What is the relationship between belief and eternal life?

The relationship between belief and eternal life is a central theme within the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament. John 3:16 articulates that 'whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,' clearly linking belief with the promise of eternal life. This theme recurs throughout Scripture, reinforcing that genuine faith in Christ is not merely an acknowledgment of His existence but an active trust in His redemptive work. Furthermore, passages in John’s epistles affirm that those who believe in the Son of God have life (1 John 5:11-12), consolidating the understanding that the assurance of eternal life is inextricably linked to one’s relationship with Christ through faith.