Eternal Life, Part 3

In eternity, the people of God will be delivered also from the physical consequences of sin. "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain" (Revelation 21:4; 1 Corinthians 15:26, 44, 53-57). "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 7:16-17). Eternal life will be a time of rest. This is not a time of inactivity and idleness, but a Sabbath rest when the drudgery, toil, competition, failures, and frustrations that characterize present existence will end (Isaiah 32:15-29; Hebrews 4:9-11). It will be a time of joyous and satisfying activity, which will find perfect fulfillment in seeing God and living in his presence.

Eternal life will bring undeserved glory to the people of God. On earth their status as heirs of heaven is not recognized, and their works done in the Savior's name are rarely rewarded (Matthew 10:22). In eternity, however, God will reveal their true status as children of God. Their bodies will be raised in glory (1 Corinthians 15:43). "The righteous will shine like the sun of the kingdom of their Father" (Matthew 13:43). In a unique way God will graciously reward the good works of those who demonstrate their faith by serving Christ and those in need (Matthew 24:45-47; Matthew 25:21, 23, 34-36, 40; Revelation 14:13). Especially will God bless those who have been instrumental in turning "many to righteousness" (Daniel 12:3), and those who have suffered for his name's sake (Matthew 5:10; 2 Timothy 2:11-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16; Revelation 2:10).  God in his grace will bestow on them and on all his people degrees of glory commensurate with work and fidelity flowing from the fount of their faith in this life.

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