Seven Reasons Why You Should Consider Eternity.

Thinking about eternity can feel abstract or even unnecessary in a busy world. Most people are concerned with immediate needs—career goals, relationships, personal growth, health, and security. We want to make the most of the lives we have now. Yet, the concept of eternity touches on deep questions that are hard to ignore: What happens after we die? What’s the purpose of this life? Do our choices now have lasting consequences? Considering eternity isn’t about living with fear or leaving behind present-day concerns. Instead, it offers a perspective that grounds our values, influences our decisions, and ultimately brings clarity and purpose to our lives now.

Eternity is more than a concept; it’s central to the Christian message and answers questions about meaning, purpose, and destiny. Here’s why considering eternity is not only relevant but can transform the way we live our lives today.

1. Our Thoughts and Actions Have Eternal Consequences

Every action we take in this life carries consequences that ripple far beyond the present, shaping not only the world around us but also our eternal legacy. In that classic line from Gladiator, Maximus states, "What we do in this life echoes in eternity." Historical evidence affirms this principle. Great leaders, philosophers, and everyday individuals have left legacies—positive or negative—that continue to shape generations long after their time. The Bible emphasizes this in Galatians 6:7-8: "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."

In Christian belief, life is more than a random series of events. It’s filled with purpose, and our choices carry weight beyond the present. We’re not just physical beings; we have souls that are eternal. This perspective brings depth to every interaction and decision because we’re not just living for today but for what lies beyond.

The Bible presents two outcomes for every human soul after death: eternal life with God or separation from Him. Jesus himself spoke about this reality, describing heaven as a place of peace, fulfillment, and joy, and separation from God as a place of regret, suffering, and an absence of love and purpose. By considering eternity, we can live with a sense of accountability, realizing that how we choose to relate to God and to others matters profoundly.

2. The Promise of Eternal Life Gives Purpose to Today

Eternal life isn’t just about existing forever; it’s about a quality of life that begins now and continues beyond death. The Bible describes eternal life as knowing God and living in a close relationship with Him (John 17:3). This life is characterized by peace, hope, joy, and a sense of purpose that isn’t rooted in circumstances but in a relationship with a loving God.

Consider the example of Jesus, who taught his followers to live with compassion, integrity, and service. These values are timeless because they align with a life that transcends the here and now. Living for eternity helps us to prioritize our time, relationships, and goals around things that last: love, generosity, kindness, forgiveness, justice and truth. Rather than leaving us indifferent to the world, the hope of eternity inspires us to live in ways that positively impact others and ourselves.

3. Eternity and the Reality of Sin

Sin is anything that separates us from God and His holiness. Christians believe that sin has both immediate and eternal consequences. It’s not just “bad behavior”; it’s a state of the heart that affects our relationship with God and our own well-being. Sin contaminates our soul with selfishness. Without a solution for sin, the Bible teaches that people face eternal separation from God.

This separation isn’t because God wants to distance Himself from us but because His perfect nature cannot coexist with sin. A perfectly selfless God cannot coexist with selfish humans. This is where Jesus’ role becomes central to eternity. Christians believe that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provided a way to bridge the gap created by sin, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal life with God. Jesus removes our filthy rags of sin and He hands to us a pure and clean white robe of His selflessness so we might enter His presence forever.

4. Eternity Brings Hope in Times of Suffering

One of the most compelling reasons to consider eternity is the hope it brings, especially in times of suffering. We live in a world marked by pain, loss, and injustice, and the concept of eternity offers comfort and assurance that these struggles are not permanent. The Bible teaches that God will one day create a new heaven and earth, free from suffering, pain, and death (Revelation 21:4). This hope can provide strength to persevere through trials, knowing that God is ultimately working all things for good.

For Christians, eternity means that no suffering is meaningless, and there is a future restoration of all that is broken. Even the hardest seasons of life can serve a greater purpose when we view them through the lens of eternity. As the apostle Paul put it, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). The hope of eternity provides a profound resilience, reminding us that no pain is wasted and that joy awaits.

5. Considering Eternity Transforms Relationships

Eternity also changes how we approach relationships. If life is only about the here and now, it can be easy to prioritize short-term gains or self-interest. But when we consider that every person has an eternal soul, it changes how we see them. Relationships take on greater meaning as we recognize that each individual has inherent eternal value and purpose.

This perspective motivates Christians to live out Jesus’ teachings to love their neighbors, forgive those who hurt them, and serve others selflessly. The Bible teaches that love and kindness have an eternal impact, and they are qualities that align with God’s heart. For Christians, sharing the message of eternity isn’t about pressuring others but about inviting them into the same hope and joy we have found through Jesus.

6. A Clear Path to Eternity: Jesus’ Invitation

Christianity uniquely teaches that eternal life is a gift offered through Jesus, not something we can earn. Jesus described himself as “the way, the truth, and the life” and said that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). The message of Christianity is not about being “good enough” but about accepting God’s gift of grace. This offer of salvation, rooted in God’s love, is available to anyone who believes in Jesus, repents of their sins, and chooses to follow Him.

Faith in Jesus is the only “sure bet” in a world full of uncertainties. For those who believe in Him, eternal life is not a vague hope but a promised reality based on Jesus’ resurrection. This belief is transformative because it reassures Christians that no matter what happens in this life, their ultimate future is secure.

