Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of everlasting life is a central tenet of Christian theology, representing the ultimate reward for the saints—those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and have lived according to His teachings. This promise of eternal life is woven throughout the Scriptures, offering hope and assurance to believers. It is not merely an extension of earthly existence but a transformed, glorified state of being in the presence of God. Biblical Foundation The promise of everlasting life is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the writings of the apostles. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). This verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel message: faith in Christ as the pathway to eternal life. The assurance of everlasting life is further emphasized in John 10:28, where Jesus states, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand." Here, the security and permanence of this divine gift are highlighted, underscoring the believer's eternal relationship with Christ. Nature of Everlasting Life Everlasting life is characterized by an intimate and unending fellowship with God. In John 17:3, Jesus defines eternal life as knowing "the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, involving a deep, personal communion with the Creator. The Apostle Paul also speaks of the transformative nature of eternal life. In 1 Corinthians 15:53-54, he writes, "For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.'" This passage highlights the glorified state of the saints, free from the corruption and limitations of the mortal body. Inheritance of the Saints The New Testament frequently describes everlasting life as an inheritance reserved for the saints. In 1 Peter 1:4, believers are said to have "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you." This inheritance is not earned by human effort but is a gift of grace, secured through the redemptive work of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, affirms that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). This gift is contrasted with the wages of sin, which is death, highlighting the transformative power of God's grace in granting eternal life to those who believe. The Hope of Glory The hope of everlasting life is a source of encouragement and strength for believers as they navigate the trials and tribulations of this world. In Titus 1:2, Paul speaks of "the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began." This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the faithfulness of God. The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the ultimate fulfillment of this hope. In Revelation 21:4, it is written, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This vision of the new heaven and new earth encapsulates the consummation of everlasting life, where the saints dwell eternally in the presence of God, free from the sorrows and sufferings of the present age. Conclusion The reward of everlasting life is a profound and glorious promise that permeates the Christian faith. It is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, offering believers an eternal future of joy, peace, and communion with the Divine. Through faith in Jesus Christ, the saints are assured of this imperishable inheritance, a hope that sustains and inspires them as they journey through this life toward the eternal kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 18:30Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 6:40 John 17:2,3 Romans 2:7 Romans 6:23 1 John 5:11 Library Whether a Man in Grace Can Merit Eternal Life Condignly? The Forty-Seventh Chapter: Every Trial must be Borne for the Sake ... Whether a Man in Grace Can Merit Eternal Life Condignly The Law Written in the Heart, and the Reward of the Eternal ... The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest. The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just. Good Days The Judgment. The Examination and Rewarding of the Believer's Works. "The Eternity of Hell-Torments" Resources Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we store up treasures in heaven? | GotQuestions.org Are there different levels of Heaven? Are there three heavens? | GotQuestions.org Reward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness The Reward of Saints is from God The Reward of Saints is Inestimable The Reward of Saints is of God's Good Pleasure The Reward of Saints is of Grace, Through Faith Alone The Reward of Saints is Satisfying The Reward of Saints: A City Which had Foundation The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Glory The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Life The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Righteousness The Reward of Saints: A House Eternal in the Heavens The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom Immovable The Reward of Saints: An Enduring Substance The Reward of Saints: An Eternal Weight of Glory The Reward of Saints: An Incorruptible Crown The Reward of Saints: As Servants of Christ The Reward of Saints: Be Careful not to Lose The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Face of God The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Glory of Christ The Reward of Saints: Being Glorified With Christ The Reward of Saints: Being With Christ The Reward of Saints: Entering Into the Joy of the Lord The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Life The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Light The Reward of Saints: Fulness of Joy The Reward of Saints: Hope of, a Cause of Rejoicing The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Eternal The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Incorruptible The Reward of Saints: Inheritance of all Things The Reward of Saints: Inheritance With Saints in Light The Reward of Saints: Joint Heirship With Christ The Reward of Saints: Not on Account of Their Merits The Reward of Saints: Prepared by Christ The Reward of Saints: Prepared by God The Reward of Saints: Present Afflictions not to be Compared With The Reward of Saints: Reigning for Ever and Ever The Reward of Saints: Reigning With Christ The Reward of Saints: Saints May Feel Confident of The Reward of Saints: Shall be Given at the Second Coming of Christ The Reward of Saints: Shining As the Stars The Reward of Saints: Sitting in Judgment With Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Diligence The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Enduring Suffering for Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Faithfulness to Death The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Pressing Forward The Reward of Saints: Treasure in Heaven Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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