ETERNAL LIFE

This expression occurs in the Old Testament only in Dan. 12:2 (R.V., "everlasting life").

It occurs frequently in the New Testament (Matt. 7:14;18:8, 18: 9; Luke 10:28; 18:18). It comprises the whole future of the redeemed (Luke 16:9), and is opposed to "eternal punishment" (Matt. 19:29;25:46). It is the final reward and glory into which the children of God enter (1-Tim 6:12, 1-Tim 6: 19; Rom. 6:22; Gal. 6:8; 1-Tim 1:16; Rom. 5:21); their Sabbath of rest (Heb. 4:9; 12:22).

The newness of life which the believer derives from Christ (Rom. 6:4) is the very essence of salvation, and hence the life of glory or the eternal life must also be theirs (Rom. 6:8; 2-Tim 2:11, 2-Tim 2: 12; Rom. 5:17, Rom. 5: 21;8:30; Eph. 2:5, Eph. 2: 6). It is the "gift of God in Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). The life the faithful have here on earth (John 3:36;5:24;6:47, 6: 53-58) is inseparably connected with the eternal life beyond, the endless life of the future, the happy future of the saints in heaven (Matt. 19:16, Matt. 19: 29;25:46).