Do We Really Want To Live In This World Forever?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesSome folks have either stated or implied that they want to live in this world forever (scroll down to the Google video link). But with all the sin, pain, and grief to endure, do we really want to live in this world forever?
After sin entered into the world with its attendant pain, death was the only solution to man’s problems here on earth (Romans 5:12). To continue to live in a body that is wracked with pain and infirmity would be a far worse condition than death (cf. Philippians 2:24-27).
From the Scriptures, we learn that this present world will one day pass away (2 Peter 3:10-13), and with it the curses that were brought on mankind, including sin and death (Genesis 3:14-19; Revelation 21:4; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:24-36; Revelation 20:14).
Our Lord offers us a new world without the above curses (Revelation 22:3) — a world full of joy, fulfillment, and eternal happiness (cf. Romans 2:6-7; Romans 2:10; 1 Peter 1:7; Revelation 7:13-17; Revelation 21:1-5). This new world is a prepared place for a prepared people (Luke 12:47). Only those people who make a concerted effort, will dwell in this new world called heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4).
John tells us that these prepared people will consist of those who actively “do” the will of God (John 2:17; cf. Matthew 7:21; Romans 2:13; James 1:22; 1 John 3:7).
The question we must ask ourselves is: “Will we make the effort required to be among these prepared few?” (Matthew 25:1-13; cf. Matthew 7:13-14; Matthew 7:21-27).