Definition of Eternal Life
Eternal life does not refer to a quantity of life but to a quality of life. The concept of eternity is included in the concept of eternal life, but the term has a much more important meaning. The purpose of this article is to explain the meaning of eternal life.
Almost every human around the world has the sense that after death, they will continue to exist. Most atheists think there is something beyond the grave. Ecclesiastes 3:11 teaches us that truth is within every human. The verse says,
He has also set eternity in their heart. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NASB)
The “He” in this verse is the God of the Bible. He has placed within each of us the sense that we will live for eternity. We are eternal beings. While some individuals do not know where they will live beyond the grave, almost everyone has the sense they will never cease to exist.
The concept of our eternal existence is clearly taught in the Old Testament. One important passage is Daniel 12:2. It teaches that everyone will die, be buried, and be resurrected someday. Then it says some of us will be given everlasting life or everlasting disgrace and contempt.
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2 (NASB)
The Hebrew word for “contempt” can also be translated as “abhorrence” or “loathing.” That is, these individuals will be abhorred by others. There are three important points that we must not miss. The first point is that it is impossible to see or experience the place where we will spend eternity. The second point is that after death, we will live forever in one of two places. The third and last point is that one place is incredibly wonderful, and the other place is unbelievably horrible.
The concept of eternity is also clearly taught in the New Testament. In Matthew 25:46, it is described as eternal life and eternal punishment.
These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. Matthew 25:46 (NASB)
Just as Daniel 12:2 teaches us that after death we are either given everlasting life or everlasting disgrace and contempt, Matthew 25:46 says we are given either eternal life or eternal punishment. The point of these passages is that we are eternal beings. Since we will live for eternity, the only question is how will we live?
Eternal Punishment
We have already discovered that we might spend eternity in everlasting disgrace and contempt, and eternal punishment. In 2 Thessalonians 1:9, it is also described as eternal destruction.
These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (NASB)
Here we discover some people will experience eternal destruction, that is, punishment for eternity. That miserable experience will be made worse by not being allowed to see God and not experiencing His power.
Jude 13 adds that false teachers will be sent to eternal destruction or hell. It is a place of darkness. They will live there forever according to Jude 12-13.
. . . for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever. Jude 13 (NASB)
Other passages, such as Revelation 20:10, teach that everlasting disgrace and contempt, and eternal punishment, and eternal destruction or hell is like a lake of fire and brimstone. Imagine being in hell where people suffer in a lake of fire while it is the darkness that is described as “black.”
And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10 (NASB)
There is no escape from this suffering (Luke 16:19-31). Matthew 25:41 and Revelation 20:10 adds that the evil angels of demons, the devil, the antichrist, and the false prophet will be sent to this place. So, this lake of fire and brimstone will also be the eternal destiny for the spirits of a massive number of humans. The evil angels will also be living in it for eternity.
Eternal Life
From Matthew 25:46, we have discovered that people will live eternally and either experience eternal punishment or eternal life. Eternal life does not refer to the concept of living for eternity because everyone will live forever – into the distant never-ending future. Rather, it refers to a quality of life.
The phrase “eternal life” occurs 41 times in the New Testament. The rich, young ruler referred to everlasting life or eternal life in Mark 10:17. Notice that he wanted to know how he could obtain eternal life.
“Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17 (NASB)
In addition, he revealed that eternal life is not guaranteed. So, he asked what must he do to inherit eternal life.
In Romans 6:23 we are told that every person deserves spiritual death because of our sins, but God has given us the opportunity to have eternal life.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NASB)
Eternal life can be obtained through Jesus Christ. How is this possible? John 3:15-16 says that eternal life is given to those who believe in Jesus Christ.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NASB)
He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. John 3:36 (NASB)
Here are a few more important passages:
And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 1 John 5:11-12 (NASB)
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 (NASB)
So, those who believe that God took on flesh and blood, lived as a man among us, was crucified on a cross, was resurrected, and returned to heaven are given eternal life. Those who have eternal life will truly believe this, will grieve their sins, beg God for forgiveness, and want God to take control of their life (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). This is the response of those who honestly and deeply believe in Christ.
It is important to realize that the key word in “eternal life” is “life.” The key word in “eternal punishment” is “punishment.” Those who believe in Jesus Christ are given “life” and it is lasts forever. For John 1:4 says that Christ has life in Himself. The point is that spiritual “life” is only found in our God, Jesus Christ.
Those who believe in Jesus Christ have eternal life. Eternal life includes living in heaven with God, and seeing and knowing Him forever. If you would like to learn more, visit “Searching For God.” Everyone will live forever. The only question is where will you live for eternity?
Suggested Links:
Is Hell a real place? — What does Jesus say about Hell?Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
How To Save Your Life And Have Eternal Life