Understanding the Concept of Eternal Life

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (1Cor. 2:9)

Life in eternity with our Lord will be more wonderful than we could ever imagine- even in our wildest dreams. All we who have accepted the salvation God provided through his son have this hope inside us. No more pain or sadness. No more stress or fear. We will shed these bodies of death and be free of sin forever.

In order to understand the promise of eternal life we must first realize that Adam, along with the angels, are direct creations of God and are referred to as the sons of God. (Gen. 6:2- Job 1:6) We, however, are the descendants of Adam. Nevertheless, we have the power through Jesus Christ to become the sons of God.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13)

The hope of eternal life enables us to see this life for what it truly is- corrupt and temporary. When Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of this world, which meant that he wouldn't have to endure the cross, the Savior knew full well how it all paled in comparison to the heavenly kingdom.

Jesus said we would experience tribulation in this life as we grow spiritually but when it's over we will reign with Him forever. The trials and temptations of this life are insignificant compared to the eternal glory to come, which is the hope of all believers.

According to the Apostle Paul, the hope of our eternal salvation is the helmet of our spiritual armor (1Thess. 5:8) and all who have this hope are purified by it. (1John 3:3)

The hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ is what saves us. (Rom.8:24) We earnestly yearn for the redemption of our bodies and our inheritance as sons of God when we will shine forth as new creatures in Christ.

The promise of eternal life goes far beyond eternal existence. There will be no more suffering of any kind. Imagine what it will be like without the physical restrictions of a mortal body.

When Jesus appeared before the disciples (John 20:26) he didn't enter in through a door but simply appeared. They thought He was a ghost, but He ate and drank with them on at least three occasions and when we leave this life, we will be just like Him.

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (1John 3:2)

Eternity goes far beyond the dimensions of time and space. Those in Christ will be transformed and translated into an existence so far beyond our scope of understanding that we can't even imagine it.

"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." (Titus 1:2)