How can I gain an eternal perspective on life?
Gaining an eternal perspective on life is ultimately about understanding God’s plan and purpose for our lives. According to the Bible, this life on earth is only a temporary existence, while eternity awaits us after death (Hebrews 9:27). An eternal perspective recognizes that our lives are more than just these few short decades on earth – our choices and actions echo into eternity. Here are some key biblical truths that can help us develop an eternal perspective:
1. We were created for eternal fellowship with God
The Bible teaches that human beings were created in God’s image, for intimate relationship with Him (Genesis 1:26-27). Our deepest longing is to know and be known by our Creator. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God has set eternity in our hearts – we instinctively know that there must be more to life than just this temporary existence on earth. Part of gaining an eternal perspective is understanding that this life is not the end goal – rather, it is a preparation ground for spending eternity with God.
2. Our earthly lives are temporary, but eternity awaits
Scripture frequently emphasizes the temporary nature of our earthly lives compared to the eternal destiny that awaits all people after death (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). No matter how long or short our lives are here on earth, they are merely a blink of an eye relative to the unending life to come. Keeping the brevity of this life in perspective allows us to number our days wisely (Psalm 90:12) and invest in that which will last for eternity.
3. Our lives have eternal significance beyond just this temporary existence
Although brief, our earthly lives have great significance because they determine where we will spend eternity (Hebrews 9:27). The choices we make to follow or reject Christ echo into eternity. Also, our actions and character development prepare us for eternal rewards and responsibilities in God’s future kingdom (Matthew 6:19-21, 25:14-30; Revelation 22:12). Even the people we influence for Christ will be our joy in heaven (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). Keeping these eternal implications in mind lends much greater weight to how we live each day.
4. All human destinies lead to one of two eternal destinations
Jesus made it abundantly clear that every person will spend eternity in one of two places – either heaven with God or hell apart from God (Matthew 25:31-46; John 14:1-6). There are no second chances after death. Every person’s eternal destiny hinges on what they do in response to Christ during their earthly lifetime (John 3:18, 36; Hebrews 9:27). This truth puts our earthly lives in proper perspective – this is the only opportunity we have to choose our eternal destination.
5. Our primary purpose in this life is to glorify God and prepare for eternity
The Westminster Shorter Catechism summarizes the main purpose of human existence as “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” As those created for fellowship with God, our highest aim is to glorify Him with our lives (1 Corinthians 10:31). We do so by trusting in Christ for salvation and allowing the Spirit to produce His fruit in us (John 15:8; Galatians 5:22-23). While on earth, we have the opportunity to surrender our lives to God’s purposes and align ourselves with His Kingdom. He will then transform us into the sinless likeness of Christ (Philippians 1:6; 1 John 3:1-3) and assign us responsibilities in His eternal kingdom (Matthew 25:14-23; Revelation 22:3-5).
6. Our earthly suffering is temporary and allows us to identify with Christ
Because of sin, suffering is inevitable in this fallen world. But Scripture offers an eternal perspective on suffering – it is temporary, allowing us to share in Christ’s sufferings, and God will use it for our good (Romans 8:17-18; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18). As we identify with Christ in His sufferings, we will be united with Him in His resurrection and glory (Philippians 3:10-11). Earthly afflictions produce in us an eternal weight of glory far beyond any hardship (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). We can count it joy when we face trials because of how God will use them to shape us for eternity (James 1:2-4).
7. Keeping eternity in mind helps us live wisely and invest in the eternal Kingdom of God
Christ’s followers are exhorted to keep their eyes fixed on things above rather than earthly things, because their lives are now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:2-3). With our gaze lifted heavenward, priorities shift. Wise investments are those which store up eternal rewards rather than just earthly gain (Matthew 6:19-21). Living wisely means pouring time and resources into people and ministries which further God’s eternal Kingdom. Things that bring only temporary pleasure or prosperity lose their appeal in light of eternity.
8. Our primary hope is the resurrection and glorification waiting for all believers
While this earthly life is important, Scripture directs us to set our hearts on the eternal hope that lies ahead. At the resurrection, Christ will return to transform our lowly bodies into glorified bodies like His (1 Corinthians 15:49; Philippians 3:21). We will be free from sin’s presence and penalties. There will be no more pain, sickness, sorrow or death (Revelation 21:3-4). The hope of resurrection and glorification anchors our souls so we do not drift in the pains and pleasures of this brief life (Hebrews 6:19). The trials we face today are producing an incomparable, eternal glory to be revealed.
9. We eagerly await Christ’s return and the ushering in of eternity
Followers of Christ are exhorted to eagerly await His promised return, where He will make all things new (Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 3:13). At that time, the perishable earthly world will be replaced by an imperishable new creation (2 Peter 3:10-13). God Himself will dwell among us and creation will be liberated from its bondage to decay (Revelation 21:1-4; Romans 8:18-23). Our brief earthly lives are meant to be lived in anticipation of this fast-approaching eternity. Maranatha, “Come Lord Jesus!” should be the daily longing of our souls.
In summary, the Bible offers an eternal perspective that shifts our focus onto the temporary nature of this earthly life, the eternal significance of our daily choices, the fixed eternal destinies awaiting all people after death, our primary purpose of living for God’s glory, the reasons for earthly suffering, the importance of investing in God’s eternal Kingdom, the hope of coming resurrection and glorification, and the eager anticipation of eternity at Christ’s return. As we learn to view life through the lens of eternity, our values, priorities, and daily decisions are transformed. Temporary earthly pleasures and pursuits diminish in importance. Instead, our lives become anchored to eternal realities and focused on loving God, loving people, fulfilling Kingdom purposes, and hastening the return of Christ. Though brief, this earthly existence determines our eternal destiny. We must live wisely and purposefully in light of eternity.