Eternity

 Unfortunately, as a minister I deal with death often. Death is something most people try not to think about. It is the ominous event that awaits all of humanity. However, for the Christian it has a very different connotation. In contrast to most of the world, as a Christian I look forward to the new heavens and the new earth. Christians view death not as something to fear but as a transition, even a graduation. Imagine talking to a baby in the womb, trying to explain what birth and the new life outside the womb will be like. Yes, physical birth is traumatic, but it is simply a transition. If that baby could understand they might even be excited about birth. If they could truly glimpse what a pleasure it will be to run, sing and dance they would break out in smiles. If she could comprehend seeing the face of her mother and father who have been talking to her for months, she would long to go. What if they could imagine the pleasure of a good meal and even chocolate!
   For the Christian, death is simply that transition from this finite life to the fullness of eternal life with God. There are too many pleasures to unpack here but a few include: the results of sin are missing, new bodies, Christian loved ones who have gone before us and the full presence of God.
  One, in eternity the results of sin are missing. Our lives here are marked by the consequences of sin; aging bodies, lying tongues, lustful thoughts and selfish actions scar all of us. Sin taints all of our relationships. Even the best marriage has a bit of selfishness in it. Every town has crime. Occasionally at Journey Church someone comes in and steals all of our toilet paper. Stealing toilet paper from a church, really! Some teens rebel and show stunning ingratitude towards their parents. Some children desperately need some discipline. This world is broken by sin. But the new heavens and the new earth will be different. Everyone will be completely honest and authentic. Everyone will act out of love and selflessness rather than pride and selfishness. There will be no crime. No divorce. No bitterness. No racism. No battered wives or girlfriends. All will be treated in line with their real value as sons and daughters of God.
  Second, in eternity we will receive new bodies. I chuckled the other day when our three year old granddaughter scratched her arm and she said, “I can’t wait to get a new body someday.”—she’s been listening. I injured my back several years ago and every day is marked by pain; I look forward to a new body. Joni Eareckson Tada, who has spent over 50 years in a wheel chair because of a diving accident, says she looks forward to pole vaulting over the pearly gates!
  Third, in eternity there is reunion with Christians who have died. I will get to see my grandparents again. I will get to sit and chat with my dad and hear his laugh. We will meet some grandchildren that we lost in the womb whom we never had the chance to
meet. There will be extended hugs and endless laughter. Reunion will be another part of the joy of heaven.
  Finally, because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, eternity will allow us to approach our Holy Creator. We can know him fully. We experience glimpses of that in the here and now but it is at a whole new level in the hereafter. To have full access to God. To savor his beauty. To enjoy the warmth of his love completely. These ideas make our imaginations soar.
  I generally like my life. I am blessed in many ways but I long for the captivating beauty, unhindered fullness of relationships and the eternal flourishing that awaits us. For the Christian, this is not wishful thinking but a robust, tangible certainty.

Pastor Derek Dickinson
Journey Christian Church