The title "Eternal Life" ascribed to Christ encapsulates the profound Christian belief that Jesus is both the source and embodiment of everlasting life. This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament and is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing the promise of life beyond physical death through Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Gospel of John is particularly rich in references to Jesus as the giver of eternal life. In John 3:16 , it is written, "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 verse highlights the divine love and the salvific mission of Christ, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Further, in John 10:28 , Jesus declares, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand." Here, Jesus assures His followers of the security and permanence of the life He provides, underscoring His authority and power to grant eternal life.

Theological Significance

The title "Eternal Life" signifies more than just an unending existence; it denotes a quality of life that is in communion with God. 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 verse reveals that eternal life is intrinsically linked to a relationship with God through Christ, characterized by knowledge and fellowship with the divine.

Christ as the Source

Christ is not only the giver but also the source of eternal life. In John 14:6 , Jesus states, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This declaration affirms that eternal life is accessible exclusively through Jesus, who is the life itself.

Moreover, in 1 John 5:11-12 , the apostle John writes, "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." This passage emphasizes the inseparability of eternal life from Christ, affirming that possessing the Son equates to possessing life.

Eschatological Hope

The promise of eternal life in Christ also carries an eschatological dimension, offering hope for the future resurrection and eternal communion with God. In John 6:40 , Jesus assures, "For it is My Father’s will 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." This promise of resurrection underscores the future aspect of eternal life, where believers will experience its fullness in the presence of God.

Conclusion

The title "Eternal Life" attributed to Christ is a profound testament to His role as the source and sustainer of life everlasting. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus offers believers not only the hope of life beyond death but also a present reality of living in communion with God. This eternal life is a gift of grace, accessible through faith in Jesus Christ, and is central to the Christian hope and assurance of salvation.1 John 1:2
(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show to you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us;)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... 6,6,6,6,8,8 The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ... What gentle
characters,. What titles he assumes! ... Nor will he bear those names in vain. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 148 the names and.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... LM The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ... But when for
works of peace he comes,. What winning titles he assumes! ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 147 the names and.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... Book 1. Hymn 1:147. The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures. ... 5 But
when for works of peace he comes, What winning titles he assumes! ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 14375 the names and.htm

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... He is the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which
he ... As he was called Christ, so was he anointed with the Spirit without ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

To the High and Mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales.
... it for great men to have great titles on earth, when God counts their names unworthy
to ... mortifying his corruptions, that he may enjoy Christ, the author ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/to the high and mighty.htm

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... There are several names and titles in Scripture ... Christ alone is the well-spring of
life; the ordinance is the conduit-pipe that conveys salvation, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm

The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret ...
... Here it will be proper to point out the titles which the ... full vigor of life, he hence
obtains the names of "Oil ... our minds are intent on the Spirit, Christ is in ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 the benefits of.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... From several scriptures. HYMN 148 The names and titles of Christ. From several
scriptures. ... HYMN 72 The Lord's day; or, The resurrection of Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/

Verbal Inspiration
... Such titles are the Most High, the Almighty, the God of ... same is true in connection
with the names of our ... some passages He is referred to as Christ, in others ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter thirteen verbal inspiration .htm

What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.org

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What is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.org

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