D.Litt. et Phil. / The important problem encountered was to render a representative and reliable summary account of the vast subject of the meaning of life according to the entire Old and New Testaments in such a way that a proper synthesis thereof could be given within the sphere of one introductory chapter (Chapter 2). The major method implemented in the main part of the thesis was as follows. Firstly, all the passages/verses in which the Johannine terms for life and eternal life (Greek: rdytj and Mil ait'ovtog) occur in the Gospel of John and in 1 John, were exegeted within their respective immediate and broader contexts. Secondly, the most important nuances of the meaning and experience of eternal life according to the Johannine perspective, were defined, as they became apparent from such exegesis in each particular instance. This procedure was followed by a proper synthesis of the said definitions in order to gain a representative overall picture of the principal descriptions of the two relevant aspects. Eventually the practical applications and consequences for the praxis of the Christian church and the individual believer in our contemporary society flowing from the above-mentioned findings, were spelt out in a final chapter. The enriching results flowing from the implementation of the above-mentioned methods/procedure include the profound insights gained with regard to the depth and richness of the meaning of eternal life from the perspective of the two relevant aspects thereof, as well as the implications thereof for the proper, Scriptural ways in which the abundance of this life can be experienced by all Christians. Lastly, the challenging ways in which the contemporary church and the individual Christian can demonstrate this life in our modern society for the advancement of God's spiritual kingdom on earth, also became apparent. Amongst the most important characteristics of eternal life, as well as the appropriate consequences of its actualisation in and through God's children which came to the fore, are the following. Eternal life is a spiritual category/dimension of life. It is God's own, unique life. This life will be experienced fully when Christ returns.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:10002 |
| Date | 11 September 2012 |
| Creators | Van Wyk, Abraham Johannes |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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