What is eternal life?

TL;DR:

Eternal life is a gift given to those who place their trust in Jesus Christ, not only as an unending existence but also an abundant, fulfilled one. Eternal life is not simply life that never ends but a fullness of life that is unending.

what does the bible say?

In the New Testament, the Greek word most often translated as "eternal" is aionios. It means unending, but it also focuses on the quality or characteristics of that which is age-long or eternal. Combined with the Greek zoe for "life," which indicates not only biological existence but a fullness or genuineness of life, "eternal life" includes both the ideas of quality and quantity of life. In fact, in many ways, eternal life really has nothing to do with time as it can be experienced apart from time as well as within time. The Bible tells us that everyone will exist eternally—it is the quality of that existence that separates us. For those who accept the gift of salvation, "through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23), that quality will be with God—amazing! It will be true life. For those who reject God's way, stay in rebellion to Him, that eternity is described as "death."

from the old testament

David said that he would dwell with God forever (Psalm 23:6).
Isaiah declared that God would establish His kingdom forever (Isaiah 9:7).

from the new testament

Those who follow Jesus will have eternal life (Matthew 19:29, 25:46; John 3:16).
Jesus promises an abundant life that begins now (John 10:10).
Jesus gives us eternal life forever (John 10:28).

implications for today

Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), offering eternal life that begins now for believers (John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:47). Eternal life through Jesus is not just a future promise but a present reality. To have this eternal life, one must know Jesus Christ, as eternal life is directly connected to knowing Him (John 17:3; John 14:6; Luke 10:22).

Salvation involves confessing sin, accepting God's salvation, and believing in Jesus' death and resurrection (Romans 10:11-13; Acts 16:31). Eternal life is a personal relationship with God, not just intellectual knowledge (1 John 5:11-12; Matthew 7:23). Paul exemplifies this personal relationship, seeking to know Jesus deeply (Philippians 3:10-11). Eternal life is available to all who believe in Jesus, the cornerstone of salvation (Acts 4:11-12).

understand

Eternal life is a gift from Jesus that offers both life for eternity and abundant life, starting now.
Eternal life is promised in both the Old and New Testaments.
Eternal life and abundant life now involves a personal relationship with Jesus, which begins as a result of salvation.

reflect

How does understanding eternal life as both an unending and abundant life impact your daily relationship with Jesus?
In what ways does the promise of eternal life influence how you live and make decisions now?
How does the concept of eternal life being a present reality, not just a future hope, affect your personal faith journey?

engage

How does the Greek understanding of "aionios" and "zoe" enhance our understanding of the quality and fullness of eternal life for now and eternity?
What distinctions does the Bible make between eternal life with God and eternal separation from Him, and how does this shape our view of salvation?
How do the Old Testament promises of eternal life (Psalm 23:6; Isaiah 9:7) connect us with the New Testament teachings of eternal life through Jesus (Matthew 19:29; John 10:10, 28)?