ETERNAL KINGDOM / ETERNITY
The concept of eternal life and a kingdom that endures forever is a cornerstone of Christian belief. It offers a powerful message of hope and purpose, guiding us through the uncertainties of earthly life.
God’s Everlasting Kingdom
The Old Testament establishes the promise of an everlasting kingdom. In the Davidic Covenant, God promises King David a descendant “whose house and kingdom will endure forever before me; his throne will be established forever” (2 Sam 7:16). The prophet Daniel reinforces this notion, proclaiming, “His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (Dan 7:14). This kingdom signifies God’s ultimate reign, a place of perfect justice, peace, and love.
Entering the Eternal Kingdom
The New Testament sheds further light on how to enter this eternal kingdom. Saint Peter, in his second letter, assures believers, “Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 1:11). This entrance is not earned solely by good deeds but through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice.
The Book of Revelation echoes this message. In a powerful vision on Patmos, John the Apostle witnesses the declaration, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever” (Rev 11:15). This signifies the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom over all earthly kingdoms, a truth that should give us immense hope.
The Importance of Faith
The question of inheriting eternal life was a central theme in Jesus’ teachings. The Gospels record encounters with a scribe and a rich young man who both inquired about what they must do to inherit eternal life (Lk 10:25, Mk 10:17). Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and living according to God’s will.
Life After Death: From Shadows to Light
The Old Testament offers glimpses of life after death, but these were less developed. Passages like Isaiah 26:19 (“Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise”) and Daniel 12:2 (“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt”) hint at the resurrection and eternal reward. However, these were primarily prophetic writings, not part of the established Mosaic Law that the Sadducees focused on. The Law, as seen in Exodus 20:12 (“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you”), emphasized a blessed life in the earthly realm for those who followed God’s commandments.
Jesus: The Gateway to Eternal Life
Jesus’ resurrection is a pivotal event in Christian belief. By conquering death, Jesus opened the gates of Heaven for humanity. This clarifies the concept of eternal life and the Last Judgment. We are no longer bound to the realm of “the bosom of Abraham,” a temporary resting place for the righteous dead before Jesus’ sacrifice.
REFLECTION
Even today, beliefs about the afterlife vary. Some may dismiss the concept entirely. Our faith in Jesus’ teachings on the Last Judgment and eternal life should motivate us to live a righteous life guided by faith, hope, and charity. By following God’s teachings and living a life filled with love, we become worthy of entering the eternal kingdom, a place of perfect communion with God.
The promise of the eternal kingdom is a source of immense comfort and hope. It reminds us that our earthly struggles are temporary, and that true fulfillment awaits us in God’s eternal presence. Let us strive to live a life worthy of that promise, spreading God’s love and preparing ourselves for the joy of the eternal kingdom.
As we navigate the challenges of life, let us hold fast to the promise of the eternal kingdom. Our faith in Jesus Christ assures us that no matter the trials we face, our ultimate destination is a place of unending peace and joy with God. By living according to His teachings and sharing His love with others, we can help bring a glimpse of that eternal kingdom into the world today. Let this hope inspire us to persevere, to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.