Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to reflect on a topic of profound importance: the necessity of knowing where we are going after our life on earth.
This reflection is not merely an intellectual exercise but a crucial aspect of our faith journey.
The certainty of our eternal destination shapes our present lives, influences our decisions, and provides us with hope and assurance.
Let's explore why it is essential to understand and be certain about our eternal home.
Main Scripture: John 14:1-3
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." — John 14:1-3 (NIV)
1. The Assurance of Eternal Life Through Christ
Jesus' words in John 14:1-3 provide a profound assurance of our eternal destiny. He speaks of preparing a place for us in His Father's house and promises to return and take us to be with Him.
This assurance is not based on our merits but on our faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:16 (NIV). This verse encapsulates the gospel message and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus.
Knowing where we are going after this life begins with believing in Jesus as our Savior.
Illustration: The Prepared Home
Imagine someone telling you they have prepared a beautiful home for you, complete with everything you need and love. How excited and relieved you would feel!
Jesus assures us that He is preparing such a place for us in heaven, where we will dwell with Him forever.
This certainty gives us peace and hope amidst life's uncertainties.
Application:
- Believe in Jesus: Place your faith in Jesus Christ, accepting Him as your Savior and Lord. This is the foundation of knowing your eternal destination.
- Rest in His Assurance: Allow the assurance of Jesus' promise to bring you peace and comfort, especially during difficult times.
2. Living with an Eternal Perspective
Knowing our eternal destination profoundly impacts how we live our lives on earth. It shapes our values, priorities, and actions, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective.
Scripture: Colossians 3:1-2
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." — Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV).
Paul exhorts us to focus on heavenly realities, allowing them to guide our earthly conduct.
Illustration: The Traveler
Consider a traveler who knows their destination. They plan their journey, pack accordingly, and stay focused on reaching their goal.
Similarly, as Christians, knowing our eternal destination helps us navigate life's journey with purpose and direction, making choices that align with our heavenly calling.
Application:
- Prioritize Eternal Values: Focus on what truly matters in light of eternity. Invest your time, talents, and resources in things that have lasting significance.
- Live Purposefully: Make decisions that reflect your heavenly citizenship, seeking to honor God and advance His kingdom on earth.
3. The Hope and Comfort of Eternal Life
The certainty of our eternal destination provides immense hope and comfort, especially in times of suffering, loss, and uncertainty.
This hope is an anchor for our souls, keeping us steadfast and joyful despite life's challenges.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." — 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV).
Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are temporary and are working toward an eternal glory.
Illustration: The Marathon Runner
Imagine a marathon runner who keeps their eyes on the finish line. Despite the exhaustion and pain, the vision of the finish line motivates them to persevere.
In this same manner, our hope of eternal life encourages us to endure hardships, knowing that a glorious future awaits us.
Application:
- Embrace Hope: Let the hope of eternal life fill you with joy and strength, especially during trials and tribulations.
- Encourage Others: Share the hope and comfort of eternal life with those who are struggling, offering them the assurance of God's promises.
4. Preparing for Eternity
Knowing our eternal destination also calls us to prepare for it. This preparation involves growing in our relationship with God, living out our faith, and sharing the gospel with others.
Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV). Jesus encourages us to invest in eternal treasures rather than earthly ones.
Illustration: The Wise Builder
Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27) illustrates the importance of building our lives on the solid foundation of His teachings.
The wise builder prepares for the storms by building on the rock.
The parable teaches us that we must prepare for eternity by grounding our lives in Christ and His Word.
Application:
- Grow Spiritually: Cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and worship.
- Live Out Your Faith: Demonstrate your faith through acts of love, service, and obedience to God's commands.
- Share the Gospel: Encourage others to know Christ and secure their eternal destination through faith in Him.
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, knowing where we are going after this life is of utmost importance. It shapes our present lives, gives us hope and comfort, and prepares us for eternity.
Jesus Christ offers us the assurance of eternal life through faith in Him.
Let us live with this eternal perspective, prioritizing heavenly values, embracing hope, and preparing for our glorious future with God.
May we anchor our lives in the promise of eternal life, allowing it to guide our thoughts, actions, and relationships.
We journey through this world as pilgrims. Let us hold fast to the hope of our eternal home and share this hope with others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters and finding hope and comfort in Your promises. Prepare us for our eternal home and use us to share this hope with others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
