Calendars around the world have flipped every New Year with reminders that change is possible. You can remake yourself. All you need to do is take the first step. But what if the best way to start isn’t by taking the first step, but pausing to scope out the finish line?
That is the framework of the unfolding gospel story.
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” –Genesis 3:15
The beginning starts with the end—the projected coming of Christ and defeat of the enemy. Before a step is taken to restore us from the fall, the conclusion is cast. As Matthew Henry said, “no sooner was the wound given than the remedy was provided and revealed.” The finality of the enemy’s plot to steal, kill, and destroy was instantly in sight.
Today we live further into the story. The prophesied Christ has come, died, and risen from the grave. Now we wait for His return. With this end in view, there are two questions to consider that impact and inform how we live today.
1. Where are we headed?
Right now, Jesus is preparing room for His people. The Father’s heavenly home is under renovation for all who’ve placed their hope for salvation in Christ (John 14:3). In His place, sorrow, pain, tears, and death—all consequences of the fall—are wiped away forever. Once again, God will fully dwell intimately with His sons and daughters.
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” –Revelation 21:3-5
Around every corner of this abode are surprises unfathomable by the finite mind. God has fashioned a place filled with “what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Some of the greatest surprises will be individuals from every people group and place worshipping their Maker.
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” –Revelation 7:9
2. What do we do in the meantime?
For believers, living for eternity starts at the moment of salvation.
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” –John 17:3
We’ve encountered the love of God displayed at the cross and responded with love for Him. Out of our love for Him, we’re compelled to care deeply for the people He’s divinely placed on our path.
This is our purpose now—loving others in both word and deed. In doing so, we model and obey Jesus in the way we navigate the world around us … ultimately working with Him through the Holy Spirit to bring the nations to God in glad worship.
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” –John 20:21
We are saved and sent so that others can join us in the eternal home Jesus is preparing. With this end in mind, how will you start living today?