The Scripture teaches that death is not the end of existence, but rather a transition to everlasting life (John 11:25-26). The Bible says that the soul of humans can exist forever, raising questions about immortality. If humans are going to live forever, does this mean they are immortal, and if so, were they born immortal? Is immortality the same as eternal life?
Understanding the Terminology:
It’s essential to understand the terms used in this discussion. Two terms often used interchangeably are “Eternal Life” and “Everlasting Life.” While they convey the idea of a life that never ends, there is a subtle difference:
- Eternal Life refers to a life that is timeless, beyond the bounds of time and space, emphasizing the quality of life, not just its duration. It focuses on the relationship with God, enjoying His presence and fellowship, and begins at salvation.
- Everlasting Life emphasizes the duration of life, lasting forever without end, focusing on the quantity of life, its endless nature. It often refers to the afterlife, the life to come.
Immortality means not being subject to death (1 Timothy 6:16). However, the Bible says God alone has immortality (1 Timothy 6:16 AMP). Only God has life in Himself, and He alone is deathless in His essence (John 5:26 AMP). Yet, the Bible also teaches that immortality is not genetic but something God imparts to believers (2 Timothy 1:10).
In the Old Testament, immortality is seen as the result of living righteously before God (Proverbs 12:28 AMP). The New Testament teaches the same thing, stating that God grants immortality to humans who trust in Him (Romans 2:6-7 NIV, 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 AMP).
From these passages, we discover three things about immortality:
- Immortality is given only to believers, not unbelievers (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).
- Immortality is a gift from God (Romans 2:6-7).
- Believers become immortal when this mortal body puts on an immortal one (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).
God the Son, Jesus Christ, brought immortality to believers (2 Timothy 1:10 AMP). Therefore, according to the Bible, humanity is not immortal by nature. Immortality is achieved when the body of the believer is raised and transformed and then united with the soul (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).
Christians have an immortal inheritance awaiting them (1 Peter 1:3-5 AMP, Revelation 21:1-4 AMP). Immortality occurs at the resurrection when the believer receives a new body from the Lord and is not the same as eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:53-54). Believers receive eternal life the moment they put all their trust in Jesus Christ (John 17:2-3 AMP, 1 John 5:11-12 AMP).
In summary, the immortality of God and humans differ:
- God had no beginning or end, while believers had a beginning but will have no end (Revelation 1:8).
- Immortality is basic to God’s nature, not humanity’s (1 Timothy 6:16).
- God is immortal, while believers will receive immortality (2 Timothy 1:10).
- God is immortal in His essence, while believers will obtain immortality (John 5:26).
https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-eternal-life.html
https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_103.cfm
https://www.ucg.org/world-news-and-prophecy/can-man-attain-immortality
