What does it mean to have eternal life according to the Bible?

Eternal life, as described in John 17:3, is fundamentally knowing God and Jesus Christ. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but involves an intimate relationship reflected through faith and trust in Christ. In John 5:24, Jesus emphasizes that those who hear His word and believe His divine mission have passed from death to life, indicating a transformative change that occurs at the moment of belief. Moreover, eternal life signifies not only future hope but also present assurance of a renewed relationship with God, ensuring that believers are justified and will not stand condemned before Him. Thus, eternal life is both a present reality and a future promise for those in Christ.