Eternal life is a central theme in Christian theology, representing the life that believers are promised through faith in Jesus Christ. This concept is intricately linked with the knowledge of God, as articulated in the Scriptures. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear depiction of this relationship, particularly in the New Testament.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of eternal life is prominently featured in the Gospel of John. In John 17:3 , Jesus defines eternal life in relational terms: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." This verse underscores that eternal life is not merely an unending existence but a quality of life rooted in a personal relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Knowledge of God

The knowledge of God is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep, personal, and experiential relationship. In the Hebrew context, to "know" someone often implies an intimate relationship, as seen in the use of the word in Genesis 4:1. Similarly, knowing God involves a transformative relationship that impacts one's entire being.

Jesus as the Revelation of God

Jesus Christ is central to the knowledge of God. In John 14:6-7 , Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him." Through Jesus, believers gain access to the Father, and through Him, the nature and character of God are revealed.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in facilitating the knowledge of God. In John 16:13-14 , Jesus promises the Spirit of truth, who "will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you." The Holy Spirit enables believers to understand and experience the reality of God, thus deepening their knowledge and relationship with Him.

Faith and Obedience

Faith is the means by which believers enter into this relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This faith is not passive but is demonstrated through obedience to God's commandments, as seen in 1 John 2:3-4 : "By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. If anyone says, 'I know Him,' but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

The Present and Future Reality

Eternal life is both a present possession and a future hope. In John 5:24 , Jesus assures, "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 and continues into eternity, culminating in the full realization of life with God in the age to come.

Conclusion

Eternal life through knowing God is a profound and transformative reality for believers. It is characterized by a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and evidenced by faith and obedience. This eternal life is both a present experience and a future promise, offering believers the assurance of life with God forever.