Embracing the Hope of Everlasting Life in Christ
Summary
Today’s focus is on the hope and reality of everlasting life, as affirmed in the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in the life everlasting.” This hope is not a vague or abstract idea, but a concrete promise rooted in the person and presence of Jesus Christ. Heaven is not simply a reward or a distant paradise; it is the place where God dwells, and the greatest joy of heaven is being with Him. All the questions we have—about what heaven will be like, who will be there, what we’ll do, and even what we’ll eat—are ultimately secondary to the reality that God Himself will be with us, and we will see Him face to face.
Scripture gives us glimpses of heaven’s beauty and restoration. Revelation 21 and 22 describe a new heaven and new earth where God wipes away every tear, where death, mourning, and pain are no more, and where all things are made new. The presence of God is so overwhelming that there is no need for a temple, sun, or moon—His glory is our light. In this place, there is no sin, no fear, and no separation. The river of life flows from God’s throne, and the tree of life brings healing to the nations. This is not just a future hope, but a present comfort that shapes how we live today.
Eternal life is not just about duration, but about the quality of life with God. Everyone will live forever—the question is where and with whom. The invitation is open to all: to trust in Jesus, who lived the perfect life we could not, died the death we deserved, and rose again to offer forgiveness and new life. For those who follow Jesus, everlasting life begins now, as we live in the hope and assurance of being with Him forever. This hope gives us courage, comfort, and perspective in the midst of life’s challenges. It reminds us not to get too comfortable in this world, but to encourage one another with the promise of heaven and to hold fast to what we believe.
Key Takeaways
- The central joy of heaven is the presence of God Himself. Heaven is not primarily about what we get, but about who we are with. If the thought of being with Jesus forever does not excite us, it may reveal more about our desires than about heaven itself. The presence of God will be enough to satisfy and captivate us for all eternity. [20:20]
- Eternal life is a reality for every person, but the question is where we will spend it. Scripture teaches that both heaven and hell are real, literal destinations. The most significant aspect of hell is eternal separation from God, while the greatest gift of heaven is eternal communion with Him. Our response to Jesus determines our eternal destiny. [23:59]
- The hope of heaven is not just for the future, but transforms our present. Knowing that God is on the throne and that our future is secure gives us comfort and courage in the face of anxiety, suffering, and uncertainty. The worst that can happen in this life is not the end, but the beginning of something far better for those in Christ. [32:23]
- Heaven is a place of complete restoration—no more tears, pain, death, or sin. God will make all things new, and His people will live in perfect peace, security, and joy. The brokenness and sorrow of this world will be fully and finally healed in His presence. [27:32]
- Our beliefs about eternity matter for how we live and love today. The hope of everlasting life should lead us to encourage one another, hold loosely to the things of this world, and boldly share the good news with our neighbors and the nations. What we believe about heaven shapes our priorities, our worship, and our mission. [34:08]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Father’s Day Reflections and Men’s Discipleship
[03:00] - Introduction to the Apostles’ Creed: Life Everlasting
[05:30] - What Do We Believe About Heaven?
[08:31] - Kids’ Questions About Heaven
[10:45] - Is God in Heaven?
[12:00] - Are There Multiple Heavens?
[14:29] - Will We Eat and Drink in Heaven?
[16:29] - Crafts, Phones, and Senses in Heaven
[18:11] - Will We See Loved Ones in Heaven?
[20:20] - The Centrality of Jesus in Heaven
[22:08] - Eternal Life for All: Heaven and Hell
[26:35] - Reading Revelation 21: The New Heaven and New Earth
[27:32] - No More Tears, Death, or Pain
[29:52] - The Glory and Security of Heaven
[31:08] - The River and Tree of Life
[32:23] - The Hope of Heaven Shapes Our Present
[33:29] - Jesus Is Coming Soon: Encouragement and Challenge
[34:53] - Praying the Apostles’ Creed Together
[36:21] - Communion, Worship, and Response
[37:59] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "I Believe in the Life Everlasting"
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### Bible Reading
- Revelation 21:1-8, 22-27; 22:1-5
(The new heaven and new earth, the presence of God, and the restoration of all things)
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Revelation 21, what are some of the things that will no longer exist in the new heaven and new earth? (Look for specific words or phrases in the passage.)
