Eternity: Separating Fact from Fiction

     Have you ever stopped and truly contemplated eternity? Since our lives are so fast paced, it can be very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to ask the big questions. Yet, as Solomon wisely noted in Ecclesiastes, "a good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death is better than the day of birth." This profound statement invites us to pause and reflect on what lies beyond our earthly existence, especially if we are to believe that the day of death is better than when we were born.

    Many of us have encountered comforting phrases at funerals or during a time of loss. People say things like..."They're in a better place now," or "They've got their wings in heaven." While well-intentioned, these cultural mythologies often blur the lines between biblical truth and wishful thinking. It's crucial to separate fact from fiction when it comes to our understanding of eternity.

    The reality, as presented in Scripture, may be more sobering than we'd like to admit. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." This teaching challenges the popular notion that most people automatically go to heaven or that only the exceptionally wicked face eternal separation from God.

     So, what determines our eternal destiny? It's not about weighing our good deeds against our bad ones or simply living a "decent" life. The Bible is clear, it all comes down to our relationship with Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23-24 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

     This passage highlights a fundamental truth, that we are all sinners in need of redemption. No amount of good works can bridge the gap between our imperfection and God's holiness. It's only through faith in Jesus and His sacrificial death on the cross that we can be reconciled to God.

     The apostle Paul beautifully articulates this in 2 Corinthians 5:21: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." This divine exchange, the transferring of our sin for Christ's righteousness, is the heart of the Gospel message. When we place our faith in Jesus, God no longer sees our sin but instead sees the perfect righteousness of His Son.

     This truth should radically transform how we view both our present life and our eternal future. Romans 6:23 reminds us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The stark contrast between the consequences of sin and the gift of God through Christ couldn't be clearer.

     But what exactly is this "eternal life" that God offers? It's not just about existing forever; it's about experiencing abundant, joy-filled life in the presence of God Himself. Jesus elaborates on this in John 3:16-18, emphasizing that He didn't come to condemn the world but to save it. Those who believe in Him are not condemned, but those who reject Him stand condemned already.

     This brings us to a sobering reality that the choice of our eternal destiny ultimately rests with us. C.S. Lewis insightfully noted that "the doors of hell are locked from the inside." God doesn't forcibly exclude anyone from His presence; rather, those who reject Him in this life are choosing to continue that rejection for eternity.

     If we've ignored God or pushed Him to the margins of our lives, we shouldn't be surprised if we find ourselves excluded from His presence in eternity. This isn't about a vindictive deity but about respecting our free will. God loves us too much to force us into a relationship with Him that we've consistently rejected.  So, what does this mean for us today?

• First, it's a call to serious self-reflection. Where do we stand in our relationship with God? Have we placed our faith in Jesus Christ, accepting His sacrifice for our sins? Or are we still trying to earn our way to heaven through our own efforts?
• Secondly, it's a reminder of the urgency of sharing this message with others. If we truly believe that eternity is at stake, how can we remain silent? Our culture may bristle at the exclusivity of the Gospel message, but true love compels us to share the truth, even when it's uncomfortable.
• Finally, for those who have embraced Christ, this understanding of eternity should fill us with hope and joy. We have the assurance of eternal life, not just existing forever, but living in perfect communion with our Creator. This hope should transform how we live in the present, giving us courage to face trials and motivation to live for something greater than temporary pleasures.

     As we navigate life's journey, let's keep our eyes fixed on eternity. May we not be swayed by cultural mythologies or comforting platitudes, but instead anchor ourselves in the truth of God's Word. And may the reality of eternity, both its promises and its warnings, spur us on to live with purpose, share the Gospel boldly, and eagerly anticipate the day when we will see our Savior face to face.

     In a world that often avoids thinking about death and eternity, let's be people who embrace these realities with courage and hope. For in Christ, we have a future more glorious than we can imagine, an eternity of joy, peace, and perfect relationship with the God who loves us beyond measure.