Eternal life, according to Christian belief, is a gift from God that is received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not merely living forever in terms of endless years, but a quality of life that transcends time and encompasses a deep, ongoing relationship with God and Jesus Christ
. Key aspects of eternal life include:
- Gift through Jesus Christ: Eternal life is given by God through Jesus Christ, who is described as "the resurrection and the life." It contrasts with spiritual death caused by sin
- Quality and quantity: The term "eternal" (Greek aiónios) implies both unending duration and a superior quality of life, not just an infinite extension of time
- Present and future reality: Eternal life begins the moment a person believes in Jesus Christ and is a present possession, not only a future hope after death. Believers experience a new quality of life now, which will continue after physical death and resurrection
- Knowing God: Fundamentally, eternal life means knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ. This relational knowledge is central to eternal life and begins in this life
- Afterlife and resurrection: Christian eschatology teaches that eternal life includes resurrection and living forever with God, often described as life after the Second Coming of Christ and the renewal of creation
- Path to eternal life: According to some Christian traditions, eternal life requires faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and obedience to God's commandments and ordinances
In summary, eternal life is both a present spiritual reality and a future hope involving everlasting communion with God, characterized by a life of quality and intimacy with Him, made possible through Jesus Christ
