Forever…it is an element of time that is often spoken of,
but can man truly grasp the concept of “forever”? Truly, no person has ever
seen, heard, or experienced “forever”, yet it is something that we believe in.
“Forever” is also a heart’s desire...why? Why should we want to experience
something that we do not understand, something that we cannot conceptualize? How
do we know that we would like to do forever “forever”?
“Forever”. Where did it come from? Surely, it has not been
the experience of man. Then, it must be of his Creator, God…the One Who is the
Alpha and the Omega, the One Who holds time in His hands. God is the only One
Who could have determined and defined “forever”. God began forever, for He was,
is and always will be. He is the Great “I AM”, and says, “this is My Name for
ever”. (Exodus 3:14-15)
Only God could place the concept of “forever” in the heart
and mind of mortal man. Therefore, I believe that “forever” is a God-word… it
would have otherwise been unknown by man. It is a thought, a desire, a faith-based
concept that must be tied to belief in God Eternal, immortality, and infinity.
“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into
the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”
(I Corinthians 2:9) From that Scripture alone, we understand that the things of
God transcend our comprehension. So how shall we describe that which we have
not seen nor experienced? How can we imagine “forever”, and those things of
God…knowing that the LORD says, “For my thoughts are not your
thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”? (Isaiah 55:8)
Man’s definition of “forever” on earth usually bears a
negative connotation, or describes an unpleasant situation, while his concept
of eternal “forever” is usually “heavenly”. However, it is interesting to note
that an earthly choice is the determinant of our eternal condition.
“For them that love Him”, the eternal things of God are reciprocated
through an expression of His love. His love is “unending”…that with which we
are become one in and with Him through Jesus Christ. Immutable and
unchangeable, God’s love is “forever”, and eternal life in Christ begins on
Earth. In Hebrews 13:8, we read, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day,
and for ever.”
Romans 8:38-39 assures us of our eternal relationship with
God through Jesus Christ. In this Scripture, we understand that God’s forever
love for us is unaffected by anything, any circumstance, or by any power. “ For
I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor
powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any
other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.”
II Thessalonians 1:9 describes an “everlasting destruction”
as the punishment for those who do not know God, and who do not obey the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. Also noted is a separation from “the presence of the Lord and
from the glory of His power.” Those who do not accept Jesus Christ will suffer
“forever” in eternal damnation, in an unimaginable, irreversible “forever” of everlasting destruction
that begins with physical death and an entrance into continual suffering and
torment. The permanency of this “forever”
should place urgency in our hearts to share the Gospel Message. Our love for
others should compel us to share our testimony of His everlasting mercy. “The
mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them
that fear Him...” Psalm 103:17.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Psalm 23:6) I hope
that we meet there. I am looking forward to that “forever”.
Be blessed, In Jesus’ Name,
Angie
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