does not mean mere perpetuity of existence, but refers to Christ, and the life He gives to those who believe. The apostle John in both gospel and epistle applies the phrase to Christ Himself; we receive it from Him. He, indeed, is our life. Eternal life begins in a believer the moment he is born again (perpetuity of existence he had before in distinction from the beasts that perish), and will never end. He cannot lose it (John 10). It is a holy, sinless life. In proportion as we live in the power of it are we like Christ. Its true sphere is heaven.