GAINING ETERNAL LIFE, Chapter 8 of Holy Priesthood Volume 2

GAINING ETERNAL LIFE,  Chapter 8 of Holy Priesthood Volume 2

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We have power, through the priesthood, to gain eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God.

Eternal life and everlasting life, according to the definitions by dictionaries and churches of the world, mean the same thing and are used interchangeably. However, in taking a closer look at the use of these two terms in some passages of scripture, we find there is a distinction. Most Christian churches believe that only a few people will be saved and have everlasting life; however, this chapter will show that almost all mankind will be saved and have everlasting life, but only a few will receive eternal life.

The Apostle Paul said, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order. . . .” (1 Cor. 15:22-23) This seems to indicate that all the children of Adam will be saved and receive life everlasting. Again from Paul, “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” (Rom. 14:11; see also Isa. 45:23; Phil. 2:10-11.) And, John saw “nations of them which are saved.” (Rev. 21:24) But just being saved to an everlasting life is different from an eternal life.

Notice how easy it is to be saved because of the promise that “whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have [67] everlasting life.” (John 3:16) But then another time Jesus said, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:14) Here He was speaking of eternal life, which would apply to only a few, whereas nations of people will be saved to an everlasting life.