Eternal life is truly given, but it can be freely rejected because grace doesn’t cancel free will. Salvation is a real relationship, and relationships can be abandoned and they can improve. At the core, I read the words 'he who hears My word and believes' as an active, living faith. I also read numerous warnings in scripture for believers about falling away. The promise applies to the one who remains in Christ and not to a past moment of belief detached from perseverance. It's a theological difference. But I think you already know this. Catholics understand faith as a journey, a daily walk.

Replies (1)

Josh's avatar
Josh 2 weeks ago
I have much to say, but I will try to stick with this text: Jesus says the person who believes already has eternal life. In other words, the believer already has possession of unending bliss, and the happy enjoyment of it in Christ, who Himself is the true God and eternal life (1 John 5:20). (Eph. 2:6 goes so far as to say a believer is already seated with Christ in the heavenly places, at the Father's right hand). And He says this believing person does not come under judgment. He says they have already passed from death to life. Is the Roman position that a person raised from the dead to eternal life (the happy possession of endless bliss) can still die and come under judgment?