What Is Eternal Life According to the Bible?
What Is Eternal Life According to the Bible? Eternal life is not just endless existence but a present relationship with God through Jesus Christ that continues forever in His presence.
Key verse: John 17:3 (KJV)
Eternal life is not just endless existence but a present relationship with God through Jesus Christ that continues forever in His presence.
Eternal life is not just endless existence but a present relationship with God through Jesus Christ that continues forever in His presence.
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." — John 17:3 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Eternal life in Scripture is both quantitative (everlasting duration) and qualitative (a new kind of life). Jesus defined it: 'And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent' (John 17:3). Eternal life begins at the moment of faith (John 5:24: 'hath everlasting life... is passed from death unto life'), not at physical death. It is God's gift, not a human achievement (Romans 6:23). Believers are described as already possessing eternal life (1 John 5:13). This life involves knowing God intimately, experiencing His presence, being transformed into Christ's likeness, and ultimately living forever in the new creation. Eternal life is both a present reality (abundant life now, John 10:10) and a future promise (resurrected glory, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does 'Saved by Grace Through Faith' Mean?
It means salvation is God's free gift, not earned by good works — received through personal trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
What Does the Bible Say About Heaven?
Heaven is the eternal dwelling place of God where believers will live in perfect joy, free from sin, death, and suffering forever.
Can a Christian Lose Their Salvation?
The Bible presents strong evidence that genuine believers are eternally secure in Christ, though it also warns against complacency and apostasy.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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John 11:25 — Meaning & Devotional
Eternal Life
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The answer above sits inside John. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read John on day 302 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is Eternal Life According to the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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