2202.—Eternal Life and Immortality.
Because John 5:24 says he "that believeth on Him . . . hath everlasting life" some argue that immortality is bestowed upon the Christian now. Are the terms "eternal life," "everlasting life," and "immortal," the same? "Everlasting life" and "eternal life" are the same, and come from the same Greek words. Immortality is an altogether different thing. The life of God is eternal life, given in harmony with His righteous law or will. He who yields to that law in Christ Jesus, or in other words, believes in Christ, has eternal life. 1 John 5:11-14. But this life is not absolute; it is held by faith. God gives His children the life that they may have the power to overcome. To the overcomer is given the deathless condition immortality. The life is given that we may overcome while clothed with mortality. The immortality is given because we have overcome and are fitted for eternal existence. Then, in that immortal state, eternal life will be ours absolutely for there will be no more sin. It is God's response to our faith now in order that we may perfect the incorruptible character and be given the incorruptible body.