The other day I was asked, “What is eternal life?”

This question came up in relation to John 3:14 which says, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.” I will try to provide a concise Christian response.

We are drawn to the idea or eternal life. Many have become Christians just to grasp eternal live. No argument from me, that sounds better than dying and just ceasing to exist. It sounds a lot better than eternity in the pain we encounter regularly, or for some, all the time. The meaning of eternal life has become a bit confusing as the term is used in relation to both quantity and quality. When eternal life is mentioned, it is usually related to quantity/length. We think first of forever.

At some point in life, we have all felt a desire to live more, for more time and with more quality. As I see it, only quality should be of concern. We all have a bodies that corrupt as they moves toward an inevitable death. If eternity has been bound/set in heart, then it is understandable that eternal life would be our desired.

First, all things made of flesh will die. This is universally accepted and not an idea unique to Christianity. This is foreseen in the Old Testament. Moses and Abraham are examples. Those who follow Jesus will see death in the flesh. We have the records of the deaths of many of Christ’s disciples. As with Jesus, many of the disciples and early followers of Jesus, died as martyrs at the rough hands of others. Stephen in the book of Acts is an example. The only people who will not die in the flesh are those with the Spirit of Jesus living in them when He returns.

The second thing to consider is that all souls will live forever. This can be seen in the beliefs of several major world religions. Eternity is stamped, as it were, on our hearts. Why would anyone image people, with eternity stamped on their hearts, not by nature, lean toward systems with this theme. The souls of those who do not believe in God will be separated from God, this is the quality issue. This was foreseen in the Old Testament, but more fully revealed in the New Testament. For those who do not follow Jesus, this eternal period will be in suffering the separation from God. On the other hand those who believe in Jesus will live with God, in a positive relationship. For those, who live to glorify God and enjoy His presence forever, every reasons for tears and pain will be wiped away. Jesus said that Abraham saw His day and rejoiced. Those who die to themselves and live for Christ will reign with Him forever.

In the end, eternal life, both related to time and quality, has to do with living with/in Jesus. Jesus is life. If we drink of Him, we will have springs of living water welling up in us.

3 “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Eternal life is knowing Jesus, not just for life in eternity future, but for life now.

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” 8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father;

Below I have included a few related verses, if you care to read more. Grace to you and Peace.