August 30 | What Will Eternity Be Like?
1 Corinthians 2:9, “However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
Eternity will be spent with Jesus upon the new earth in unimaginable bliss. The Bible teaches that we will see Jesus face-to-face and know Him as we know ourselves (1 Corinthians 13:12). This unending union with Christ will bring about the fullness of joy and pleasures without end (Psalm 16:11).
Humanity was made for God’s glory and after accepting Jesus’ sacrifice by faith our original purpose is restored; from glory we came and in His glory we shall forever be.
After our bodies die we will wait in heaven until Jesus returns to earth to destroy the anti-Christ and his army (Revelation 19:11-21). When Jesus first comes back He will then set up an earthly kingdom to rule for 1,000 years. Christians will receive a resurrected body and rule as kings and priests with Him over the people left alive after Armageddon (Revelation 20:1-6). During this time the devil and his demons will be bound and cast into a pit.
After the thousand-year reign, Jesus will judge all creation (humans and angels alike; including the devil and his fallen ones) from a Great White Throne. From His throne He will reward those who have served Him and cast into the lake of fire those who rejected Him along with the devil and his demons. The lake of fire will be the final place of punishment for all the disobedient (Revelation 20:11-15).
After the final judgment, Jesus will remake the heavens (universe) and earth for people to dwell in. Then for all of eternity, we will be His children and He will be our God (Revelation 21:3). The Bible teaches the Father and Son will share a throne next to each other in “New Jerusalem” (the capitol city of the New Earth) and the Holy Spirit will be a tangible river following from the thrones. We will then reign with Him as kings and priests over all His creation. God’s presence and great love will be experienced everywhere we go for eternity (Revelation 21:1-5).
Reflection
Action
- Prepare your heart to meet the Lord.
- Spend time in God’s presence now by worshipping and adoring Him.
- Spread the message of God’s Kingdom coming to this earth so everyone can reign with Him! John Wesley wrote, “Whosoever will reign with Christ in heaven, must have Christ reigning in them on earth.”