AmazedSample

Life Forever

To illustrate how eternal life begins in the present and lasts forever, I would like to share a personal story---one that depicts the future promise awaiting those who’ve trusted in Christ.

One day, my wife Delores and I purchased our burial plots. Sorry for the morbidity of the topic, but it caused a truth to “come alive.” When we were taken to see the plots, I couldn’t help but be “amazed.” Please wait!! Before you stop reading because you think I’m making light of death and all that it means as an enemy, albeit a defeated one for those in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:26, 54-57), hear the reason for my response.

As I looked at where I’d be laid to rest, my first thought was, “This is where the Lord is going to come and get me” (unless I’m alive when he returns). When I was formed in my mother’s womb, only God, my parents, and my grandparents had an awareness of where my birthplace would be. But I now know where Jesus will come for me someday. The following Scripture came to mind: “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” (John 6:40, NIV). This promise took on special meaning that day, as I was amazed by the thought that this is where Jesus will raise me to be with Him forever.*

This is the latter and forever part of eternal life. When the transition from death to life, from this world to God’s everlasting kingdom, reaches full fruition. When all true believers in Jesus experience what he promised regarding our future home, “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3, CSB).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your victory over death, and for your promise of raising everyone who truly believes. And thank you for preparing a place for us, so that we can be with you forever. Amen.

John 14:1-6
John 6:39-40
2 Corinthians 5:6-8
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

*The Bible teaches that when a person dies, their soul and spirit go to be with the Lord (Luke 23:43, Phil. 1:23, 2 Cor. 5:6-8). Then our transformed physical bodies (like Jesus had after his resurrection, Luke 24:38-39) will join our spirit and soul at the Lord's final return (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1st Corinthians 15:42-54).