In previous posts, I have discussed the theological topic of Eschatology, which means
the doctrine of “last things.” We have learned that future things will continue to unfold in
a progressive way, as detailed in both the Old and New Testaments. I like the analogy of
a rose which opens petal by petal to reveal the full beauty of the flower when it comes to
maturity. This is the way that the culmination of prophecy transpires.
We left off by discussing the period of time called the Millennium. This refers to the
thousand-year reign of Christ from the literal throne of David in earthly Jerusalem. Jesus
will commence His administration when He returns in Glory to rescue Israel after the
period referred to as the Tribulation. Scripture refers to these days as The Seventieth
Week of Daniel (Daniel 9) and The Time of Jacob’s Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7).
The final division or dispensation of time is called the Eternal State. Most believers,
even unbelievers, think of this when they think of Heaven. The term comes from the
Greek word aionios (αἰώνιος). This word denotes having no beginning and no end, or
having a beginning but no end, with respect to time. When we think of our eternal life,
we envision our existence without end, enjoying the presence of Almighty God! The
thought of such an existence is what spurs believers to persevere in faith!
The Eternal State is described most fully in Revelation, chapter 21. A new heaven and
new earth will be created since these former entities were destroyed, as Peter details in
2 Peter 3: 10. In this glorious abode, we will experience God as He dwells with His
people!
Our existence in the eternal state will be exponentially different from what we are used
to now. All forms of suffering will be removed from our experience, “There will be no
more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away
(21:4). We can hardly imagine a world without pain or sorrow, but that’s what God
promises—a reality beyond imagination. It does God a disservice to even attempt to
describe the reality of our heavenly state in totality.
Some people will ask whether or not the things of their former lives be remembered,
those things that caused regret, pain, or sorrow. The glorious answer from the prophet
Isaiah relates that, “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former
things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind” (65:17). Talk about starting
anew with a clean slate!
Sadly, there is a clear delineation between believers and unbelievers. John proclaims
that the latter will not enjoy such eternal bliss but will be cast into the lake of fire. This
should prompt believers to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ at every opportunity!
The Gospel of the grace of God provides forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation, and
an inheritance beyond our imagination. But most of all it allows us to abide with Christ
for all eternity!
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