Topical Encyclopedia Eternity, a concept that transcends time and space, is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the nature of God, the destiny of humanity, and the ultimate reality of existence. The Scriptures provide numerous references to eternity, often emphasizing the eternal nature of God, the everlasting life promised to believers, and the eternal consequences of human actions.Eternal Nature of God The Bible frequently highlights the eternal nature of God, affirming His existence beyond the confines of time. In Psalm 90:2, the psalmist declares, "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." This verse underscores God's timeless existence, affirming His sovereignty and unchanging nature. Isaiah 40:28 further emphasizes God's eternal attributes: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out." Here, God's eternal nature is linked to His omnipotence and omniscience, qualities that assure believers of His constant presence and unfailing wisdom. Eternal Life for Believers The promise of eternal life is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering hope and assurance to those who believe in Jesus Christ. In John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses, Jesus proclaims, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This promise of eternal life is a gift of grace, accessible through faith in Christ. John 17:3 provides further insight into the nature of eternal life: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." Eternal life is not merely an unending existence but a relationship with God, characterized by knowing Him intimately. Eternal Consequences The Bible also speaks of the eternal consequences of human actions, emphasizing the importance of choices made in this life. In Matthew 25:46, Jesus describes the final judgment, stating, "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." This verse highlights the stark contrast between the destinies of the righteous and the wicked, underscoring the eternal significance of moral and spiritual decisions. Revelation 20:12-15 provides a vivid depiction of the final judgment, where the dead are judged according to their deeds, and those not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire, described as the "second death." This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal ramifications of rejecting God's offer of salvation. Eternal Kingdom The Scriptures also speak of an eternal kingdom, where God's reign is fully realized. In Daniel 7:14, the prophet envisions a kingdom given to the Son of Man: "And to Him was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." This eternal kingdom is characterized by justice, peace, and the worship of God by all nations. In the New Testament, 2 Peter 1:11 encourages believers to persevere in faith, promising, "and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This assurance of entry into the eternal kingdom motivates believers to live lives of godliness and devotion. Eternal Word The eternal nature of God's Word is another theme found in Scripture. In Isaiah 40:8, it is written, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." This verse affirms the enduring truth and reliability of God's Word, which remains constant amidst the transience of the world. Similarly, Jesus declares in Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away." This statement underscores the eternal authority and relevance of Christ's teachings, which endure beyond the temporal order. These unclassified scriptures collectively portray a multifaceted understanding of eternity, encompassing God's eternal nature, the promise of eternal life, the reality of eternal consequences, the hope of an eternal kingdom, and the enduring truth of God's Word. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 30:12To the end that my glory may sing praise to you, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you for ever. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 41:13 Psalm 72:17 Psalm 90:2 Psalm 110:4 Psalm 119:142 Matthew 6:13 Matthew 18:8 2 Corinthians 9:9 Jude 1:6 Resources How is an eternity in hell a just punishment for only a human lifetime of sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that we have eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11)? | GotQuestions.org If the penalty for our sins is eternity in hell, how did Jesus' death pay our penalty if He did not spend eternity in hell? | GotQuestions.org Eternity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |