Eternal life is a central theme in Christian theology, representing the life that believers are promised through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not merely an unending existence but a quality of life that begins in the present and continues into eternity. The concept of eternal life is rooted in the nature of God, who is eternal, and is a gift granted to those who believe in His Son.

In the New Testament, eternal life is frequently associated with the teachings of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "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" (John 3:16). This verse underscores the belief that eternal life is accessible through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's love and the sacrificial giving of His Son.

Eternal life is also described as knowing God and Jesus Christ. In John 17:3, 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 relationship with God.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on eternal life in his epistles. In Romans 6:23, he contrasts the consequences of sin with the gift of God: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" . Here, eternal life is presented as a divine gift, contrasting with the death that results from sin.

Eternal life is also a future hope for believers, as seen in the promise of resurrection and life in the age to come. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul discusses the resurrection of the dead and the transformation that believers will undergo, culminating in victory over death through Jesus Christ.

Love

Love is a fundamental attribute of God and a central tenet of Christian faith and practice. The Bible presents love as the highest virtue, essential to the character of God and the life of believers. In 1 John 4:8, it is stated, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" . This declaration emphasizes that love is intrinsic to God's nature.

The greatest commandment, as taught by Jesus, is to love God and love one's neighbor. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus summarizes the Law and the Prophets: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’" . These commandments highlight the comprehensive and relational nature of love in the life of a believer.

The Apostle Paul provides a detailed description of love in 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter." He writes, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Paul emphasizes that love is enduring and selfless, surpassing all other spiritual gifts and virtues.

In the New Testament, love is also demonstrated through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. In Romans 5:8, Paul writes, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" . This act of sacrificial love is the ultimate expression of God's love for humanity and serves as a model for believers.

The call to love extends to all aspects of life, including relationships within the Christian community and with those outside the faith. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands His disciples, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" . This love is to be the defining mark of a Christian, reflecting the love of Christ to the world.