The inquiry about eternal life is a significant theme in the New Testament, where individuals seek understanding and assurance of life beyond the present existence. This topic is addressed in several key passages, each providing insight into the requirements and nature of eternal life as taught by Jesus Christ.

The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23)

In the Synoptic Gospels, the account of the rich young ruler presents a direct inquiry about eternal life. The young man approaches Jesus with the question, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). Jesus responds by pointing to the commandments, emphasizing the moral and ethical standards of the Law. When the young man asserts his adherence to these commandments, Jesus challenges him further: "One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me" (Mark 10:21). This encounter highlights the necessity of wholehearted devotion to God, prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions.

The Lawyer's Question (Luke 10:25-28)

Another inquiry comes from a lawyer who tests Jesus with the question, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25). Jesus turns the question back to the lawyer, asking him to interpret the Law. The lawyer correctly cites the commandments to love God and neighbor, to which Jesus affirms, "You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live" (Luke 10:28). This exchange underscores the centrality of love as the fulfillment of the Law and the path to eternal life.

The Promise of Eternal Life (John 3:14-16; John 6:40; John 17:3)

The Gospel of John provides profound theological insights into eternal life, emphasizing belief in Jesus Christ as the key. In His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus declares, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life" (John 3:14-15). This passage introduces the concept of faith in Christ's redemptive work as the means to eternal life.

Further, Jesus states, "For My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:40). Here, the promise of resurrection and eternal life is linked to faith in Jesus. In His high priestly prayer, Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent" (John 17:3). This relational aspect of eternal life emphasizes an intimate knowledge of and relationship with God through Christ.

The Apostolic Teaching (Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11-13)

The apostolic writings further elucidate the concept of eternal life. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, 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" (Romans 6:23). This verse highlights eternal life as a divine gift, not earned by human effort but granted through Jesus Christ.

The Apostle John, in his first epistle, provides assurance to believers: "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life" (1 John 5:11-12). John writes to affirm the certainty of eternal life for those who believe in the Son of God, encouraging believers to have confidence in their salvation.

The inquiry about eternal life, as presented in the New Testament, reveals a consistent message: eternal life is a gift from God, accessible through faith in Jesus Christ, characterized by a loving relationship with God, and evidenced by a life of obedience and devotion.