Replies

As you surmised, my time is limited. But you have raised a point that deserves an answer.

The question seems to be, When does eternal life begin? Is it a state that one attains only in the far future, or can it be obtained here and now?

I believe both alternatives are consistent with scripture; to suggest otherwise is to pose a false dichotomy.

You have cited John 3:36 and John 5:24 to support the idea that eternal life is something that can be obtained here and now. I agree, and would add John 17:3:

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)

You suggested that to know God is to have a personal relationship with him; I agreed.

But how can we have a personal relationship with the Father and the Son, whom we cannot see? The answer, of course, is that the Holy Spirit makes it possible:

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:21-26)

Note that the Father sends the Holy Ghost to those who love Jesus Christ and keep His commandments.

So yes, eternal life, defined as a relationship with God, is available in here and now to those who love and obey God.

However, there is more, as I hope to show in a future post.

In the Religion forum, on a thread titled Mormon Doctrine (1958–2010), RIP., Logophile wrote:

You have cited John 3:36 and John 5:24 to support the idea that eternal life is something that can be obtained here and now.

I agree, and would add John 17:3:

You have posted Scripture that you wish us to look at.

Why is it that MORMONs just IGNORE the SCRIPTURE that PROVES their religious organization is NOT of GOD??

KJV

Galatians 1:6-9

6. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7. Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

2 Corinthians 11:12-15

12. But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.