Everyone lives forever—but not everyone has eternal life.
That may sound surprising at first, but Scripture makes a clear distinction between existing forever and possessing the life of God. Eternal life is not automatic. While it is available to everyone, not everyone receives it.
The Apostle Paul describes unbelievers as those who are “alienated from the life of God” (Ephesians 4:18). In other words, they exist—but they do not share in God’s life.
The Apostle John confirms this truth plainly:
“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
—1 John 5:11–12
Without Jesus, no one has eternal life. That reality is also made clear in John 3:36: “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life.”
Eternal Life Is a Gift
Here’s the good news: eternal life is a gift from God—and receiving it is at the very heart of the Gospel.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
—John 3:16
Anyone can receive eternal life simply by believing in Jesus Christ and accepting Him as Savior.
This life is not earned. It is given.
What Is Eternal Life (Zoe)?
The New Testament uses the Greek word Zoe for eternal life. According to Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, Zoe is:
“Life as God has it… the present actual possession of the believer because of his relationship with Christ.”
Eternal life is not just about living forever—it’s about having God’s very nature.
Zoe is not merely an experience or a future promise. It is something you have now. It is tangible, transferable, and alive. It is the divine substance of God Himself.
The River of Life
God has an abundance of this life—so much that Scripture describes it as a river flowing from Him:
“A pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”
—Revelation 22:1
Jesus described this life when He spoke to the woman at the well:
“The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”
—John 4:14
When you are born again, this life flows into you. It is the same life that flows through God Himself.
Made Alive with Christ
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that believers have been made alive with God’s life:
- “And you He made alive…” (Ephesians 2:1)
- “He gave us the very life of Christ Himself.” (Amplified Bible)
- “God thrilled us with the same new life of Jesus.” (The Way Translation)
That is powerful truth.
If you are a Christian, you have the same life in you that God has in Himself.
Paul prayed that believers would know “the exceeding greatness of His power at work in you” (Ephesians 1:19). Understanding eternal life will transform how you see yourself—no longer merely human, but alive with divine life.
You Can Know You Have Eternal Life
The Apostle John writes:
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
—1 John 5:13
You don’t have to wonder. You don’t have to hope. You can know.
Meditate on these truths. Speak them over yourself. Let them renew your mind and lift you into greater faith and victory.
Eternal Life and Immortality
One day, this eternal life will extend beyond our spirits and into our physical bodies. The Bible calls this immortality.
“This mortal must put on immortality… then shall be brought to pass the saying, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’”
—1 Corinthians 15:53–54
Physical death will not have the final word. Life will.
The Best Is Yet to Come
God’s victory over sin, Satan, and death is so complete that one day there will be no evidence they ever existed.
What God has already done in us is revolutionary—but it’s only the beginning.
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard… the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
—1 Corinthians 2:9
Creation itself is waiting for what’s coming next (Romans 8:22–23). And so are we.
Good News That Never Ends
The Good News truly is the best news on the planet. Light is greater than darkness. Life is greater than death. Good is greater than evil.
If you are a Christian, the bad news won’t last forever—but the Good News will.
According to the Bible, the best is yet to come.
For a deeper dive into this powerful subject, check out the 4-message audio series “Eternal Life vs. Living Forever”available at gregfritz.org.