The concept of eternity is central to Christian teachings, but what exactly does the Bible say about it? Is eternity simply life after death, or is there more to understand about this profound idea? Let’s take a look at how scripture discusses eternity and what it means for believers.
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What Does The Bible Say About Eternity
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse speaks of God’s incredible love for humanity and his desire for us to have eternal life. It emphasizes the importance of belief in Jesus as the means to receive this gift of eternal life.
Eternity is a concept that surpasses our finite understanding, but through Jesus, we can have hope and assurance that our relationship with God extends beyond our earthly existence.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This verse highlights the consequences of sin, which is death. However, it also reveals the incredible grace of God, who offers us the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
God’s gift of eternal life is not something we can earn or deserve; it is a result of his unmerited favor and love for us. Through accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we can experience the hope and promise of an eternal relationship with God.
1 John 2:25
“And this is what he promised us—eternal life.”
Here, the apostle John reminds us of the promise of eternal life that God has bestowed upon us. God’s promise is unchanging and trustworthy, and it brings comfort and assurance to those who believe in him.
Eternal life is not just a distant future existence; it is a present reality for those who have placed their faith in Jesus. It is a life characterized by a deep, intimate relationship with God that extends beyond the boundaries of time.
2 Corinthians 4:18
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
This verse challenges us to shift our focus from the temporary things of this world to the eternal realities that await us in God’s presence.
In a world that often prioritizes immediate gratification and material possessions, this verse reminds us to invest our time and energy in things of eternal significance – cultivating our relationship with God, sharing his love with others, and storing up treasures in heaven.
2 Timothy 1:10
“But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
In this verse, we are reminded of the power and triumph of Jesus over death. Through his sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus has defeated death and brought forth eternal life for all who believe.
The gospel message not only offers forgiveness and reconciliation with God, but it also promises the gift of immortality. This means that those who trust in Jesus will have life that transcends this earthly existence and stretches into eternity.
1 Peter 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”
This passage celebrates the hope and assurance that we have through the resurrection of Jesus. Through his victory over death, we have been born anew into a living hope, and we have received an inheritance that is imperishable and secure.
Our eternal inheritance is not subject to the decay and imperfections of this world. It is reserved in heaven, awaiting the day that we will fully embrace and experience the fullness of God’s promises.
Matthew 25:46
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
This verse presents a sobering reality – the contrast between eternal punishment for the wicked and eternal life for the righteous.
While it is a difficult concept to grasp, it underscores the reality that our choices in this life have eternal consequences. Those who reject God’s offer of salvation and choose to live in rebellion against him will face the consequences of their actions, while those who receive the gift of salvation through Jesus will experience eternal life in fellowship with God.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
This verse encourages believers to prioritize their thoughts and focus on heavenly, eternal matters over the temporary concerns of this world.
When we fix our minds on things above, we gain a renewed perspective and set our priorities according to God’s kingdom values. As we align our thoughts with God’s eternal perspective, our actions and decisions will reflect a desire to live for what truly matters in light of eternity.
2 Peter 3:13
“But in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
This verse paints a beautiful picture of the future that awaits believers – a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness will reign forever.
While the present world may be marred by sin and brokenness, God has promised a future restoration where everything will be made new. As we anticipate this glorious hope, we are encouraged to live in righteousness and faithful obedience to God, knowing that our efforts will be rewarded in the eternal kingdom.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
Paul reveals a profound mystery to the Corinthian church regarding the future transformation of believers at the second coming of Christ.
In an instant, those who have died in Christ and those who are alive will undergo a radical change, receiving imperishable bodies fit for eternity. This verse assures us that our current perishable bodies will be replaced with glorious bodies that will be suited for the eternal kingdom of God.
Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Paul’s words remind us that the trials and hardships we face in this life are temporary and insignificant compared to the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ.
Keeping this perspective helps us endure and overcome the challenges we encounter, knowing that our present suffering is only momentary, but the future glory we will experience will far exceed our earthly struggles.
Revelation 21:1-4
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'”
John’s vision in Revelation depicts the future glory of the new heaven and new earth, where God’s dwelling place will be among his people.
In this eternal realm, there will be no more sorrow, pain, or death. God will personally wipe away every tear, bringing complete healing and restoration. This passage offers a glimpse of the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and invites us to eagerly anticipate the eternal joy that awaits us.
Matthew 10:28
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Jesus exhorts his disciples not to fear those who can only harm the physical body, but to fear God who has authority over both body and soul.
This verse highlights the eternal significance of our souls and the importance of making choices that align with God’s will. It serves as a reminder to prioritize our eternal destiny above any temporal threats or persecutions we may face in this world.
Philippians 3:20-21
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
As believers, our true citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
This verse assures us that Jesus has the power to transform our frail, earthly bodies into glorious bodies like his own. It points to the future hope of our bodily resurrection, which will fully align us with the eternal realities of God’s kingdom.
Hebrews 9:27-28
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
This passage emphasizes the certainty of death for every person and the subsequent judgment that follows.
However, it also highlights the redemptive work of Christ, who offered himself as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. It further assures us of Christ’s second coming, not as a bearer of sin, but as the bringer of salvation for those eagerly awaiting his return.
1 Thessalonians 4:17
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
Paul describes a future event known as the rapture, where believers who are alive at the time will be caught up together with those who have already died in Christ to meet the Lord in the air.
This verse emphasizes the eternal union of believers with the Lord, where we will be forever united with him in his glorious presence.
Matthew 25:41
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'”
In this verse, Jesus speaks about the eternal destiny of those who reject him and live in rebellion against God.
It serves as a solemn warning of the consequences of rejecting God’s offer of salvation. Those who refuse to align their lives with God’s righteousness will ultimately face eternal separation from him in a place of eternal punishment.
John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'”
Jesus proclaims himself as the source of resurrection and eternal life, declaring that those who believe in him will experience life even after physical death.
Believers are assured that though their physical bodies may die, their spirits will continue to live in the presence of God. Jesus invites us to place our faith and trust in him and the eternal life he offers.
John 6:40
“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
Here, Jesus reiterates the promise of eternal life for all who believe in him.
He assures us that it is the will of God the Father to grant eternal life to those who place their trust in the Son. Furthermore, Jesus promises to raise believers up on the last day, signifying the future resurrection and glorification of all who are united with Christ.
Revelation 22:5
“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.”
John’s vision of the new heaven and new earth foretells a future where there will be no more darkness or night.
In this eternal realm, God himself will provide the light, eliminating the need for artificial or natural sources of illumination. Additionally, believers are promised that they will reign alongside God, participating in his eternal kingdom and sharing in his glory.