Eternity and the Soul

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.

That is the most devastating verse in the entirety of Scripture. After all, what shall it profit a man if he gains the entire world and lose his own soul? While the church entertains itself and misrepresents the Risen Christ in a thousand ways, souls pass through death’s portal and enter into a Christless eternity whose circumstances cannot even be fathomed. The western church treats the cross as a ticket to “your best life now” and false teachers lead blind souls into a gospel void of authentic redemption.
Jesus Himself has been maligned and is now treated as the heavenly butler assigned to do man’s bidding. Ring the bell, pull the cord, or say the right incantation and God will come running to enhance your earthly existence. The western church has constructed, or better yet concocted, a religion that calls itself “Christianity” and parades and advertises itself with media outlets but without the supernatural exhibitions of remarkably changed lives. The idols of the Old Testament high places have been replaced by the idols of high priced and adulated preachers and singers.
What think ye of eternity? When has the church become obsessed with eternity? Our theology speaks of eternity and we profess to believe in the eternality of every soul, but our preaching and practice has been imprisoned by the here and now. With great sums of money saved up and great sums of money wasted on trifles and entertainment, the church should be embarrassed to proclaim a belief in eternity. I am not suggesting a perfection since we all fall very short, but I am suggesting we have rearranged the New Testament commands and made them bow to the dictates of our culture and our flesh.
Bring back just one soul from eternity and what subject do you think he would magnify? Would he speak of how to protect your finances? Would he request a “Christian” cruise? Would he place his hand over his heart in allegiance to any country? Or would he, with tear filled eyes, beseech saint and sinner alike to lift their eyes and seek Him who rules eternity? I know we all must work and eat and do those things which make us inhabitants of this earth, but our hearts should burn within us with eternity and the things which define the King and His kingdom.
Eternity is not just a concept, it is a place of existence. Most people have more faith in the existence of the Martian surface than they do in eternity. And the church moves in the redundant behavior that is a lullaby to the world and profoundly belies that which comes from our lips. I contend that upon the first glimpse of the Risen Christ we will all fall on our faces in both worship and regret because we will realize in amazing truth just how we have minimized and diminished the glory of eternity and of the Lord of All Creation. And one day God will wipe away those tears which just polishes another facet of His amazing grace.
I beseech you, my brethren, let us all ask the Spirit to release our souls from the earthly and lead us into the glory of His eternal glory, even while we retain the bonds of flesh that keep us here. Our Glorious Redeemer reigns this very moment in a majesty and splendor that cannot be comprehended with a finite mind. And when we think that He has prepared a place for us in that same glory, we are undone in broken worship and praise. It all seems like a dream now, but one day that dream with unfold into an reality whose expanse has not even been imagined. May Jesus the Living Christ receive all the glory, and honor, and blessing that is rightfully His for all eternity.

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying,

The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,

and of his Christ;

and he shall reign for ever and ever.