1 John 2:25
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
God's promise of eternal life runs throughout Scripture, from Genesis 3:15's proto-gospel to Revelation 22:5's eternal reign. Old Testament saints trusted God's promise though its fullness awaited Christ's revelation. Abraham "looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:10). The prophets spoke of coming age when death would be swallowed up (Isaiah 25:8) and God would dwell with His people forever (Ezekiel 37:26-27).
Jesus proclaimed eternal life as present reality for believers: "He that believeth on me hath everlasting life" (John 6:47). This was revolutionary—not future hope only but current possession. Yet full experience awaits consummation when believers receive resurrection bodies and dwell in new creation. Paul described this as "already/not yet"—possessing eternal life now, awaiting its full revelation (Romans 8:23-25, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54).
The Reformation recovered assurance of eternal life as present possession through faith in Christ, contra medieval uncertainty requiring purgatorial purification. Calvin taught that believers can know they have eternal life based on God's promise received through faith, not on fluctuating feelings or insufficient works. John's statement became foundational for Protestant assurance: God promised eternal life; believers have it through abiding in Christ confessed in apostolic truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing eternal life is God's promise (not human achievement) provide assurance despite personal failures and struggles?
- In what ways do you experience eternal life now (present possession) while awaiting its full consummation?
- How should certainty of God's promise of eternal life shape your daily priorities, choices, and responses to suffering?
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Analysis & Commentary
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. John identifies the glorious promise secured by abiding in apostolic truth. "And this is the promise" (kai hautē estin hē epangelia)—epangelia means pledge, commitment, assurance given by God. "That he hath promised us" (hēn autos epēngeilato hēmin)—the aorist "hath promised" (epēngeilato) indicates definite past action with continuing validity. God made this promise; it stands secure. Autos (he himself) is emphatic—God Himself guarantees the promise.
"Even eternal life" (tēn zōēn tēn aiōnion)—the promise is eternal life. This isn't merely endless existence but the very life of God (4:9)—qualitatively different from biological life, characterized by knowledge of God (John 17:3) and fellowship with Father and Son (verse 24). "Eternal" (aiōnios) denotes both quality (divine, imperishable) and duration (everlasting, without end). This life is both present possession ("hath everlasting life," John 5:24) and future consummation ("shall inherit eternal life," Matthew 19:29).
The connection to verses 24-25 is crucial: abiding in apostolic truth about Christ ensures abiding in Father and Son, which is eternal life. The promise isn't earned by abiding but received through faith that abides. Those who reject apostolic truth about Christ forfeit the promise. Those who confess the Son and abide in apostolic gospel receive God's promise—eternal life secured by God's own commitment, not human merit or perseverance apart from grace.