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I. WHAT IS THAT ETERNAL LIFE which is the object of faith and expectation? Complete deliverance from all evil, and the positive and perfect enjoyment of all good forever.

II. WHY DO WE RELIEVE IN IT?

1. God has promised it.

2. Christ has actually taken possession of it.

3. The Holy Spirit, given to them that believe, is expressly said to be the earnest and first fruits of eternal life.

4. The real Christian has an undoubted and undeceiving foretaste of this blessedness.

III. THE INFLUENCE WHICH OUR RELIEF OF THIS GREAT TRUTH SHOULD HAVE UPON OUR SPIRIT AND CONDUCT.

1. It should influence us to a due consideration of, and a diligent preparation for, the eternity to which we are destined.

2. It should influence us to a decided consecration of ourselves to that blessed Master whose service on earth is connected with so great and so substantial a reward in heaven.

3. It should induce us to a cheerful renunciation of the world as our portion.

4. It should influence us to cheerful and patient suffering under all the ills which can possibly crowd upon us in the present state of existence.

5. It should influence us to indefatigable diligence in seeking the salvation of the human soul.

6. Lastly, what comfort may not this subject inspire in the prospect of our departure hence, our descent into the cold grave, and our introduction into that state, of which we have feebly enunciated the reality.

(G. Clayton, M. A.)

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KJV: In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

WEB: in hope of eternal life, which God, who can't lie, promised before time began;