7. Living with an Eternal Mindset

Thinking about eternity isn’t meant to pull us away from our everyday lives; rather, it grounds us in what truly matters. With eternity in view, we can live in the present with purpose, knowing that our actions, choices, and relationships matter not only for today but forever. An eternal perspective frees us from the fear of the unknown and the pressure to achieve temporary success, helping us to focus on things that have lasting value.

Ultimately, considering eternity is about recognizing the deeper significance of life. It’s about understanding that we’re created with purpose, that we’re loved, and that we’re invited into a relationship with God that doesn’t end with death. In a world that often emphasizes the temporary, the hope of eternity reminds us that life’s true fulfillment comes from knowing and living for God. Through Jesus, we’re offered a life of peace, joy, and purpose now—and a promise that lasts beyond the grave. The human heart is either pursuing temporary power and pleasure in this world, or eternal security and significance for eternity. The choice is yours.

Considering eternity invites us to reflect: What am I living for? What am I placing my hope in? What will matter in the end? For Christians, the answer to these questions lies in a relationship with God and the assurance that, through Jesus, eternity is secure. And that assurance brings purpose, hope, and joy both now and forever.

700 Years in the Making: How Christmas Fulfills Ancient Prophecies

Jesus’ Birth: Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies and Evidence of His Divinity

The birth of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant and miraculous events in human history. It not only marks the arrival of the Savior of the world but also provides compelling evidence of His divinity, as foretold in ancient prophecies. Remarkably, these prophecies were written hundreds of years before His birth, preserved in the Dead Sea Scrolls, and confirmed by archaeological discoveries. This article explores how Jesus’ birth fulfills Old Testament prophecies, underscoring His divine identity.

Great Isaiah Scroll facsimile, Jerusalem, Israel.

Micah’s Prophecy: The Eternal One Born in Bethlehem

Over 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Micah foretold the exact location of the Messiah’s birth:

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from the days of eternity" (Micah 5:2).

This prophecy is astonishing for several reasons:

1. Specific Location: Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town in Judah, is named as the birthplace of the Messiah. This was not a guess or general prediction—it pinpointed the very town where Jesus would be born.

2. Eternal Nature: Micah describes the Messiah as being "from the days of eternity," implying an eternal, divine nature. This is not a characteristic of a mere human but of God Himself.

3. Historical Verification: The book of Micah is part of the Dead Sea Scrolls, confirming its existence centuries before Jesus' birth. The scrolls are dated between 150–100 BC, providing irrefutable evidence that this prophecy predates the nativity by at least 100 years, if not more.

The Gospel of Matthew confirms that Jesus was indeed born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1). Moreover, historical tradition holds that Jesus was born in a cave, which is today venerated as the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Visitors can still see this site, a physical testament to the fulfillment of Micah’s prophecy.

Grotto (cave) under Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem with traditional site of birth of Jesus.

Isaiah’s Prophecy: A Virgin Birth and God With Us

Another extraordinary prophecy comes from the prophet Isaiah, who, like Micah, lived about 700 years before Christ. Isaiah declared:

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).

This prophecy is remarkable for several reasons:

1. A Virgin Birth: The conception of a child by a virgin is biologically impossible, making it a supernatural sign unique to the Messiah.

2. God With Us: The name "Immanuel" means "God with us," clearly pointing to the divine nature of the child. This prophecy reinforces the truth that Jesus was not just a man but God incarnate.

3. Archaeological Confirmation: The authenticity of Isaiah as a historical figure is supported by the discovery of the Hezekiah and Isaiah bullae (seals), found in the same archaeological layer in Jerusalem. These artifacts confirm that Isaiah was a court official under King Hezekiah, as described in the Bible. This connection authenticates the book of Isaiah as contemporaneous with the events it describes.

Seal imprints of King Hezekiah (LHS) and Prophet Isaiah (RHS).

The Gospel of Matthew also confirms that Jesus’ birth fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy (Matthew 1:22–23). His virgin birth was an unparalleled event, attested by both Mary and Joseph, and recorded in the Gospels.

The Star of Bethlehem: A Divine Portent

The events surrounding Jesus’ birth further point to His divinity. One of the most extraordinary signs was the Star of Bethlehem, described in Matthew 2:1–10. The star led the Magi (wise men) from the East to the exact location of Jesus’ birth. This celestial event is widely regarded as a miraculous sign of divine intervention.

Modern scholars suggest the star may have been an extremely rare planetary conjunction. Around 7–6 BC*, a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn occurred in the constellation of Pisces. Such events were considered highly significant in ancient astrology and were often interpreted as heralding the birth of a great king. Whether a natural phenomenon or a miraculous creation, the Star of Bethlehem undeniably underscores the divine nature of Jesus’ arrival.

*Scholars estimate the actual birth of Christ around this time. The Gregorian calendar, which introduced the AD system, was miscalculated, and historical evidence suggests Jesus was likely born between 6 and 4 BC

A Question for You: Is Jesus God?

The evidence is overwhelming. Jesus’ birth fulfilled detailed prophecies written centuries earlier, preserved in the Dead Sea Scrolls and supported by archaeological findings. His miraculous virgin birth, His divine title "Immanuel," His eternal origins, and the celestial signs marking His arrival all point to His identity as God incarnate.

John 3:16 declares:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The question remains: Is Jesus God, the Savior of the world? If these prophecies are true, and Jesus fulfilled them, the answer is a resounding yes.

To explore this further, watch the video content that delves deeper into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The evidence invites you to investigate, reflect, and decide for yourself.

Image courtesy of The Nativity Story, New Line Cinema.