A very real problem that must be faced frankly and resolved honestly and Biblically is the relationship between two frequently used scriptural terms, “eternal life” and “immortality,” and the far-reaching provisions for which they stand. Are they actually identical in meaning, being simply different expressions for the same thing, such as “regeneration” and the “new birth”? Or are there basic differences? Some maintain that they are one and the same—“eternal life” being, in reality, simply an equivalent for “immortality.” If that be so then the terms can properly be equated, and the one expression used interchangeably for the other.CFF1 452.6

But this assertion must be put to test, for if such a contention be true, then its correctness can be substantiated by substituting one term for the other in the various passages. If correct, such a usage should always make sense, without straining the meaning or creating conflict and confusion. On the other hand—and far more important—if such a procedure does violence to both the general and the specific teachings of Scripture, it is manifestly wrong. Let us therefore test out this matter, for much haziness and grave misconception exist in the popular mind over the question, Are eternal life and Immortality interchangeable terms? We cannot afford to be mistaken as to their relationships.CFF1 453.1

As a clue in advance, we shall find, in general, that eternal life is a life of union with God in Christ. It begins now, in trust, and comes to consummation in the tangible bestowal of Immortality, or deathlessness, for man at the Second Advent and its attendant resurrection. It is likewise true that eternal life is the portion of the believer only, not the inherent privilege of the sinner. Awareness of these principles will make it easier to follow the specific evidence to be presented. First look at some foundational facts.CFF1 453.2

2. GOD’S IMMORTALITY ABSOLUTE; MAN’S ALWAYS CONTINGENT

The “life” that Greek philosophy fondly fancied might exist intrinsically in the soul itself is, on the contrary, to be found solely in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. Moreover, the life that He will bestow upon His people is vastly greater and more wonderful than Plato ever conceived. But the fundamental point of disparity is this: Apart from Christ, there is no abiding life. And aside from the pure Christian faith, all other systems or philosophical concepts as concerns life and Immortality are distorted by error. In the gospel of the Word alone is to be found truth without error, as pertains to life in all its aspects. To this Word we therefore turn.CFF1 453.3

First of all, Scripture reveals that God alone is eternal, that is, without beginning or end. (“From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God”—Psalm 90:2.) He alone has absolute Immortality—independent, innate, inalienable, “original, unborrowed, underived,” inviolable, inexhaustible, all-comprehensive Immortality (1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:16). Man, on the contrary, is a created being, a creature of time, who was not, but came into being, and can pass out of being at the will of God. Man, mortal since the Fall and subject to death, is to receive Immortality, or immunity to death. It is to be bestowed upon him as a gift, but not until the Second Advent and its attendant resurrection-translation of the righteous.CFF1 454.1

In contrast with God’s Innate Immortality, man’s conferred Immortality will be derived, dependent, contingent, and not self-perpetuating, but ever subject to God’s continuing grace and power. Man will never have Immortality independent of God. This should never be forgotten. What God has created He can dissolve and destroy. Without life from God we are under sentence of death, past all hope, and dead or dying by reason of trespasses and sins. And Immortality will never be bestowed upon the willfully wicked. It is for the righteous alone.CFF1 454.2

3. ETERNAL LIFE—GOD’S BY NATURE; MAN’S TO RECEIVE

Eternal life [zoe aionios] is proffered to man, and promised to him if he believes and obeys the conditions laid down for its reception. In such an event he is “ordained” unto eternal life. It will become his as a “gift.” He is to “lay hold” upon it. But for man, eternal life is ever vested in Christ. Man has it now in Christ—but only when he is “in Christ,” and Christ is “in him.” So “eternal life” is the broader, more comprehensive term. It is God’s inherently, and man’s to receive conditionally and contingently. And it is his now in the way God has provided. The distinctions are precise and consistent but are often confused.CFF1 454.3

4. BOTH ETERNAL LIFE AND IMMORTALITY CENTER IN CHRIST

As with Immortality, so with eternal life for man, it likewise centers exclusively in the Person of Jesus Christ our Lord—incarnate, sinless, crucified, risen, ascended, ministering, and coming again as inerrant judge and eternal King. He, and He alone, is its source and spring. Man forfeited eternal life through sin, but it is offered to him anew by God through Christ, as a future eternal inheritance for the “world to come.” But more than that, it is assured now through regeneration, and possessed now in Christ, then to be enjoyed in immortalized realization through resurrection or translation at the Advent.CFF1 455.1

Eternal life is therefore much more comprehensive than Immortality, which in time begins for man only at the resurrection. Eternal life is a present possession, as well as being a postresurrection heritage forever. It is positive. It is endless fullness of life, while Immortality is negative, that is, not subject to death and corruption.CFF1 455.2

5. ETERNAL LIFE BASED ON DUAL RELATIONSHIPS

Eternal life, then, is something we both have now in Christ and shall receive with new fullness and personalized reality in the world to come (Luke 18:30). This dual relationship must be sustained. We must be, and continue to be, “in Christ,” and Christ “in us”—this being our sole “hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Christ lives in me, bringing His life and power and victory to bear in my life—my eternal life being vested in Him (Galatians 2:20).CFF1 455.3

Thus my present eternal life and my future Immortality for eternity are assured as long as this relationship continues. And as the gospel is positive, and eternal life is positive, the term “eternal life” is consequently used by the New Testament writers much more frequently than “immortality.” It is God’s over-all offer of life to man. So much for a general statement.CFF1 455.4

6. SOUND CONCLUSIONS DEDUCIBLE FROM SCRIPTURE EVIDENCE

Coming now to the detailed examination of the Scripture evidence, we hereafter tabulate three groups of texts that present the scope and, reveal the distinctions and relationships between eternal life and Immortality. The first group unfolds the broad, over-all, comprehensive eternal life that characterizes God and Christ, as well as the regenerating life principle implanted in man, in contrast with the immortalized resurrection life for the future. Eternal life for man now, is a present possession that transforms the life that is lived “in Christ,” and that assures the resurrection of the believer unto Immortality at the last day.CFF1 456.1

It is the life that brings full assurance and glorious hope, and that has the inviolable guarantee of God the Eternal, the Immortal One, back of it. Scan the list carefully in order to grasp the sweep of provisions. Sound conclusions will be deducible from this comprehensive Scripture coverage.CFF1 456.2

New Testament Testimony on “Eternal Life”

Note the qualifiers: “May have,” “shall go into,” “may inherit,” “in the world to come,” “springing up into,” “unto,” “should give,” “unworthy of,” “ordained to,” “seek for,” the “end” resultant, “reap,” “lay hold on,” “in hope of,” “manifested unto,” and “promised.” That is the conditional, or contingent, side. It is expressly not innate, natural, inherent, nor automatically possessed.CFF1 456.3

III. The Five English Uses of Immortal/Immortality Examined

V. Eternal Life—Present Possession, but in Christ