Living Towards the New Life to Come
Living Towards the New Life: Understanding God’s Promise of Eternity
Life often feels fleeting, like trying to hold water in your palm. But there’s something permanent and certain awaiting believers – eternal life with Jesus Christ. Let’s explore what Scripture reveals about this new life and how we should live in light of it.
What Does the Bible Say About the New Life to Come?
In Revelation 21:1-5, we get a glimpse of the magnificent future God has planned. He promises to create a new heaven and earth, superior to our current world. This isn’t just a slight improvement – it’s a complete transformation where all the broken parts of our current existence will be made new.
How Will Heaven Be Different from Earth?
The new creation will be free from evil, symbolized by the absence of the sea in Revelation’s description. More importantly, it will be a place where God dwells directly with His people. Like a bride being united with her groom, believers will experience perfect communion with Jesus Christ.
What About Our Current Pain and Suffering?
God doesn’t ignore our present struggles. Revelation 21:4 promises He will personally wipe away every tear. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. The old order of things will pass away completely.
Why Should We Live for the Future Now?
This promise of eternal life isn’t just about future hope – it should transform how we live today. When we understand that this life is just a brief moment compared to eternity, it changes our perspective on current circumstances. For believers, this is the worst it will ever be. For non-believers, this is the best it will ever be.
How Does Jesus Make This New Life Possible?
Through His death on the cross, Jesus made a way for us to experience this new life. He bore our sins so we could die to sin and live in righteousness (1 Peter 2:24). He is the great physician who came to heal those who recognize their spiritual sickness.
Life Application
To align your life with this eternal perspective, consider these three steps:
- Evaluate your current activities and involvement – What occupies your time and energy?
- Examine your motivations – Why do you do what you do?
- Ask God to search your heart – Pray for His guidance in revealing areas that need alignment with eternal purposes.
Questions for Reflection:
- Are my daily choices reflecting an eternal perspective?
- What areas of my life need to be realigned with God’s purposes?
- Am I living as if this world is all there is, or am I living in light of eternity?
The challenge this week is to intentionally pause and evaluate one area of your life through the lens of eternity. How might your decisions or actions change if you were consistently mindful of the new life to come?