1 John 2:25

KJV

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} this {G3778} is {G2076} the promise {G1860} that {G3739} he {G846} hath promised {G1861} us {G2254}, even eternal {G166} life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And this is what he has promised us: eternal life.

Berean Standard Bible

And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life.

American Standard Version

And this is the promise which he promised us, even the life eternal.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 2:25 stands as a foundational declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His people, succinctly affirming the ultimate benefit of their relationship with Him: eternal life. This verse serves as a profound anchor of hope and assurance for believers, emphasizing the certainty and divine origin of this glorious promise, which undergirds all genuine faith and steadfastness in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within John's urgent discourse on discerning true fellowship with God from the deceptive claims of "antichrists" (plural, indicating many false teachers) who deny the Father and the Son. Immediately preceding this verse, John warns against those who "deny the Father and the Son" ([1 John 2:22](/1-john/2-22 "1 John 2:22 - The Spirit of Antichrist")). He then strongly urges believers to "let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning" ([1 John 2:24](/1-john/2-24 "1 John 2:24 - Abiding in the Truth")), referring to the apostolic teaching about Christ. The "anointing" (likely the Holy Spirit) that teaches them truth is also mentioned as a means of remaining in Christ. It is in this context of steadfast adherence to Christ's truth and rejection of falsehood that the promise of eternal life is powerfully reaffirmed as the certain outcome for those who genuinely abide in Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's epistle was written to early Christian communities grappling with emergent Gnostic-like heresies. These false teachings often denied the true humanity of Jesus (Docetism) or separated the divine Christ from the human Jesus, thereby undermining the efficacy of His atoning work. Such denials directly challenged the core of Christian faith and the identity of God. In this turbulent environment, John's emphasis on "the promise" and "eternal life" served to ground believers in the objective truth of the gospel, providing assurance amidst doctrinal confusion and spiritual warfare. The promise was not a vague hope but a concrete reality guaranteed by the God who cannot lie, offering stability to those facing persecution and internal strife.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 1 John. Firstly, it underscores **the Certainty of God's Promise**, reiterating that eternal life is not a human aspiration but a divine guarantee, directly from God. This certainty is crucial for believers facing opposition and doubt. Secondly, it illuminates **the Nature of Eternal Life**, clarifying that this promise is not merely unending temporal existence but a profound quality of life—the very life of God (*zōē aiōnios* in Greek)—which begins in the present through fellowship with Christ and extends into eternity. This qualitative aspect is vital, as seen in Jesus' own definition in [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Jesus' Definition of Eternal Life"). Thirdly, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the surrounding context (especially [1 John 2:24](/1-john/2-24 "1 John 2:24 - Abiding in the Truth")) strongly links the reception and experience of this promise to **Abiding in Christ** and holding fast to the truth about Him, making it a promise for those who remain faithful.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **promise (Greek, _epangelía'_):** From *epangellō*, meaning an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good). Here, it emphasizes the reliability and divine origin of the gift of eternal life, underscoring that it is not a mere human hope but a guaranteed declaration from God.
* **eternal (Greek, _aiṓnios'_):** From *aiōn*, meaning perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well). While denoting endless duration, in this theological context, *aiōnios* primarily signifies the quality of life—a life that is divine in nature, transcending temporal limitations and characterized by God's own being and presence.
* **life (Greek, _zōḗ'_):** Life, literally or figuratively. In conjunction with *aiōnios*, it refers to the spiritual, abundant, and true life that originates from God, is experienced in fellowship with Him, and extends infinitely. It is distinct from mere biological existence (*bios*) or the soul's life (*psychē*).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this is the promise":** The conjunction "And" (G2532, *kaí*) connects this statement directly to the preceding exhortation to abide in Christ and His truth. "This" (G3778, *hoûtos*) refers to the truth that has been taught from the beginning and the anointing that abides in them. The "promise" (G1860, *epangelía*) is not a new concept but a reaffirmation of something already known and central to their faith, highlighting its certainty and divine origin.
* **"that he hath promised us":** The pronoun "he" (G846, *autós*) refers unequivocally to God (the Father, in conjunction with the Son, as per the immediate context of [1 John 2:22-23](/1-john/2-22-23 "1 John 2:22-23 - Denying the Father and the Son")). The verb "hath promised" (G1861, *epangéllō*) is in the perfect tense, indicating a past action with continuing results, emphasizing the enduring validity and reliability of God's word. It is a divine assurance given specifically "us" (G2254, *hēmîn*), the believers who abide in Him.
* **"even eternal life":** This phrase clarifies the content of the promise. "Even" (G2532, *kaí*) serves as an explanatory particle, identifying the promise. "Eternal life" (G166, *aiṓnios* G2222, *zōḗ*) is the supreme blessing. As elaborated in the key word analysis, it signifies not merely unending existence but a new quality of life—a spiritual, abundant, and divine life that is characterized by fellowship with God and begins in the present, extending into a glorious future.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Assertion** and **Theological Declaration**. It is a direct, declarative statement of truth, presented as an undeniable fact. The repetition of the root word for "promise" (the noun *epangelía* and the verb *epangéllō*) creates a subtle **Emphasis**, underscoring the divine origin and reliability of the commitment. This **Emphasis** serves to bolster the confidence of believers amidst the challenges posed by false teachers, reminding them of the secure foundation of their faith. The verse functions as a definitive **Theological Declaration**, articulating a core tenet of Christian eschatology and soteriology—the ultimate destiny and gift for those in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The promise of eternal life in 1 John 2:25 is deeply interwoven with the fabric of biblical theology, serving as the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate hope for humanity. It speaks to God's faithfulness and His covenantal commitment, echoing promises made throughout the Old Testament that find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. This "eternal life" is not merely a future state but a present reality for those in Christ, a participation in God's own divine life that transforms existence now and forever. It is the antithesis of the spiritual death brought by sin and the ultimate victory over its power, secured by God's grace.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")
* [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - The Hope of Eternal Life")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound assurance of 1 John 2:25 offers immense comfort and strength to the believer. In a world characterized by uncertainty, fleeting promises, and the pervasive fear of mortality, this verse stands as an unshakeable rock. It reminds us that our faith is not built on shifting sands of human effort or transient experiences, but on the immutable promise of a faithful God. This promise should cultivate within us a deep sense of security and peace, knowing that our ultimate destiny is not annihilation or despair, but an unending, qualitative life in the very presence of God. This truth ought to motivate us to live with intentionality, discerning truth from error, and abiding steadfastly in Christ, for it is in Him that this promise is secured and experienced. It calls us to reflect on the immense value of what we have been given and to live in a manner worthy of such a glorious inheritance, allowing the hope of eternity to shape our daily choices and priorities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's promise of eternal life impact your daily anxieties and fears about the future?**
* **In what ways does understanding eternal life as a *quality* of life (God's life) rather than just unending duration change your perspective on your present relationship with God?**
* **Given that this promise is for those who "abide" in Christ, what practical steps can you take to deepen your abiding relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "eternal life" truly mean beyond just living forever?**

