1. Understanding Zōē

The Greek word Zōē (ζωή) means life. In the New Testament, this word is often used to describe the life God gives through Jesus Christ.

When we study eternal life, we are not simply learning about living forever. We are learning about the life God has made available to us through His Son.

Eternal life is not something we earn through religious activities, good behaviour, or personal achievements. It is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

1 John 5:11 (KJV)

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

Notice the words “God hath given.” Eternal life comes from God, and this life is found in His Son, Jesus Christ.

2. Life Is Found in Jesus Christ

John 1:4 (KJV)

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

John teaches us that life is found in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a teacher who gives instructions about God; He is the Son of God through whom we receive eternal life.

When we believe in Jesus, we receive the gift God has provided through Him. Our relationship with God is established through Christ, not through our ability to achieve spiritual perfection by ourselves.

This truth gives believers a foundation for their faith: our life in God depends on Jesus Christ and what God has accomplished through Him.

3. Eternal Life Is a Present Gift

Some people think eternal life refers only to what happens after physical death. The Bible also speaks of eternal life as something believers possess now.

1 John 5:12–13 (KJV)

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

John wrote these words so that believers could know they have eternal life. Eternal life is not merely a possibility we hope to receive one day; it is a present gift for those who have the Son.

Believers still look forward to the resurrection and the fullness of life with God. However, they do not have to wait until the future to begin enjoying their relationship with Him.

4. Eternal Life Means Knowing God

John 17:3 (KJV)

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Jesus connects eternal life with knowing God and Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent.

Knowing God means more than knowing facts about Him. Through Jesus Christ, we are brought into a relationship with God, and we grow in understanding His character, His Word, His love, and His purposes.

As we study Scripture, pray, and learn to live according to God’s Word, we grow in our understanding of the life we have received through Christ.

Our spiritual growth does not purchase eternal life. Instead, it is part of learning to live in the light of the gift God has already given us.

5. Practical Example

Imagine a new believer who thinks, “I will have eternal life only when I die, so I cannot know whether I have it now.”

The believer can learn from 1 John 5:13 that God wants those who believe in His Son to know that they have eternal life.

This assurance does not mean that believers will never face challenges or need to grow. It means their confidence rests in God’s testimony concerning His Son.

Instead of constantly wondering whether they have earned God’s acceptance, they can learn to trust in Jesus Christ and grow in their knowledge of Him.

6. Remember

• Zōē is the Greek word for life.

• Eternal life is God’s gift through Jesus Christ.

• Those who have the Son have eternal life.

• Eternal life is a present possession for believers, with the future hope of resurrection and life with God.

• Knowing God through Jesus Christ is central to understanding eternal life.

• Spiritual growth is a response to God’s gift, not a way to earn it.

Key Scripture to Remember: 1 John 5:11 (KJV)

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”