In my word study for the word Eternal,I have found there are three different definitions for the word Eternal, used in the Holy Bible. Using the Hebrew and the Greek words, I will attempt to differentiate them so there is no doubt of their importance.
The first definition for Eternal refers to the Hebrew word-qedem{keh’-dem}or qedmah{kayd’-maw}. It means anciently, of old (adverb)or ancient time, aforetime, ancient,from of old, earliest time or east, front, from the front or east, infront. This version of the word Eternal occurs in as many as 87 instances in the bible. Including, “The Eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say , Destroy them.” Deutoronomy 33:27
The second definition for Eternal refers to the Hebrew word-’owlam{o-lawm’}or ‘olam{o-lawm’}. It means long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore,perpetual, old , ancient, world, or ancient time, long time(past), for ever, always, continuous existence, perpetual or everlasting, indefinite or unending future eternity. This version occurs in as many as 439 instances in the bible. Including, “Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated With no one passing through, I will make you an everlasting(eternal) pride, A joy from generation to generation.” Isaiah 60:15 Note: Here the NASB version uses everlasting instead of eternal but they are interchangeable.
The third definition for eternal refers to the Greek word aionios{ahee-o’-nee-os}It means without beginning or end, that which always has been and always will be, or without beginning, or without end, never to cease, everlasting. This version occurs at least 71 times in the bible. Including, “And behold one came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” Matthew 19:16 This is the definition we are dealing with regarding Eternal Life.
I will concentrate on this third version and it’s relation to ETERNAL LIFE, that which is received once one has believed and trusted in the works of Christ for salvation, after recognizing that they deserve Hell because of their sin nature. According to Unger’s Bible Dictionary:
Eternal life is a priceless treasure, the gift of God. It is not to be confused with mere endless existence, which all possess, saved as well as unsaved. Christ said, “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10). This life is nothing less than “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). It is likened to a birth from above (John 3:3; 1:13) and is dependent upon receiving Christ as Savior. “ He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life” (1 John 5:12). Eternal Life must not be confused with natural life. This form of life(natural) is subject to death and human regeneration. Spiritual life has a beginning, but no end. The difference is that one possessing mere natural life will be separated
eternally from God in the lake of fire, whereas the one possessing Eternal Life will be in God’s Heaven forever(eternally). Thus separation from God is Eternal death; union with God is Eternal Life.
In conclusion, the focus on Eternal is to assist those who may not have quite seen that, Once you have Eternal Life, that there is NO Way it can be lost, or rejected, or given away. You are saved Forever, sealed by the Holy Spirit. Once Saved Always Saved.
References:
www.biblestudy.org
The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, by Merrill F. Unger
The New American Standard Bible
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