Mr. Eternity
January 1, 2006
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” ~ John 17:3
Eternity! Is there any concept more awesome? Our limited minds simply can’t adequately grasp the idea of endless existence. Certainly, at this time when our culture celebrates the new calendar is the ideal opportunity to think about the endless expanse of time that our Lord so easily masters - and sees - in its entirety.
I recently read a story about Mr. Arthur Stace of Sydney, Australia, who was gripped by the thought that people without Christ are destined for a lost eternity. Convicted by this grim vision, Mr. Stace would rise early and chalk the word “eternity” on the pavement throughout his city. Eventually he became known locally as “Mr. Eternity,” and caused many people to come to a real faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as a response to the profound question posed by his simple ministry - pointing out that this life is not all there is for us. Although their minds could not grasp the concept of endless time, the least among them understood who the Lord of time is.
When the Bible speaks to us about eternal life, it refers to our relationship with God, not merely the passing of time. Jesus defined eternal life in John 17:3 as knowing the true God intimately and personally. Yet, eternity means an existence that will never cease - and that means we shall all live forever, both Christian and non-Christian. The operative question, however remains - where will we live forever? Will it be in eternal happiness and joy in the company of our Heavenly Father, or in the eternal torment of separation from Him, in the great lake of fire?
Moment by inevitable moment, we move through time toward eternity. Does that thought fill us with joyful expectancy or a sense of dread? It all depends on our relationship to our Lord Jesus Christ. He has provided us the only Way to the Father (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). His sacrifice for sin is empowers us to “be with the Lord” (1 Th. 4:17), if we will only choose Him as Lord of our Time. What will we choose? Our answer determines how we will spend eternity.
I suspect many of us will be making New Year’s resolutions in the next few hours or days. When considering what to resolve this year, may we give thought to eternity - and what we can do that has significance, when measured against its yardstick.
For our contemplation and meditation: The one who lives for this life only will have eternity to regret it.
By Grace,
Chip+
Comments
Got something to say?
