Journal: Pneumatikos
Volume: PNEUMATIKOS 15:2 (Fall 2024)
Article: An Intentional Theology Of Eternal Life In Johannine Literature
Author: E. Dane Rogers

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An Intentional Theology Of Eternal Life In Johannine Literature

E. Dane Rogers

Tacoma Grace Bible Church
True Grace Books
Chafer Theological Seminary
Tacoma, Washington, USA

Keywords: eternal life, Gospel of John, discourse analysis, verbal aspect, Aktionsart, substantival participle, transitivity, tense­form vs. tense­function, position vs. practice, perseverance, faith alone, John 3:36, John 5:24

Abstract: This article refutes the arguments of J.C. Davis that the Johannine corpus does not teach or support the concept of once-saved-always-saved. Two verses are considered in detail: John 3:36 and John 5:24. In each case, the author first analyzes Davis’ assertions of grammatical evidence to support his claim, then analyzes the contextual congruity of his argument before proposing a more holistic approach consistent with contemporary advances in Greek discourse grammar, as well as a consistent approach to building a theology from the textual evidence of Scripture.

Introduction

The purpose of this article is to employ an intentional method of theology to the promise of eternal life presented in John’s Gospel to the believer. This topic has come about in response to

Pneumatikos 15:2 (Fall 2024) p. 34

a paper titled The Johannine Concept of Eternal Life as a Present Possession, by J. C. Davis.1 In his paper, Davis presents the data of his research in an organized and helpful format, but his theological method is lacking, which becomes evident as he progresses from synthesis to application. In his conclusion, he affirms that “the Christian here and now has ‘eternal life’… Just as the Father ‘has life,’ the Son ‘has life’; also the ‘one who believes has eternal life…’ ”2 However, Davis goes on to argue that such “eternal life” can be forfeited, and that this is “implied in the use of the present tense in John 3:36; 5:24; and clearly stated in Hebrews 3:12.”3 Davis portrays his conclusion as exegetical when in fact it is theologically derived. In response, this writer will methodically assess Davis’ claim that John’s teaching on eternal life permits th...