2. In the sermon, what did the pastor say is the greatest joy of heaven? [20:20]
3. What does Revelation 22 say about the river of life and the tree of life? What do they represent or provide?
4. The sermon mentioned that there will be no temple, sun, or moon in heaven. Why is that? [29:52]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The pastor said, “Heaven is about being with Jesus Christ.” Why do you think the presence of God is described as the central joy of heaven, rather than the things we might get or do there? [20:20]
2. Revelation 21:4 says God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. How does this picture of restoration challenge or encourage your understanding of what God wants for His people?
3. The sermon stated that “eternal life is a reality for every person, but the question is where we will spend it.” How does this teaching affect the way we view our choices and priorities in this life? [23:59]
4. The hope of heaven is described as something that shapes our present, not just our future. In what ways might this hope give comfort or courage in the face of suffering or uncertainty? [32:23]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “If the thought of being with Jesus forever does not excite us, it may reveal more about our desires than about heaven itself.” What does your reaction to the idea of being with Jesus forever reveal about your heart? Is there anything you want to ask God to change in your desires? [20:20]
2. Revelation 21:5 says, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Are there areas of brokenness or pain in your life where you need to be reminded of God’s promise to restore and heal? How can you bring those to Him this week?
3. The sermon reminded us that “the worst that can happen in this life is not the end, but the beginning of something far better for those in Christ.” How does this truth affect the way you handle anxiety, fear, or loss? [32:23]
4. The pastor encouraged us not to get too comfortable in this world, but to encourage one another with the promise of heaven. Are there ways you’ve become too attached to things of this world? What is one thing you could hold more loosely this week? [34:08]
5. The hope of everlasting life should lead us to share the good news with our neighbors and the nations. Who is one person in your life who needs to hear about the hope of heaven? What is a practical step you can take to share with them?
6. The sermon said, “Our beliefs about eternity matter for how we live and love today.” How might your belief in everlasting life change the way you treat others, especially those who are difficult to love? [34:08]
7. The pastor mentioned that everlasting life begins now for those who follow Jesus. What is one way you can live more intentionally in the reality of eternal life this week?
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Devotional
Day 1: Heaven is About Being with God
Heaven is not just a beautiful place or a reward for good behavior; it is the eternal dwelling where God Himself is present with His people. The greatest joy and purpose of heaven is to be with Jesus Christ, face to face, forever. If the thought of being with God does not excite us, it may be time to examine our desires and understanding of who He truly is. In heaven, the presence of God will be more than enough to satisfy and captivate us for all eternity. [22:08]
Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV)
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Reflection: When you think about heaven, is your greatest longing to be with God Himself? What would it look like to cultivate a deeper desire for His presence in your life today?
Day 2: Eternal Life Exists for Everyone—The Question is Where
Scripture teaches that every person will live forever, but the crucial question is where that eternity will be spent. There is a real heaven, where those who trust in Jesus will dwell with God, and a real hell, which is eternal separation from Him. The hope of heaven is offered to all who believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection and follow Him. This truth should not only comfort us but also motivate us to share the good news with others, knowing that eternity is at stake. [23:59]
Matthew 25:46 (ESV)
“And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the hope of eternal life with Jesus? How can you lovingly share this truth with them this week?
Day 3: Heaven is a Place of Complete Restoration and Joy
Heaven is described as a place where all things are made new—where there is no more death, pain, or sorrow. God Himself will wipe away every tear, and everything that once caused suffering will be gone forever. The promise of complete restoration and unending joy gives us hope and strength to endure the hardships of this world, knowing that God’s ultimate plan is to make all things right. [27:32]
Revelation 21:4-5 (ESV)
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Reflection: What pain or sorrow are you carrying today that you need to entrust to God, knowing He promises to make all things new?
Day 4: The Presence of God is Our Light and Security
In heaven, there will be no need for sun or moon, for the glory of God will be our light, and His presence will be our security. There will be no darkness, no fear, and no sin—only the unending light and safety that comes from being with God. This reality invites us to trust God’s presence as our source of hope and security even now, no matter what darkness we face in this world. [29:52]
Revelation 21:22-27 (ESV)
And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Reflection: Where do you look for security and comfort in your daily life? How can you intentionally rest in the light and presence of God today?
Day 5: The Hope of Heaven Shapes How We Live Now
The hope of being with Jesus forever is not just for the future—it transforms how we live today. Knowing that our eternity is secure in Christ gives us courage, comfort, and perspective in the face of life’s challenges. This hope helps us not to get too comfortable in this world, but to encourage one another and hold tightly to our faith, living with purpose and anticipation for what is to come. [32:23]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.
Reflection: How does the hope of heaven change the way you respond to difficulties or disappointments today? What is one way you can encourage someone else with this hope this week?
Quotes
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