Topical Encyclopedia The concept of eternity is a central theme in Christian theology, urging believers to contemplate their existence beyond the temporal confines of earthly life. The Bible, as the authoritative Word of God, provides numerous passages that call individuals to reflect on the eternal nature of God, the eternal destiny of the soul, and the eternal implications of one's choices and actions.Eternal Nature of God The Bible begins with the assertion of God's eternal nature: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This foundational verse establishes God as the eternal Creator, existing before time and space. The psalmist echoes this truth, declaring, "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God" (Psalm 90:2). God's eternal nature is further affirmed in Revelation 1:8, where He proclaims, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End." Eternal Destiny of the Soul Scripture consistently emphasizes the eternal destiny of the human soul, urging believers to live with an eternal perspective. Jesus teaches about the eternal consequences of faith and unbelief, stating, "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life" (Matthew 25:46). This dichotomy underscores the importance of one's relationship with God and the acceptance of Christ's redemptive work. The Apostle Paul also speaks to the eternal nature of the believer's hope, writing, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). This passage encourages Christians to endure present trials with the assurance of an eternal reward. Eternal Implications of Choices and Actions The Bible calls individuals to consider the eternal implications of their choices and actions. In Galatians 6:8, Paul warns, "The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" . This principle of sowing and reaping highlights the eternal consequences of living according to the flesh versus living by the Spirit. Moreover, Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount direct believers to prioritize eternal treasures over earthly ones: "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20). This call to invest in eternal values challenges Christians to evaluate their lives in light of eternity. Eternal Perspective in Daily Life Reflecting on eternity influences how believers approach daily life, relationships, and priorities. Colossians 3:2 exhorts, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" . This mindset encourages Christians to live with an awareness of their eternal citizenship and to align their lives with God's eternal purposes. The call to reflect on eternity is a profound invitation to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, recognizing that earthly life is but a fleeting moment in the grand scope of God's eternal plan. As believers meditate on the eternal truths of Scripture, they are reminded of the hope, responsibility, and joy that come from living in light of eternity. Subtopics Call: To Special Religious Duty of Abraham Call: To Special Religious Duty, Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God Call: To Special Religious Duty: Amos Call: To Special Religious Duty: Apostles Call: To Special Religious Duty: Cyrus Call: To Special Religious Duty: Gideon Call: To Special Religious Duty: Jehu Call: To Special Religious Duty: Joshua Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Paul Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel Call: To Special Religious Duty: Solomon Call: To Special Religious Duty: The Rich Young Man The Call of God by his Ministers The Call of God is from Darkness The Call of God: Addressed to All The Call of God: Blessedness of Receiving The Call of God: Effectual to Saints The Call of God: Partakers of, Justified The Call of God: Praise God For The Call of God: Rejection by God The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Delusion The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Judicial Blindness The Call of God: Temporal Judgments The Call of God: To Man Is of Grace The Call of God: To Man Is: According to the Purpose of God The Call of God: To Man Is: Heavenly The Call of God: To Man Is: High The Call of God: To Man Is: Holy The Call of God: To Man Is: To Eternal Life The Call of God: To Man Is: To Fellowship With Christ The Call of God: To Man Is: To Glory and Virtue The Call of God: To Man Is: To Holiness The Call of God: To Man Is: To Liberty The Call of God: To Man Is: To Peace The Call of God: To Man Is: To the Eternal Glory of Christ The Call of God: Walk Worthy of The Call of God: Withdrawal of the Means of Grace Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |