Eternity is a concept we often encounter in the Bible, signifying a continuous existence without end. This existence encompasses not just a mere extension of time, but a transcendent state beyond our comprehension. The Bible emphasizes God’s eternal nature, the eternal life promised to believers, and the eternal consequence for the wicked. These teachings offer perspectives on God’s infinite love, justice, and sovereignty in relation to the span of everlasting time.
What Does Eternity Mean in the Bible?
In the Bible, eternity is tied to the divine character of God, who is without beginning or end. In stark contrast to our finite human lives, God’s eternal nature allows Him to exist in and beyond time. This notion of eternity extends to God’s grace, love, and promises, which are unwavering and everlasting. Eternity is also associated with the life to come after death, reinforcing the message about an immortal soul that either enjoys eternal bliss or suffers eternal punishment, depending on one’s faith in God.
Why Eternity Matters?
Addressing eternity is crucial in understanding the essence of our faith, as it directly relates to our ultimate destiny. It highlights the contrast between temporal earthly matters and perpetual divine realities, urging believers to prioritize spiritual over temporary, corporeal concerns. Understanding eternity in the context of the eternal God enlightens us to appreciate His sovereignty and benevolence. It offers hope of an eternal life with God for those who believe, and a sobering warning of eternal judgment for those who reject Him.
Who Receives Eternal Life?
The Bible asserts that eternal life is a gift from God, accessible to those who develop a trusted relationship with Him. Acknowledging the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for humanity’s sins, marks the starting point for this relationship. Those who believe in Christ’s sacrifice, repent their sins, and commit to leading a life aligned with God’s commandments are promised a place in eternity. The promise of eternal life with God motivates believers to live righteously, keeping in mind the eternal consequence of their actions.
When does Eternity Begin?
According to the Bible, eternity doesn’t have a specific commencement as it transcends both the past and the future. When related to human existence, it is believed to begin after physical death, where the soul continues to live beyond the confines of earthly time. For believers, eternity begins in the here and now, being manifested through their faith in Jesus Christ. This journey to eternity invigorates in believers an awareness of their actions and decisions, respecting their impact on their eternal fate.
Where Do We Spend Eternity?
The Bible enlightens us that our souls will spend eternity in one of two states — eternal life or eternal death. Eternal life refers to the glorious existence in the presence of God, devoid of earthly suffering. This state is not about an unending continuum of time, but a qualitative transformation into a life of perfection and joy with God. On the other hand, those who reject God face eternal death or separation from God, which the Bible often depicts as a place of torment. Therefore, our decisions and faith during our earthly lives determine where we spend our eternity.
Below is our full list of bible verses on eternity (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Eternity
John 5:24
“24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
Related Themes: Life New Life Afterlife Eternal Life
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”
Related Themes: Creativity Earth New Beginnings New Life Beauty
Romans 6:23
“23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Related Themes: Life Hell Repentance Sin Omnipotence
Psalm 90:2
“2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”
John 17:3
“3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Eternal Life Life
2 Thessalonians 1:9
“9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”
Related Themes: Hell Omnipotence Retribution Vindictiveness
Hebrews 9:27
“27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
Related Themes: Afterlife Hell Omnipresence Omnipotence Reaping
Matthew 25:46
“46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Related Themes: Hell Afterlife Retribution Eternal Life Omnipotence
Isaiah 57:15
“15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
Related Themes: Holiness Humility Omnipotence Omnipresence Revival
Philippians 1:23
“23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:”
Related Themes: Murder
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Galatians 6:8
“8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Related Themes: Lust Reaping Reaping What You Sow Hope Corruption
John 14:2-3
“2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Related Themes: Afterlife Holy Spirit Life Sadness
John 1:12
“12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
Psalm 102:25-27
“25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.”
Related Themes: Earth New Beginnings Nature Foundation Creation
Genesis 2:17
“17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
Psalm 72:17
“17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.”
Mark 9:43-48
“43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”
Jude 1:6
“6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.”
Related Themes: Pride Angels Earth Omnipotence Giants
Psalm 30:12
“12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Singing
Jude 1:7
“7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”
Related Themes: Lust Abomination Hell Social Justice Adultery
Jeremiah 10:10
“10 But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.”
Psalm 16:11
“11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Related Themes: Joy Life Attitude Loneliness Birthday
Matthew 13:43
“43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Related Themes: New Beginnings New Life Criticism Creativity Earth
Psalm 119:142
“142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.”
Related Themes: Truth Telling The Truth
Jeremiah 32:27
“27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Sovereignty Restoration Omnipresence All Things Are Possible
Revelation 1:18
“18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
Isaiah 40:8
“8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
Related Themes: Flowers Beauty Nature Attitude Preservation
Romans 10:13
“13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Related Themes: Life Quitting Guilt Eternal Life Self-Esteem
