The purpose of this thesis was to analyze occurrences of the words 'life' and 'eternal life' in the context of the Fourth Gospel's narratives, discourses, and dialogues. John's Gospel reveals basic inherent features of the eternal life given to those who confess that the Messiah is Jesus. Though current scholarship acknowledges a present possession of eternal life, experiencing that abundant life requires an understanding of the stated and implied characteristics of Jesus' life.

The method of research first analyzed the literary structure of the Gospel specific to the first twelve chapters, to identify the function of each narrative story, in the context of John's concept of eternal life. Second, a detailed word study was done on the words 'life' and 'eternal life' as they occur throughout the New Testament. The use of these terms were analyzed in John to identify specific belief responses surrounding the context of defining eternal life as knowing Jesus. Third, the method of research conducted exegesis of the specific pericopes surrounding the use of the terms in order to gain insight into the theological implications of the eternal life given to the believer.

The results of the thesis found that life is conveyed by John the Apostle as knowing Jesus. The selected narratives are structured toward revealing life as Jesus. Jesus is described as the Word of God who explains God's character and attributes. Jesus' life is specifically described as light that enlightens man to the darkness of one's sin. The believer's faith response yields an interpersonal relationship with Jesus and thereby grants one the ability to know God. Eternal life has basic feature of spiritual rebirth through obedience in confession of Jesus' Messianic role. Eternal life is available to all who confess Jesus regardless of race, religious status, or one's social situation. The life in Jesus has an sustaining ability to meet the deepest need of his people for true worship and genuine relationship to God the Father. Jesus grants eternal life to those who believe for both present and future eschatological realities.