Lesson 7: Eternal Life as God's Sons and Daughters!

The plans, promises and prophecies of the Bible all lead to one thing—a potential almost beyond human comprehension! What does God have in store for you?

The story of Abraham, father of the faithful, is an inspiring one. As he wandered the dusty roads of Canaan with no place to call his own, he envisioned a beautiful city, which gave him hope and motivation to go on.

"It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised to him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in a tent. And so did Isaac and Jacob, to whom God gave the same promise.

"Abraham did this because he was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God" (Hebrews 11:8-10, New Living Translation).

The apostle John gives us a description of this city in Revelation 21 and 22.

"The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve gems...

"And the angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, coursing down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life" (Revelation 21:18-19; 22:1-2, NLT).

We, too, can be inspired by this faithful vision that motivated Abraham, John and many others.

"All these faithful ones died without receiving what God had promised them, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed the promises of God...

"That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a heavenly city for them" (Hebrews 11:13, 16, NLT).

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What Does the Bible Say About Our Awesome Potential?

What is the good news this world so desperately needs?

Mark 1:14-15
Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."

Acts 28:30-31
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

2 Peter 1:10-11
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

"Gospel" means good news, and the news that Jesus Christ will return as King of an everlasting Kingdom is the best news ever! No only will He save humanity from self-destruction, He will bring peace and show us the way of life that will produce true happiness and fulfillment without end. Christ preached the Kingdom of God, and so did Peter and so did Paul and all those who follow Christ.

Will faithful followers of Christ be given eternal life?

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Daniel 7:18
"‘But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.'"

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Our human lifespan of 70 or 80 years is full of labor and sorrow (Psalm 90:10). But God has planned for us to live forever in peace and joy! The phrase "eternal life" occurs 32 times in the New King James Version, the word "forever" appears 382 times and the word "everlasting," 93 times. The incredible promise of eternal life is emphasized throughout the Scriptures.

Is the incredible future God has prepared for us beyond normal human comprehension?

1 Corinthians 2:9
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.

Humanity's wildest dreams are only a shadow compared to God's great plan for us.

What wonderful relationship does God have planned for us? What will we be like then?

1 John 3:1-3
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

As incredible as it may seem, we are to be like God! He wants to add us to His divine family as His own beloved children!

What part will the vast universe play in our awesome potential?

Psalm 8:3-4
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?

Hebrews 2:7-8, New Living Translation
"For a little while you made him lower than the angels, and you crowned him with glory and honor. You gave him authority over all things." Now when it says "all things," it means nothing is left out. But we have not yet seen all of this happen.

King David was pondering our place in the universe now, and recognized how insignificant we are. Yet, as the commentary on this passage by the writer of Hebrews shows, God has planned to put the entire universe under us!

Why did God do all this?

Hebrews 2:10-11
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren...

2 Corinthians 6:18
"I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

God intends to literally bring "many sons to glory," and we will actually be our Father's "sons and daughters"! God is expanding His family and wants to welcome us into His realm to share "all things" with us!

What does Jesus Christ tell us at the end of the Bible?

Revelation 22:12, 20
"And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work... Surely I am coming quickly."

After exploring this incredible vision of the world beyond today, we can reply with John, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (verse 20).

Apply Now

Our minds boggle at concepts like eternity and infinity, much less the limitless power and great glory God wants to share. The spiritual realm is described in physical language or we could not comprehend it at all.

Read the apostle John's magnificent visions of the New Jerusalem, the new heavens and the new earth in Revelation 21 and 22. Take time to imagine the beauty of this awesome future and long for its fulfillment.

Next Lesson: Congratulations! You have completed Series 5: "What God Wants for You." Feel free to study any other lessons from the Bible Study Guideshome page, and visit the United Church of God literature library for a wealth of other biblical materials. Please stay in touch and let us know any way our caring ministers and staff can serve you.

Questions about this lesson? Feedback about this lesson?

Related Resources:

What Is Your Destiny?

The Gospel of the Kingdom

Staying the Course from the booklet The Road to Eternal Life

The Everlasting Kingdom of God from the booklet The Book of Revelation Unveiled

Beyond the Millennium from the booklet You Can Understand Bible Prophecy

Partaking of the Divine Nature from the booklet Who Is God?

The Wonderful World Beyond Today... The Universe and Beyond

A Glimpse Into Your Eternal Future

What's My Purpose Here?

God's Vision for You!