The Conditionalist Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 1

V. Eternal Life—Present Possession, but in Christ

Now look at a second tabulation of texts, at first possibly in seeming conflict with the previous listing, yet upon closer examination found to be in complete harmony therewith and explanatory thereof. Only the believer has eternal life, and he has it now, and is passed from death to life. And because he has eternal life now, Christ will raise him up at the last day and bestow Immortality, or deathlessness, upon him at His second advent, and resurrection or translation. That is the time of immortalization. CFF1 456.4

But eternal life is contingent upon believing on Christ, receiving Christ, abiding in Christ, experiencing the new birth, and maintaining the “in Christ” position. No unregenerate sinner has eternal life, and no one who breaks off the living fellowship with Christ retains eternal life. Here is the Biblical documentation in nine passages, all in the apostle John’s writings. CFF1 458.1

Note the conditions in the light of these texts: Present possession is contingent upon believing, and continued believing, on the Son, and thus one passes from the realm of death unto life. Having eternal life is contingent upon living union with Christ, and such recipients will be raised up for the bestowal of Immortality at the resurrection. Eternal life is a gift, but only God’s “sheep” have eternal life; no unrepentant “murderer” (or sinner) has eternal life. But most important of all, God has given us this eternal life in His Sort. Eternal life is consequently dependent upon believing, having, and abiding in the Son. That is the simple but complete story of Holy Writ. CFF1 458.2