If we would understand the statements of the New Testament concerning eternal life we must realize that the expression in its fullest sense refers to the resurrection of the body to a certain kind of life—not just to perpetual existence but to a specific kind of perpetual existence.

What does "have everlasting life" mean? Is it the same thing as going to Heaven?—as being washed in the blood of the Lamb?—as being born again?

We know that eternal life is the Substance of Christ Jesus in us. As we eat His flesh and drink His blood we have eternal life in us. If we cultivate that eternal life, learning to live by it, the Lord Jesus will raise us when He appears and we will be eternally alive with Divine Life in body, soul, and spirit.

There is the biologic life of flesh and blood and then there is eternal life. If we would attain resurrection unto life in the Presence of God and Christ we must develop and nourish the portion of eternal life given us when we received Christ.

We must learn to think of our initial experience with Christ as being the beginning of our quest for eternal life. At the outset, righteousness is imputed to us. Our sins are forgiven by means of the blood atonement made by the Lord Jesus on the cross of Calvary. The Divine Seed is planted in us. We are touched with a beginning portion of eternal life, a deposit on the fullness of eternal life that will be ours if we pursue Christ until we attain the mark set before us as an individual.

Thus we are given a marvelous start. Now it is up to us to fight the good fight of faith, laying hold on eternal life until we attain the out-resurrection, the first resurrection from the dead.

We must always keep in mind that every aspect of salvation is an opportunity. There is a spirit of assurance among evangelical people that is not based on reality. Godly assurance is a blessing but false assurance is a destructive deception.

We must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, not with a blithe, overconfident attitude that we are a favorite of God and no matter how we behave God would never punish us severely nor could we possibly lose our inheritance of eternal life. God always is looking to see if we are serving Him. There are no favorites, no respect of persons. The believer who continues in well doing will inherit eternal life. The believer who is careless, not being careful to observe the Lord's commandments, will inherit corruption in the Day of the Lord. (from Laying Hold on Eternal Life)