The concept of eternity seems almost unimaginable to the human mind. The idea that God had no beginning and has no ending, hence eternal in every way, is something that no one can understand in any tangible way because we are confined to space and time. We see beginning and we see ending. The truth is however, that human beings are created in the image of God and are thus eternal in nature also.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Genesis 2:7

From the very beginning we see that God had an eternal purpose for mankind.

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Titus 1:2

Fortunately for us, we are not eternally confined to our mortal bodies but we are a spiritual creation. When the Lord Jesus Christ returns for His church (see What We Believe Concerning Salvation) all those that are part of His church will become like Jesus; that is to say, we will be made immortal.

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
I Corinthians 15:52-55

Of course, this begs the question what happens to a person who is not part of Christ's church? Unfortunately for those who reject Jesus, the truth of mankind's spiritual and eternal nature is still true. If a person rejects Jesus Christ as the sole source of salvation then they will spend eternity in hell, a place of everlasting torment and anguish. Many would like to believe that this is not true, but in fact, Jesus' teachings cautioned more about avoiding hell than they did telling the tales of heavenly reward.

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Matthew 5:29

Hell was created for Satan and his angels and if a person ends up in hell, it will not be because God sent them there, but because they rejected God and His goodness.

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Matthew 25:41

God does not desire that any of His creation wind up in hell; in fact:

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9

Hell is a very real place, as some who've had visions and dreams of hell would attest. It is more than just a folk tale or scare tactic. A loving God would put a focus on warning mankind what to avoid, just as a lighthouse keeper would be very serious in his attempt to steer ships away from the rocks. The Bible is very descriptive about the reality of hell. It is also very descriptive about heaven. Jesus stated:

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
John 14:2-3

Heaven is an equally real place! The single most exciting idea every imagined is the possibility of being able to live forever with God, and that is just what Jesus Christ has promised us if we are willing to obey His word!

What We Believe Concerning...

• Salvation


• God


• The Bible


• Eternity


• Christian Living


• Worship

*NOTE: While this is a good introductory lesson on eternity, it is not intended to be a complete Bible study. If you have questions concerning this material, or are interested in a more complete Bible study, click here.