RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-06-23	The Believer And The Eternal State
		The only sure word of testimony regarding things spiritual is God's holy Word. No other “holy book” or philosophy is as trustworthy or as informative as the Bible. In the New Testament the Greek word often translated “eternal” is aionos, from which we get our word eon. This word denotes having no beginning and no end. The exact meaning is always determined by the context. When you combine the word “eternal” with “life” (Greek zoe), it denotes not only life without end, but a certain quality of life. It is a life that is distinguished from mere biological life. The Bible is clear that all believers will receive resurrected bodies that will be no longer subject to decay (1Co.15:42). 1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. These new bodies will be designed and suited for an existence in the eternal state. The Bible only provides us with a few details of what that state will be like. Scripture tells us that God creates a new heaven and a new earth, and the New Jerusalem will descend from God to the new earth (Re.21:1-2). Rev 21:1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Rev 21:2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. The New Jerusalem is as a bride, and will be the dwelling of God with men (Re.21:3). Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. Our existence in the New Jerusalem will be different from what we are used to now. Rev 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." The curse that came at man's Fall (Ge.3) will never hold sway again (Re.22:3). We can hardly imagine a world without pain or sorrow. Yet, that is exactly what God promises! A reality beyond imagination (1Co.2:9). 1Co 2:9 But as it is written: "EYE HAS NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NOR HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN THE THINGS WHICH GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." Our existence in this eternal state will not be marred by bad memories of the old earth. Joy will swallow up all former distress (Is.65:17). Isa 65:17 "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. While there we will see God face to face (Re.22:4), living in perfect health (Re.22:2) and holiness (Re.22:5). 2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Are you feeling home sick yet? From the beginning of creation, it has been God's plan to bring His redeemed ones to this place of completion and glory (Ro.8:30; Ph.1:6). Because of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross we ultimately will experience no more sin, curse, death, nor any good-byes. In this eternal state man will accomplish his chief end, “to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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