The concept of Eternal life in Christianity
Synonyms: Immortality, Everlasting life, Perpetual existence, Endless life, Life everlasting, Unending life, Immortal life, Endless existence, Infinite life, Never-ending life
In Dutch: Eeuwig leven; In Finnish: Ikuinen elämä; In Spanish: Vida eterna; In German: Ewiges Leben; In Malay: Hidup yang kekal abadi; In Swedish: Evigt liv; In French: La vie éternelle
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Eternal life'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Eternal life is described as the ultimate goal, and is achieved by continuously receiving the grace of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in various stages of progress, allowing the individual to make advances in holiness and purity.[1] (2) This term is implied in the text, when describing the consequences of judgment, with the implication of the forfeiture of salvation, and the loss of salvation.[2] (3) The Church has attained this, and it both lives forever and quickens the people of God. It is a state of being associated with the grace found within the Church and its teachings.[3] (4) This is a state that those are ordained to in Christ, indicating a promise of everlasting existence.[4] (5) Eternal life is the promise and hope of believers, the text discusses matters pertaining to the faith, which are related to the pursuit of eternal life.[5]
From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary
(1) This phrase describes the state of those who believe in the Son and is associated with a positive outcome.[6] (2) This suggests that the soul has an enduring existence that transcends the physical body, emphasizing the soul's capacity to continue beyond the body's life.[7] (3) This is the reward for the true seekers, and is a benefit for those who are not deluded by their own egos and seek God.[8] (4) This is a term associated with the Father's kingdom of light, knowledge, and it is attained by radical 'fasting from the world', as mentioned in the text.[9] (5) This phrase refers to a state of existence that transcends physical death, suggesting a form of spiritual immortality. It implies a continued existence beyond the earthly realm, representing a key concept in the text.[10]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) Eternal life is communicated and sustained by faith in the sacrifice of Christ, allowing one to keep the feast and find sustenance through Him.[11] (2) Eternal life is a concept that is mentioned in the text as the result of accepting the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as it offers a path to God and a life beside Him.[12] (3) This represents the enduring existence beyond the present, as the text connects this concept with the divine, and the individual's ability to find solace and hope.[13] (4) The text mentions this as a promise, and it is intended to purify our spirits from meanness, from undue dependence upon the miserable trivialities of to-day.[14] (5) The text suggests that possessing the savior is this, which is found in the deepest interpretation of our future in the personal Christ.[15]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) If we are justified by faith, we have been set free from sin that we may serve God, and enjoy the free gift of eternal life.[16] (2) This is a focus of the First Epistle of John, where the purpose is that those who possess eternal life in Christ may know it.[17] (3) This is not explicitly mentioned in the text, so it cannot be described, but the text does discuss the concept of redemption from condemnation and righteous relations with God.[18] (4) The text mentions that His sway will culminate in His advent at the last, and this royal Lord is not far off, inaccessibly high above believers, but rather within and beside them always, to guide, warn, inspire, comfort with infinite might and love.[19] (5) This is the state of everlasting life, which is promised to those who believe in Jesus Christ, and it is a key concept in the First Epistle.[20]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) His characteristic phrases are testimony or witness, glory, the truth, light, darkness, this, abide, the world, sin, the true God, the Word, the only-begotten Son, love, to manifest, to be begotten or born of God, pass from death, the Paraclete or Comforter, flesh, spirit, above, beneath, the living water, the bread of life.[21] (2) Jesus' words of eternal life, and the disciples' belief and certainty that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.[22] (3) Eternal life is the gratuitous gift of God received through faith in Christ, which is receptive to the gift of eternal life in Christ, which is a free gift from God.[23] (4) This refers to the promise of Messiah, which Christ asserts can be found by searching the Old Testament scriptures, and this is in line with the belief of the resurrection.[24] (5) This is the reward, the prize, or the crown of the winner of the good strife, and James 1:12; Revelation 2:10 allude to it.[25]
From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus
(1) This describes the state of living forever, which is obtained by those who consume the subject's flesh and blood, as stated in the text.[26] (2) The everlasting existence that is the commandment given by the Father to Jesus, according to the context.[27] (3) Eternal life is mentioned in the context of the water Jesus offers, which will be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.[28] (4) The life that Jesus offers to those who follow Him and keep the commandments, representing ultimate salvation.[29] (5) The life that is promised by God, characterized by a continuing relationship with Him.[30]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The offer to forfeit eternal life in the world to come would be foolish, as Moses meant to be cut off from the world and brought to an untimely end, not to lose his eternal life.[31] (2) This phrase symbolizes the concept of everlasting existence, often associated with the cross, which was a representation of divinity.[32] (3) This is the result of the vicarious suffering and death of a figure to remove the guilt of the nation.[33] (4) Eternal life is a concept associated with union with Jesus, which is raised far above the power of even the grave in the narrative.[34] (5) The life that is offered as a gift from God, characterized by righteousness and grace.[35]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) The belief in everlasting existence after death, particularly in heaven or a divine presence.[36] (2) The concept of life beyond the physical existence, associated with spiritual fulfillment and peace.[37] (3) The everlasting existence promised to those who seek God.[38]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) Eternal life is a state of existence after death, and the text does not mention this term but does refer to the soul.[39] (2) This refers to a state of everlasting existence, and the text examines how despising this can lead to eternal punishment, highlighting the importance of valuing what is eternal.[40] (3) This refers to life without end, and the text says that Christ entered into an immortal and incorruptible life, which is a characteristic of the Ascension.[41] (4) This is the main reason for the need of grace, which man required even before sin to obtain this.[42] (5) This is the state that men who are guarded by angels are encouraged to work towards, which is the ultimate effect of the guardianship, according to the text.[43]
