It is a fact that every person will be in eternity someday. For the majority, it will happen through death (Heb. 9:27). Yet, for some it will happen in the presence of the Lord at the last day, when the living will be changed from corruptible to incorruptible (1 Cor. 15:51,52). For those who have prepared themselves in obedience to the Gospel, eternity brings the joys of Heaven in the very presence of God (Rev. 21:1-4). On the other hand, for those who are not prepared, eternity brings unending sorrow in the fires of Hell (Rev. 14:11; Mat. 25:41). Knowing that the spiritual side of man is immortal brings many questions concerning the nature of the soul beyond this life. One of these questions deals with the knowledge that we will possess in that eternal realm. The Scriptures reveal at least three things that we will know in eternity.
We will know what happened on the earth. Many take comfort in their faithful loved ones looking down upon them and watching them from Heaven. However, the Bible indicates that in eternity knowledge of the present time on the earth is no more (Ecc. 9:5,6). That being said, it is clear that souls in eternity do remember what happened while they were living on the earth. The rich man in Torments was told to “remember” the good things that happened in his lifetime (Luke 16:25). Also, Jesus pictured the Judgment Day with many pointing out the good works they did while they were on earth (Mat. 7:22).
We will know where we are and why. Would it not be strange for you to be in a world of Paradise and not know how you got there or why you were there? In the same line of reasoning, would you not be shocked to find yourself in horrible pain not understanding why you were suffering? The rich man who was tormented in the flame knew the pain associated with torment and his failure to repent in this life (Luke 16:24; 30). Furthermore, when John saw the faithful souls in Heaven under the altar slain for the Word of God, they knew why they were there and were rewarded for their faithfulness (Rev. 6:9-11).
We will know each other. There is no comfort in being in a place filled with strangers. So, even though we will have a spiritual body, God will make sure that we know one another. The Thessalonians were concerned about their loved ones who had died, but Paul indicated they would be reunited with them and they could “comfort one another with these words” (1 The. 4:18). David looked forward to being reunited with his baby (2 Sam. 12:23) and Paul longed to rejoice with the Corinthian brethren (2 Cor. 1:14). There is always joy in being reunited. This joy will be experienced by all the faithful in eternity.
So, are you ready for eternity? God has a plan for all to obey now (2 Cor. 6:2). If we neglect Him here, think of how tragic it will be for all eternity knowing and remembering how we denied Him (2 Tim. 2:11,12).
~Derrick Coble
We will know what happened on the earth. Many take comfort in their faithful loved ones looking down upon them and watching them from Heaven. However, the Bible indicates that in eternity knowledge of the present time on the earth is no more (Ecc. 9:5,6). That being said, it is clear that souls in eternity do remember what happened while they were living on the earth. The rich man in Torments was told to “remember” the good things that happened in his lifetime (Luke 16:25). Also, Jesus pictured the Judgment Day with many pointing out the good works they did while they were on earth (Mat. 7:22).
We will know where we are and why. Would it not be strange for you to be in a world of Paradise and not know how you got there or why you were there? In the same line of reasoning, would you not be shocked to find yourself in horrible pain not understanding why you were suffering? The rich man who was tormented in the flame knew the pain associated with torment and his failure to repent in this life (Luke 16:24; 30). Furthermore, when John saw the faithful souls in Heaven under the altar slain for the Word of God, they knew why they were there and were rewarded for their faithfulness (Rev. 6:9-11).
We will know each other. There is no comfort in being in a place filled with strangers. So, even though we will have a spiritual body, God will make sure that we know one another. The Thessalonians were concerned about their loved ones who had died, but Paul indicated they would be reunited with them and they could “comfort one another with these words” (1 The. 4:18). David looked forward to being reunited with his baby (2 Sam. 12:23) and Paul longed to rejoice with the Corinthian brethren (2 Cor. 1:14). There is always joy in being reunited. This joy will be experienced by all the faithful in eternity.
So, are you ready for eternity? God has a plan for all to obey now (2 Cor. 6:2). If we neglect Him here, think of how tragic it will be for all eternity knowing and remembering how we denied Him (2 Tim. 2:11,12).
~Derrick Coble