CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIANS’ PERCEPTION OF THE CONCEPT OF ETERNAL LIFE IN JOHANNINE LITERATURE

Abstract

This paper examined the view of contemporary Christians on the concept of eternal life in Johannine Literature. The phrase Johannine Literature refers to the New Testament writings of John, the disciple of Jesus, such as the Gospel of John, I, II, III John and the book of
Revelation. This study becomes necessary in view of the contradictory opinions amongst scholars and contemporary Christians on the subject matter, especially as presented by John in his literature. The research involved a brief exegetical study of some relevant Johannine passages to ascertain the author’s thought on eternal life as a ‘realized’, or a ‘yet to come’ reality. In addition, a field study that required series of interviews of selected respondents was also germane to this study so as to ascertain the perception of contemporary Christians in Benin City on the subject matter. The study revealed amongst others, that John’s theology on eternal
life is a present-continuous possession for Christians. That is, John emphasized that Christians receive eternal life here on earth and it continues with them into the afterlife. Again, the study further revealed, that there appears to be significant level of inconsistencies and sometimes confusion among Christians, Church leaders and denominational heads on the actual meaning of eternal life. In order to address this lapse in knowledge, the study recommended that leaders of various Christian groups should devote quality time to the study and teaching of the doctrine of eternal life because of its relevance to the Christian faith.