Only God can promise something will last forever--because He is forever. Only God can speak of what was before creation because He alone was there even before the angels. Only God can give us life that is everlasting, because no other possesses eternal life to share.
And that is why the words of Christ in Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV) are so comforting to believers: "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades."
Receive
One of God's attributes or characteristics is "eternality." In the same way that He is holy and everywhere present and all-powerful, He is also eternal. Moses says it beautifully in Psalm 90:2 (ESV)
"Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God."
You'll find that the writer of Hebrews says the same about Christ, the Son of God, in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Christ was there "yesterday" in eternity for you before you were ever born. Look at some Bible passages that speak of things Christ has done for you in the past. Write down what you discover.
- John 1:3 & Colossians 1:16. What do you find in these two verses that Christ was doing in eternity past?
- Romans 5:6-8. In the past, what did Christ do for you? What does that show about God's attitude toward you?
- 1 Peter 3:18. What did Christ's one-time suffering for sins accomplish for you personally?
- 1 John 3:8. In this verse, what additional reason is given for Christ's appearing?
Christ is here for you today. Consider some things He is doing for you in the present.
- John 14:1-3. What does Jesus say He is preparing for believers right now? Why is He doing it?
- Hebrews 4:14-16. What present work of Jesus is spoken of in this passage? What does that mean for you now? Compare Romans 8:34 to see one of His ministries for you.
Christ will be there for you forever. What do you discover in the following scriptures that He will be doing for you in the future?
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. What promise should Christ's followers be looking for in the future?
- Revelation 21:3-4. In the eternal future, what relationship will you as a believer have with God?
Reflect
God's eternal plan includes His gracious intent to be present forever with His redeemed creation. Christ will always be with you from the moment you trust Him as your Savior and on throughout eternity. Here are a few references confirming His desire to fellowship with you today and forever. Look them up and jot down your response to the questions.
- In Matthew 1:23, what does the name "Immanuel" foretell about Jesus' future relationship to His people?
- In Jesus' prayer (John 17:24) what does He ask the Father to grant for you?
- Count the number of times the word "with" appears in Ephesians 2:5-7. What things does it say God has done for us "with" Christ?
Respond
Much has been said about "practicing the presence of Christ." Sure, if you are a Christian, you should know that you'll dwell with Him and He will be your God in the future, but are you consciously living in His presence today? He is there, whether you are recognizing Him or not, but today try to think deliberately about how He is with you in everything you do. Then live in a way that shows you know He is standing there beside you and wants to be with you.
Jesus told Judas (not Iscariot) in John 14:23 (ESV), "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."
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