Eternal life

This expression occurs in the Old Testament only in Daniel 12:2 (RSV, "everlasting life").

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

The newness of life which the believer derives from Christ ( Romans 6:4 ) is the very essence of salvation, and hence the life of glory or the eternal life must also be theirs ( Romans 6:8 ; 2 Tim Romans 2:11 Romans 2:12 ; Romans 5:17 Romans 5:21 ; 8:30 ; Ephesians 2:5 Ephesians 2:6 ). It is the "gift of God in Jesus Christ our Lord" ( Romans 6:23 ). The life the faithful have here on earth ( John 3:36 ; 5:24 ; John 6:47 John 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 ( Matthew 19:16 Matthew 19:29 ; 25:46 ).