Eternal Choices: The Gospel and Our Everlasting Destiny

In this message, we explore the profound truth that every human being is everlasting, but the critical question is where we will spend eternity. We begin by acknowledging the eternal nature of God, who exists from everlasting to everlasting. This foundational truth challenges us to ponder the staggering mystery of existence and the reality that something has always existed. As we reflect on the universe, human nature, and the Bible, we are led to the conclusion that ultimate reality is a person—God, whom we meet in Jesus Christ.

We are not everlasting in both directions like God, but we are everlasting in one direction. Our existence will never cease, and the Bible teaches that there will be a resurrection for both the just and the unjust. This resurrection leads to two possible eternal destinies: everlasting life with God or everlasting judgment cut off from Him. The question we must all answer is whether our everlastingness will be one of joy or misery.

Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible, describing it as a place of fire, outer darkness, and eternal punishment. However, the ultimate purpose of God is the exaltation of His glory in the everlasting happiness of His people. God's glory and our happiness are intertwined, as He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Jesus invites us into His joy, a joy that is full and eternal.

The dividing line between everlasting misery and happiness is the gospel of Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to save sinners, and those who call upon His name will be saved. This message is not only for personal salvation but also for the mission of sharing the good news with those who have never heard it. The call to missions is a call to bring the light of the gospel to the nations, offering the hope of eternal joy in God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Eternal Nature of God: God exists from everlasting to everlasting, a truth that challenges us to ponder the mystery of existence. This foundational understanding leads us to recognize that ultimate reality is a person—God, whom we meet in Jesus Christ. [02:42]
• 2. The Reality of Resurrection: Every human being will experience a resurrection, leading to either everlasting life with God or everlasting judgment. This truth compels us to consider the eternal significance of our choices and the destiny of our souls. [06:36]
• 3. The Purpose of Creation: God's ultimate purpose is the exaltation of His glory in the everlasting happiness of His people. Our joy in God is intertwined with His glory, as He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. [12:16]
• 4. The Call to Missions: The gospel message is not only for personal salvation but also for the mission of sharing the good news with those who have never heard it. This call to missions is a call to bring the light of the gospel to the nations. [21:09]
• 5. The Significance of Eternity: Our short life on earth determines how we will spend our everlasting future. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, seeking our happiness in helping others find eternal joy in God. [32:57]
  ** [32:57]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:11] - Introduction and Prayer
• [00:29] - The Everlasting Nature of God
• [01:06] - The Mystery of Existence
• [02:42] - Ultimate Reality: God or Gas?
• [03:56] - Observing Creation and Human Nature
• [05:39] - Meeting God in Jesus Christ
• [06:17] - Resurrection and Eternal Destinies
• [07:36] - The Question of Heaven or Hell
• [08:37] - Jesus' Teachings on Hell
• [11:23] - Everlasting Misery vs. Everlasting Ecstasy
• [12:16] - God's Purpose: Glory and Happiness
• [13:49] - Entering the Joy of the Master
• [14:25] - Christ's Sacrifice for Our Joy
• [16:02] - The River of God's Delights
• [18:23] - Everlasting Joy and Sorrow Fleeing
• [19:26] - The Dividing Line of Eternity
• [20:18] - The Gospel and World Missions
• [23:12] - God's Call to Missions
• [25:38] - Implications of Eternal Futures
• [32:57] - The Significance of Eternity
• [36:35] - Goers, Senders, and the Call to Missions
• [38:13] - Conclusion and Call to Stand

1. Psalm 90:2 - "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."
2. John 5:28-29 - "An hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment."
3. Matthew 25:46 - "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

1. What does Psalm 90:2 reveal about the nature of God and His existence? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on God being everlasting? [00:48]
2. According to John 5:28-29, what are the two outcomes of the resurrection mentioned by Jesus? How does this align with the sermon’s message about eternal destinies? [06:36]
3. In Matthew 25:46, what are the two eternal outcomes described, and how do they reflect the sermon’s discussion on everlasting joy versus misery? [10:17]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between God's glory and our happiness? What does it mean for God to be most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him? [12:16]

1. How does the concept of God being "from everlasting to everlasting" challenge our understanding of existence and reality? What implications does this have for our faith? [01:06]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of our choices in light of the resurrection and eternal destinies? How should this influence our daily decisions? [06:36]
3. How does the sermon explain the purpose of creation in terms of God's glory and our happiness? What does this reveal about God's intentions for humanity? [12:16]
4. The sermon mentions the call to missions as a way to share the gospel. How does this relate to the idea of bringing the light of the gospel to the nations? [21:09]

1. Reflect on your understanding of eternity. How does the idea of being everlasting in one direction impact your perspective on life and death? [06:17]
2. Consider the two eternal destinies mentioned in the sermon. How does this motivate you to live with an eternal perspective in your daily life? [07:36]
3. The sermon emphasizes the joy found in God. What are some practical ways you can seek satisfaction in God this week, and how might this bring glory to Him? [12:16]
4. How can you actively participate in the mission of sharing the gospel with those who have never heard it? Identify one step you can take this week to engage in this mission. [21:09]
5. The sermon discusses the significance of eternity. How can you prioritize eternal values over temporary comforts in your life? What changes might you need to make? [32:57]
6. Reflect on the idea that our short life on earth determines our everlasting future. What specific actions can you take to ensure your life is aligned with eternal purposes? [32:57]
7. How can you support others in finding eternal joy in God? Consider one person in your life who might need encouragement or guidance in their spiritual journey. [35:20]