Dictionary of Bible Themes: 6645 eternal life, nature of

6645 eternal life, nature of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 6000 Sin and salvation » 6600 Aspects of salvation » 6644 eternal life » 6645 eternal life, nature of

Triumph over death and infinitely extended life. It also means a unique quality of life, knowing God in this life and sharing the life of Christ. Its source is God himself.

Eternal life is knowing God and enjoying his eternal blessings

John 17:3; Psalm 16:11 See also Psalm 21:4-6; Ephesians 1:3-14

Eternal glory is the believer's inheritance

2 Corinthians 4:17 See also Daniel 12:3; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 5:4,10

Contrasted with eternal judgment and rejection

Matthew 25:46 Interpreters differ over whether “eternal punishment” implies an experience that continues for ever, or annihilation which is eternal in the sense of being irreversible. See also Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:46; John 3:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

The work of helping others come to eternal life

John 4:35-36

Eternal life as endless life

The guarantee of the resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 “firstfruits” because the resurrection of Jesus Christ is seen as the beginning of a harvest. See also Psalm 49:15; Isaiah 26:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:14

Death will be vanquished

Revelation 21:4 See also Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:26,50-57

Believers will live for ever

John 11:25-26 See also Luke 20:34-36; John 6:51,54,58; John 8:51; 1 John 2:17

Eternal life as a quality of life

John 10:10 See also John 4:14

One of the blessings associated with the kingdom of God

Matthew 19:29 pp Mark 10:30 pp Luke 18:30; Luke 18:18

Life with Christ

John 6:67-69; John 15:5; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:10

Eternal life as experiencing Jesus Christ's life

Galatians 2:20 See also 2 Corinthians 4:10-11; Romans 6:4,8; Romans 8:10-11

God is the source and giver of eternal life

God the Father

God the Son

God the Holy Spirit