The words "eternal life" and "living forever" are synonyms, are they not? The answer to that question depends on your source. According to the Bible, they are not synonyms -- that is, "eternal life" and "living forever" do not have the same meaning.
Many are familiar with what is written in John 3:16 ("For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.") However, in chapter 17 of the same book of John, Jesus defines what is meant by those words "eternal life." John 17:3 records Jesus' words, "and this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
Thus, the words "eternal life" do not mean simply living forever, but carry the additional meaning of requiring a relationship with God and Jesus. It is this special relationship which allows one to avoid hell, to live in heaven forever, and to live a life on earth (prior to death) full of the power and authority Jesus gives to anyone who through faith in Him recognizes Jesus as their only Savior from their sins.
Therefore, having faith in one's heart in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who, although in the form of God, came to earth as a human being and died for everyone by taking the sins of all upon Himself on the cross allows one a relationship with God through Jesus. It is this special relationship which is the "eternal life" spoken of by Jesus.
Faith in Jesus is the only means for salvation for one's sins and requires a special relationship with God through Jesus. Mere acknowledgment of Jesus does not give rise to a personal relationship with Him. Therefore, such a person does not posses the eternal life which allows an eternity of existence in the presence of God.
These are not my words. Discover them for yourself in the Bible.
2009 - True Believer
To check out my other blogs, please navigate through my Blog Archive.
