Vida eterna: o que significa e como alcançá-la na Bíblia

O que significa vida eterna na Bíblia

Vida eterna, na Bíblia, não significa apenas uma existência sem fim: significa conhecer a Deus e viver em comunhão com Ele já no presente. Não se trata só da quantidade de tempo após a morte, mas da qualidade de uma vida reconciliada com o Criador, iniciada no momento em que alguém crê em Jesus Cristo.

3 Eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent.(John 17:3)

16 For God loved the world, and this is how: he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who trusts in him shouldn’t die, but have eternal life.(John 3:16)

Um dom gratuito, não uma conquista humana

As Escrituras afirmam que ninguém conquista a vida eterna por merecimento, herança familiar ou esforço próprio. O pecado gerou a separação entre a humanidade e Deus, trazendo a condenação; por isso, a vida eterna é concedida como uma dádiva imerecida por meio de Jesus.

23 The wage sin pays is death, but God’s free gift is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.(Romans 6:23)

11 The evidence is this: God has given eternal life to us, and we have this life through his Son.(1 John 5:11)

16 For this reason I was shown mercy—since I’m the worst sinner, Jesus Christ could demonstrate his infinite patience as an example to those who choose to trust in him and gain eternal life.(1 Timothy 1:16)

25 Eternal life—this is what he has promised us!(1 John 2:25)

Uma certeza para o presente, não apenas para o futuro

A vida eterna não é algo incerto que se descobre apenas após o túmulo. O ensino bíblico mostra que quem ouve a palavra de Cristo e confia Naquele que O enviou já passou da morte para a vida espiritual, permanecendo seguro sob o cuidado divino.

24 I tell you the truth: those who follow what I say and trust the one who sent me have eternal life. They won’t be condemned, but have gone from death to life.

25 I tell you the truth: The time is coming—in fact it’s here already—when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live!(John 5:24,25)

36 Anyone who trusts in the Son has eternal life, but anyone who refuses to trust the Son will not experience eternal life but remains under God’s condemnation.(John 3:36)

47 I tell you the truth: anyone who trusts in him has eternal life.(John 6:47)

27 My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life; they shall never be lost, and no one can snatch them from me.(John 10:27,28)

13 I’m writing to tell those of you who trust in the name of the Son of God so you can be certain you have eternal life.(1 John 5:13)

O caminho estreito e a perseverança da fé

Receber essa nova vida implica renunciar à autossuficiência e seguir a Jesus. As Escrituras tratam esse discipulado como um caminho estreito, no qual o cristão é chamado a combater o bom combate e permanecer firme diante das dificuldades deste mundo.

14 But those who drink the water I give won’t ever be thirsty again. The water I give becomes a bubbling spring of water inside them, bringing them eternal life."(John 4:14)

68 Simon Peter answered, "Lord, who would we follow? You’re the one who has the words of eternal life.(John 6:68)

13 Enter by the narrow entrance. For the entrance is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many travel that way. 14 But the entrance is narrow, and the way is difficult that leads to life, and only a few find it.(Matthew 7:13,14)

12 Fight the good fight as you trust in God. Hold on tightly to the eternal life to which you were called. This is what you promised to do in front of many witnesses.(1 Timothy 6:12)

25 As a result he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, living always to plead their case on their behalf.(Hebrews 7:25)

10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you into his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore you, support you, strengthen you, and give you a solid foundation.(1 Peter 5:10)

A consumação e o fim do sofrimento

A plenitude da vida eterna se manifestará na ressurreição e na nova criação. As dores, lutos e fraquezas do tempo presente não têm a palavra final: a promessa bíblica aponta para uma comunhão perfeita e ininterrupta com Deus, onde a própria morte será destruída.

18 Yet I’m convinced that what we suffer in the present is nothing compared to the future glory that will be revealed to us.(Romans 8:18)

17 These trivial troubles we have only last for a little while, but they produce for us an ever-increasing degree of glory.(2 Corinthians 4:17)

2 Millions sleeping in the ground in death will awake, some to eternal life, and some to eternal shame and disgrace. 3 Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky; those who have shown many the right way to live will shine as bright as the stars forever and ever.(Daniel 12:2,3)

3 I heard a loud voice from the throne say, "Now God’s home is with human beings and he will live with them. They will be his people. God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will never happen again. There will be no mourning or crying or pain ever again for the former world no longer exists."(Revelation 21:3,4)