The concept of the True God and Eternal Life is central to Christian theology and is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible. This entry explores the nature of the True God as revealed in Scripture and the promise of eternal life offered through faith in Him.

The True God

The Bible consistently affirms the existence of one true God, who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. In the Old Testament, God reveals Himself to the people of Israel as Yahweh, emphasizing His uniqueness and sovereignty. Deuteronomy 6:4 declares, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." This foundational statement underscores the monotheistic belief that sets the God of Israel apart from the polytheistic deities of surrounding nations.

In the New Testament, the identity of the True God is further clarified through the revelation of Jesus Christ. John 1:1-3 affirms the divinity of Christ, stating, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made." This passage highlights the eternal nature of Christ and His integral role in creation, affirming His identity as the True God.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, emphasizes the fullness of God dwelling in Christ: "For in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form" (Colossians 2:9). This assertion reinforces the Christian belief in the Trinity, where God is understood as one Being in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Eternal Life

Eternal life is a central promise of the Christian faith, intricately linked to the knowledge of the True God. In the Gospel of John, 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" (John 17:3). This verse highlights that eternal life is not merely an unending existence but a profound relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The pathway to eternal life is consistently presented in the New Testament as being through faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, states, "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." This promise of eternal life is available to all who place their trust in Christ's redemptive work on the cross.

The Apostle John, in his first epistle, reiterates the assurance of eternal life for 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). This passage underscores the exclusivity of eternal life through Jesus Christ, affirming that it is only through a relationship with Him that one can partake in this divine promise.

The Relationship Between the True God and Eternal Life

The relationship between the True God and eternal life is inseparable in Christian theology. The knowledge of the True God, as revealed in Jesus Christ, is the foundation upon which the promise of eternal life is built. The New Testament consistently presents eternal life as a gift from God, accessible through faith in His Son.

In the book of Revelation, the culmination of God's redemptive plan is depicted as the eternal dwelling of God with His people: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God'" (Revelation 21:3). This vision of eternal communion with the True God encapsulates the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of eternal life.

In summary, the True God, as revealed in the Bible, is the source and sustainer of eternal life. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are granted the promise of eternal life, characterized by an everlasting relationship with God. This profound truth is central to the Christian faith and offers hope and assurance to all who embrace it.