The Bible offers various descriptions of eternity, often referring to it in terms of God’s nature and the life promised to believers. The concept of eternity in the Bible generally signifies timelessness, unending existence, and the eternal nature of God’s kingdom.
Biblical Definition of Eternity
- God’s Eternal Nature:
- Eternity is often associated with God Himself. The Bible describes God as eternal, existing beyond time and space. For example:
- Psalm 90:2 (KJV): “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”
- Isaiah 40:28 (KJV): “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.”
- Eternal Life for Believers:
- Eternity is also portrayed as the everlasting life that believers will have through Jesus Christ. This life is not just an extension of time but a different quality of life, a communion with God.
- John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
- John 10:28 (KJV): “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
- 1 John 2:25 (KJV): “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.”
- Eternal Judgment and Separation:
- The Bible also speaks of eternity in terms of judgment. Those who reject God will face eternal separation from Him.
- Matthew 25:46 (KJV): “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
- Revelation 20:10 (KJV): “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Key Scriptures about Having Eternity
- Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- Titus 1:2: “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”
- John 17:3: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
- 1 John 5:11-12: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
Prayer Points for Eternal Life with Scriptures
- Thanksgiving for Eternal Life through Christ:
- Scripture: John 3:16 (KJV)
- Prayer Point: “Lord, I thank You for Your great love, for sending Jesus to die for my sins so that I may have eternal life. I rejoice in the assurance of everlasting life with You.”
- Prayer for the Assurance of Salvation:
- Scripture: 1 John 5:11-12 (KJV)
- Prayer Point: “Heavenly Father, I pray for the assurance of salvation. Let Your Holy Spirit confirm in my heart that I have eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ.”
- Intercession for Others to Receive Eternal Life:
- Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:4 (KJV): “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
- Prayer Point: “Lord, I pray that [mention specific people] may come to know You and receive the gift of eternal life through Christ. Open their hearts to the gospel and draw them into Your eternal kingdom.”
- Prayer for Strength to Live in the Light of Eternity:
- Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (KJV): “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
- Prayer Point: “Father, help me to live each day in the light of eternity. Strengthen me to focus on the eternal things and not be distracted by the temporary challenges of life.”
- Prayer for Endurance in the Faith:
- Scripture: Matthew 24:13 (KJV): “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
- Prayer Point: “Lord, grant me the grace to endure in faith until the end. Help me to remain steadfast in my walk with You, knowing that eternal life awaits those who persevere.”
By understanding the biblical view of eternity and praying in alignment with scripture, believers can deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their hope in eternal life.
What does Heaven look like?
The Bible provides glimpses of what heaven looks like, though much of its description is symbolic or visionary. Heaven is often portrayed as a place of unimaginable beauty, peace, and God’s glorious presence. Several scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments give us insights into heaven’s appearance and atmosphere. These descriptions, though poetic and sometimes metaphorical, help believers form an idea of the majesty of heaven.
Key Biblical Descriptions of Heaven
- God’s Throne and Glory
- Heaven is depicted as the dwelling place of God, where His throne is surrounded by glory and majesty.
- Isaiah 6:1-4 (KJV): The prophet Isaiah describes a vision of heaven where he sees God sitting on a high and exalted throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim stand above Him, calling out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”
- Revelation 4:2-3 (KJV): The Apostle John, in his vision of heaven, describes God’s throne as being surrounded by a rainbow resembling emerald, with flashes of lightning and peals of thunder coming from the throne. Around the throne are 24 elders and four living creatures worshiping God.
- The New Jerusalem
- One of the most detailed descriptions of heaven is found in Revelation, where the “New Jerusalem” is described as the final dwelling place of believers.
- Revelation 21:10-27 (KJV): The New Jerusalem is portrayed as a radiant city descending from heaven, shining with the glory of God. It has twelve gates, each made of a single pearl, and the city is made of pure gold like transparent glass. The streets are also pure gold, and the foundations of the city walls are adorned with every kind of precious stone. There is no need for the sun or moon because God’s glory illuminates the city, and the Lamb (Jesus) is its light.
- The River of Life and the Tree of Life
- Heaven is also described as a place of life and restoration, symbolized by the River of Life and the Tree of Life.
- Revelation 22:1-2 (KJV): “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
- A Place of Perfect Peace and Joy
- Heaven is depicted as a place where sorrow, pain, and death no longer exist, and where God wipes away every tear.
- Revelation 21:4 (KJV): “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
- Psalm 16:11 (KJV): “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
- The Multitudes in Worship
- Heaven is portrayed as a place where multitudes of people from every nation and language are gathered to worship God.
- Revelation 7:9-10 (KJV): “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”
- A Place of Righteousness
- Heaven is described as a place where righteousness dwells, free from sin, evil, and corruption.
- 2 Peter 3:13 (KJV): “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
Summary of What Heaven Looks Like
- Majesty and Glory: Heaven is where God’s throne is located, surrounded by incredible glory, light, and angelic beings.
- Beauty and Splendor: The New Jerusalem is depicted as a radiant city of gold, precious stones, and pearls, reflecting God’s glory.
- Life and Restoration: The River of Life and the Tree of Life symbolize heaven as a place of eternal life and healing.
- Peace and Joy: Heaven is free from pain, sorrow, and death, filled instead with everlasting joy and peace.
- Worship and Righteousness: It is a place where multitudes worship God, and where righteousness dwells, free from sin.
The descriptions of heaven in the Bible are meant to inspire awe and anticipation for believers, pointing to a reality beyond human comprehension that is filled with the presence of God and eternal joy.