection, and culminates in everlasting glory in the presence of God.
To know Christ is to possess life that cannot die, hope that cannot fail, and a future that cannot be taken away. Eternal life is the believer’s inheritance, identity, and destiny—rooted in the eternal God who gives life freely to all who come to Him in faith.