From: The city of God
(1) This is the promise for those who are blessed as fellow-heirs of Christ by the New Testament, and the kingdom of the heavens.[44] (2) Eternal life is a state of unending existence, and the text references the concept of everlasting felicity in connection with the city of God, where man lives not according to the earthly felicity, but according to God.[45] (3) This refers to the state of existence after death, often associated with spiritual reward, where the righteous will experience joy and fulfillment, free from suffering.[46] (4) The concept of 'eternal life' is presented as the ultimate reward for the citizens of the celestial city, in contrast to the temporal glory sought by the Romans.[47] (5) This is the life that the good people should aim for; those who do not seek it with the good should be loved as enemies and dealt with patiently, as it is uncertain whether they will change.[48]
From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis
(1) This is the infinite glory that St. Francis spoke of in his sermon, contrasting it with the short pleasure of the world and the pain of this life, urging the friars to focus on the promise of this.[49] (2) A state of everlasting existence and happiness in the kingdom of the blessed, which the friars and converted robbers sought through faith, repentance, and devotion.[50] (3) Eternal life is referenced as the state that St. Francis will experience after his death, according to the words spoken by Christ during the seraphic vision.[51] (4) Eternal life is where consolations and crowns are given to those who resist temptations, as is said by St. Paul in the provided text.[52] (5) This is a state of existence after death, and is associated with the grace of God and the practice of virtues, as described in the text.[53]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) This is the unending existence that is attained through freedom from sin, and it is necessary to believe in things for this to be attained.[54] (2) This refers to the state of existence without end, and it is what Jesus freely gave, as a gift, which surpasses all other things but God himself, and can atone for all the sins of men, as mentioned in the text.[55] (3) This phrase is not explicitly mentioned in the text, but the ideas of salvation and the heavenly state suggest the concept of a life that lasts forever.[56] (4) Eternal life is a state of existence that the human soul is created for, provided it continues to love the supreme Being and lives forever.[57]
From: The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi
(1) The promised life after death for those who lose their life for Christ's sake, as denoted in the text.[58] (2) The concept of everlasting existence in union with God, as expressed in St. Francis's praises, indicating the ultimate hope for believers.[59]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) The text implies that the idea of eternal life is at risk if people pretend that their imperfections and sins are sufficient to be considered comely before God, and worthy of everlasting existence.[60] (2) The state of existence that transcends physical death and continues indefinitely, often associated with spiritual well-being.[61] (3) This is a reward that consists in communion with God, and none but God can bestow, which emphasizes the limits of a creature's dominion.[62] (4) His sole ambition appears to have been to "turn sinners from the error of their ways" and for this end he wisely judged.[63] (5) The state of existence promised to those who believe in Jesus Christ, which is mentioned in the text as the result of grace reigning through righteousness.[64]
From: The Second Helvetic Confession
(1) This is a reference to the eternal life given by the true God.[65] (2) This is a state of existence that is granted to those who believe, and the text references a verse stating that believers have passed from death to life and will not face judgment.[66] (3) This is a benefit that is provided through faith in Jesus Christ, representing a promise of heavenly and spiritual nature.[67] (4) This is a reward that should not be pursued through good works, as it is a gift from God, and it should not be done for show or gain, but for the glory of God.[68] (5) This refers to the everlasting existence that believers will have, and it is something that everyone should want.[69]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) Eternal life is mentioned as the life that those who believe in Christ will inherit, and is associated with the land of everlasting life, where there will be no pain or suffering.[70] (2) The concept of life after death that is promised to the faithful and righteous, signifying hope and continuation.[71]
From: The Book of the Bee
(1) The text describes the tree of life and its association with eternal life, implying a state of unending existence.[72]
From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures
(1) The promise for those who were to be saved, they would be protected, and would be with God, who would also be with them.[73]
From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite
(1) The good and eternal Life is something that the text prompts the reader to sing about, suggesting a state of being that is both good and enduring, potentially related to wisdom itself.[74] (2) The everlasting life and salvation promised to believers.[75] (3) The fundamental essence from which all forms of life derive, characterized as self-existing and sustaining existence.[76]
Gnostic concept of 'Eternal life'
From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten
(1) This describes a state of unending existence, often associated with divine blessings, immortality, and a realm beyond death or decay.[77] (2) The spiritual existence beyond physical life, often associated with living in accordance with divine principles and attaining unity with God.[78]
From: Pistis Sophia
(1) Eternal life is a concept that is not explicitly mentioned, but it can be implied as a possible reward or outcome of the journey, and the faith in the Light.[79]
The concept of Eternal life in local and regional sources
Eternal life encompasses everlasting existence, health, and unity with God after death, promising believers salvation and motivating adherence to Christian beliefs. It reflects a spiritual journey from pain to perpetual fellowship through faith.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) Adamnan departed this life before the next year came round, because he was a great lover of peace and unity, and was taken away to this.[80] (2) The scholar was told that he may be admitted into this, through the merits of Oswald.[81] (3) Eternal life is presented as the perpetual fellowship achieved through the unity of faith, suggesting a spiritual existence after this life.[82] (4) The eternal life is the everlasting life and health that Ethelthryth exchanged for all pain and death, and she was taken to the Lord.[83] (5) The promise of everlasting existence with God offered to those who love Him, motivating adherence to Christian beliefs and practices.[84]