A believer can have confidence from day 1 that they have eternal life.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

Eternal life looks like this — knowing God and Jesus.

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3

What does it mean to know God?

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Phillipians 3:13

To know God is to know the power of resurrection and participate in his sufferings. Paul is consistent in other passages

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:3-10

What are examples of “the affairs of civilian life” that get us caught up?

What are the rules that the athletes follow? What are God’s rules?

Who are the hardworking farmers and the fruit of their labor? Paul referencing Jesus’ analogy of the harvest is great but the workers are few?