I Believe in Eternity
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I Believe in Eternity
1. The Reality of Death and the Question of Eternity
Skydiving, swimming with dolphins, visiting all 50 states, taking a hot air balloon ride — these are common items on people's bucket lists. Forbes says that 95% of people have a bucket list, with an average of 19 items. This shows that people believe life is coming to an end and want to experience certain things before they die. Unless Jesus returns first, all of us will die. The question is, what then?
We've been studying our doctrinal statement, rooted in Scripture, and today we arrive at the final point: I believe in eternity. This belief asks us what it requires of us today.
2. The Eternal Destiny of Unbelievers
Resurrection and Judgment
Unbelievers will experience a resurrection. In John 5, we read that all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out. Those who have done good will rise to live; those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.
There will also be judgment. While believers' judgment is about rewards, unbelievers' judgment declares them guilty for rejecting Christ. Revelation 20 describes the great white throne judgment, where anyone not found in the book of life is thrown into the lake of fire.
Eternal Conscious Punishment
The sentence is eternal conscious punishment — hell. Matthew 25 describes the separation of people into two groups, with those on the left hearing, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." They will go away to eternal punishment.
Other passages affirm this reality: Matthew 5 warns of the danger of hellfire; Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians that those who do not know God will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from His presence. John in Revelation speaks of God’s wrath poured out forever.
Hell is the ultimate separation from God and His blessings. Jesus’ words, "Depart from me," are among the scariest. This is not theoretical; it is personal. We all know people who have rejected Christ.
False Alternatives
Some propose alternatives like annihilationism, reincarnation, universalism, or purgatory. However, Scripture stands firmly against these. Jesus clearly states in Matthew 25 that those who reject Him will go to eternal punishment.
3. The Eternal Destiny of Believers
Joy With the Lord
If hell is separation from God, heaven is the joy of being continually in His presence. David says, "You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Heaven is not about chubby cherubs on clouds but about worship, fellowship, feasting, music, and joy.
A New Heaven and a New Earth
Revelation 21 describes a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin and the curse. Isaiah says we will rejoice forever in what God creates. In this place, there will be no more tears, death, or pain. Work will be fulfilling, creation will be free from thorns and weeds, and God Himself will be our light.
Transformed Bodies
We are not fit for this place in our current state. Philippians 3 tells us that Jesus will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. In heaven, we will give and receive perfect love, kindness, and faithfulness. There will be no more mourning or crying. There will be no need for repentance because there will be nothing to repent of.
4. Implications for Today
Believe the Gospel
The gospel teaches that we are sinners, separated from God, and unable to earn His favor. Jesus came, took our sin, died, and rose again to give us eternal life. We must believe this truth.
Repent of Sin
Believing facts about the gospel is not enough; we must act. Repentance means turning from sin, changing direction, and confessing it. We cannot remain comfortable in our sin.
Receive Jesus Christ
Receiving Jesus is a personal decision that cannot be made for us by family or tradition. We surrender ourselves to Him, trust in what He has done, and bear fruit that shows our faith.
John writes, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." If you feel a tug, that is God calling you to respond.
We are called not only to affirm these truths but to live them, to share them, and to prepare for eternity in joyful anticipation.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: I Believe
Sermon Title: I Believe in Eternity
Date: Jun 29, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
John 5:28–29
Revelation 20:11–15
Matthew 25:34, 41, 46
Matthew 5 (reference)
2 Thessalonians 1:8–9
Galatians 6:7–8
Philippians 3:20–21
Revelation 21:1–4
Isaiah 65:17–18
John 1:12
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