“This is what he promised us—eternal life.” 1 John 2:25
How long is forever? There is no way that our small minds can grasp the idea of eternity. The word eternal is found over 80 times in the Bible, and forever is used more than 300 times. God wants us to be certain that this life is not the end of our existence. There is more to come. As Paul wrote, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT).
Among all living beings, there can only be one of three possibilities. First, are those with no beginning and no end. That is God. Second, are those who have a beginning but will have no end. That would include the angels and people. Finally, there are the creatures of the animal kingdom. They have both a beginning and an end.
Eternal life is only offered to those who believe in Jesus as their Savior. Everyone else will be subject to eternal death. First John 5:11-12 says, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
Many Christians think eternal life will begin when we die. Then we will enjoy all the blessings of heaven. But that is an incorrect view. Eternal life begins the moment we are brought to saving faith. God’s children are at this very moment already enjoying eternal life. John 6:47 assures us, “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.” That means eternal life has already begun in us.
Romans 6:23 says, “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Could we ask for a better gift? That gift will last forever!
From Precious Words of the Bible by Reynold R. Kremer