And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life.
And {G2532} this {G3778} is {G2076} the promise {G1860} that {G3739} he {G846} hath promised {G1861} us {G2254}, even eternal {G166} life {G2222}.
And this is what he has promised us: eternal life.
And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life.
And this is the promise which he promised us, even the life eternal.
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John 10:28
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. -
Titus 3:7
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. -
Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. -
John 17:2
As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. -
John 17:3
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. -
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. -
1 John 1:2
(For the life was manifested, and we have seen [it], and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
1 John 2:25 stands as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His people, succinctly stating the ultimate benefit of their relationship with Him: eternal life. This verse serves as an anchor of hope and assurance for believers, emphasizing the certainty of a divine promise.
Context
This verse appears amidst a broader discussion in 1 John 2 about true fellowship with God, distinguishing genuine believers from those who deny Christ. John has just warned against "antichrists" and those who deny the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22). He stresses the importance of abiding in Christ and His truth, specifically the "anointing" (likely referring to the Holy Spirit) that teaches them all things and ensures they remain in Him. It is in this context of steadfastness in truth and rejection of falsehood that the promise of eternal life is reaffirmed as the blessed outcome of genuine faith.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek phrase for "eternal life" is zōē aiōnios (ζωὴ αἰώνιος). While aiōnios can refer to duration (age-long, everlasting), its primary emphasis in theological contexts like this often points to the quality of life—a life characterized by God's nature, presence, and power. It is a life that transcends the limitations of earthly existence and is intrinsically linked to knowing God and Jesus Christ, as Christ Himself declared in John 17:3.
Practical Application
For believers, 1 John 2:25 offers profound assurance and comfort. It reminds us that our faith is not in vain, and our future is secure in God's hands. This promise should instill:
This verse beautifully encapsulates the ultimate blessing bestowed upon those who genuinely believe and remain in Christ, offering a clear and certain hope for eternity.