When does eternal life begin?

This is actually very simple.  Again, in John 3:16, it says that if we believe then we will not perish, but have everlasting life.  Every time we see this throughout the Book of John it implies that eternal life begins the moment you believe.  In Romans 6:4 it states that we who believe in Him “have been buried with Him through baptism into death in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”  Also, Romans 6:11 states, “Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus”.  2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away; behold new things have come.”   Galatians 2:20 states, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”  And Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Looking back at each of these passages, it is obvious that we could not have a change, receive a new creation, etc. without receiving eternal life.  Therefore, eternal life begins at the moment we believe in Jesus Christ.

How do I receive eternal salvation (life)?

How do I receive eternal salvation?

Commentary by John Kaul

Definition of Salvation

First you must understand that, according to Webster’s dictionary, the term salvation means “something that saves”.  It does not always mean being saved from hell.  Similarly, the term “saved” does not always mean being saved from hell.  You must always consider the context of a New Testament passage when you see these terms as most of the time they are not referring to being saved from hell.

A great example of the misunderstanding of these terms can be seen in Romans 10:9-10.  It is remarkable how many famous preachers and teachers have totally misused this passage over the years.  They say that if you do not confess Jesus with your mouth you will not be saved from hell.  That is not only wrong, that is not what this passage is talking about.  The subject Paul is talking about here is Israel’s present rejection.  He begins in Romans 9:30.  In Romans 10:9-10, he is saying that if the Jews will repent and recognize who Jesus is and confess Him as Lord, they will be saved from their enemies.  Remember, when this was written, Israel was under the rule of the Romans.  These verses have nothing to do with salvation from hell.

Gospel of John

John 20:30-31 state the purpose of this gospel.  It is to bring people to believe in Christ so that they may have eternal life.  Eternal Life is salvation from hell.  This is the only book in the New Testament written to unbelievers with the purpose being to convince them of who Jesus is and how to receive Eternal Life (salvation from hell).

Throughout this gospel it is clear that we simply need to believe in Christ to receive eternal life (be saved from hell).  Nothing else is required.  Absolutely nothing!  Look at the following verses.

John 3:15             John 3:16  believe and you will be saved and have eternal life

John 4:14  simply drink (believe) and receive eternal life

John 5:24 believe to receive eternal life

John 6:40 believe to receive eternal life

John 6:47 believe to receive eternal life

John 11:26 believe to receive eternal life

John 20:31 believe to receive eternal life

Definition of Believe

Webster’s dictionary defines “believe” as being convinced or having as a conviction.  Therefore, to believe simply means to be convinced of something.

Analysis of John 3:14-18

To thoroughly understand John 3:16 it is good to look at what Jesus is saying in verse 14.  He is referring to Numbers 21:9.  In Numbers 21, God is disciplining the children of wilderness through venomous snake bites.  It is believed that the particular snake referred to would cause a person to suffer for 2 or 3 days before dying.  All that was required of the people to be saved from physical death in Numbers 21:9 was to simply look at the bronze serpent.  They did not have to come forward (they probably could not since they were probably laying in the sand in misery).  They did not have to say or do anything.  They simply had to look.  But many did not look because they were not convinced it would help them.

In John 3, Jesus refers to this story to help Nicodemus understand what he says in verses 15 and 16.  John 3:16 could not be more clear.  If you believe (are convinced) in Jesus you will not perish (go to hell or cease to exist), but have eternal life (live forever).

The answer to the question is clear.  Believe in Jesus and you will be saved from hell.  You will be raised from the dead and live forever.