Answer: While "eternal life" certainly implies unending duration, its primary emphasis in the New Testament, especially in John's writings, is on the *quality* and *nature* of the life. It refers to a spiritual, abundant, and divine life that originates from God and is characterized by a deep, intimate relationship with Him. Jesus Himself defined it as knowing God and Jesus Christ ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Jesus' Definition of Eternal Life")). It is a life that transcends the limitations of earthly existence, marked by God's presence, power, and character, beginning in the present moment of faith and extending infinitely into the future.

**How can we be sure of this promise, and what is its basis?**

Answer: The certainty of this promise rests entirely on the character and faithfulness of God, who "cannot lie" ([Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God Who Cannot Lie")). It is "the promise that *he* hath promised us," emphasizing its divine origin and guarantee. Its basis is not human merit or effort, but God's sovereign grace and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. God has actively engaged to bestow this gift, and His promises are always trustworthy and unfailing, secured by the death and resurrection of His Son.

**Is eternal life something we receive only after death, or does it have a present reality?**

Answer: While the fullness of eternal life is indeed experienced after physical death and in the age to come, the New Testament clearly teaches that eternal life is also a present reality for believers. When one places faith in Jesus Christ, they "have" eternal life now ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - He Who Hears My Word Has Eternal Life")). It is a spiritual life that begins at conversion, marked by fellowship with God through the Holy Spirit, and is continually experienced as one abides in Christ. The future aspect is the consummation and complete manifestation of this life, free from sin, sorrow, and death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The promise of eternal life, so succinctly stated in [1 John 2:25](/1-john/2-25 "1 John 2:25 - The Promise of Eternal Life"), finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the messenger of this promise, but its very embodiment and the sole means of its reception. As the Word made flesh, Jesus is the source of all life ([John 1:4](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - In Him was life")), and He declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He conquered sin and death, thereby securing the possibility of eternal life for all who believe. His resurrection is the definitive proof that He has the power to give life, and indeed, He promises, "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life")). Thus, the Father's promise is realized in the Son, making eternal life not an abstract concept, but a living reality found exclusively in a relationship with Jesus Christ, who is Himself "the true God, and eternal life" ([1 John 5:20](/1-john/5-20 "1 John 5:20 - Jesus Christ, the True God and Eternal Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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;)