In our most recent Teaching Notes we have looked at the Word of God and how to study the Bible. We move now to the subject of Eternity.
[These notes are from 40 years ago when I spoke to a group of pastors. The notes are in outline form.]
Eternity is a timeless, spaceless dimension of real existence where God dwells (Isaiah 57:15). Each human being of times past, present and future is headed for that dimension.
The Christian will receive –
- eternal life (John 3:15-16)
- eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12)
- eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9)
- an eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15)
- eternal glory (1 Peter 5:10)
- an eternal reward (John 4:36)
- eternal consolation (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
- an eternal name (Isaiah 56:5)
- eternal light (Isaiah 60:19-20)
- eternal joy (Isaiah 51:11)
- Heaven (Luke 16:9)
The non-Christian will receive –
- eternal damnation (Mark 3:29)
- eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:2)
- eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46)
- eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:9)
- eternal contempt (Daniel 12:2)
- eternal fire (Matthew 25:41).
We should be excited about our eternal destiny as children of God. It sounds like a beautiful and satisfying life forever and ever. We may enter eternity through death or by being taken out of time and space through a miraculous act of God (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). At the time of transformation our bodies will be changed and we will be imperishable and immortal (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).
The Bible does not tell us when we will die or when we will be taken out of time through a miracle of God, but it will happen!
[Thank you for reading these teaching notes from 40 years ago. My prayer is they will be a blessing to you and your ministry.]
