Living with an Eternal Perspective in Daily Life
Living with an eternal perspective involves focusing on unseen, lasting realities rather than temporary, visible circumstances [2, 3]. This concept is rooted in biblical teachings that contrast the temporal nature of the present world with the everlasting nature of God and the life he offers [2, 5].
The term "eternal life" appears in the Old Testament in Daniel 12:2 and frequently throughout the New Testament, including passages like Matthew 7:14 and Luke 10:28 [1]. It encompasses the future of the redeemed and is often contrasted with "eternal punishment" [1, 12]. This eternal life is described as the final reward and glory for those who belong to God [1]. The concept of immortality, or perpetuity of existence, is taught in the Old Testament, implied in the writings of Moses, and more clearly articulated in later books like Isaiah and Psalms [6]. With the full revelation of the gospel, this doctrine was "brought to light" [6].
Eternal life is not merely a future state but also a present experience. It is a newness of life derived from Christ [1, 4]. To know God and Christ is considered eternal life [7]. God's eternal blessings are understood to bring fullness of life in the present [10]. This perspective emphasizes that eternal things are of utmost importance in life [8, 9].
The Bible encourages believers to fix their eyes on what is unseen, recognizing that what is seen is temporary, while what is unseen is eternal [3]. This involves a continual regard for God's precepts and commandments, remembering them as a guide for daily conduct [11]. The spiritual maturity of an individual is linked to sharing this perspective, prioritizing eternal matters [8, 9]. The Greek term translated "eternal" can mean "lasting forever" or "lasting for an age," but the parallel between eternal life and eternal punishment strongly suggests it means "lasting forever," as eternal life does not end [12].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Eternal life — This expression occurs in the Old Testament only in Dan. 12:2 (R.V., "everlasting life"). It occurs frequently in the New Testament (Matt. 7:14; 18:8, 9; Luke 10:28; comp. 18:18). It comprises the whole future of the redeemed (Luke 16:9), and is opposed to "eternal punishment" (Matt. 19:29; 25:46). It is the final reward and glory into which the children of God enter (1 Tim. 6:12, 19; Rom. 6:22; Gal. 6:8; 1 Tim. 1:16; Rom. 5:21); their Sabbath of rest (Heb. 4:9; comp. 12:22). The newness of life which the believer derives from Christ (Rom. 6:4) is the ”
- 2 Corinthians “while we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. -- 2 Corinthians 4:18”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 4:18 (BSB) — So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Life — Generally of physical life (Gen. 2:7; Luke 16:25, etc.); also used figuratively (1) for immortality (Heb. 7:16); (2) conduct or manner of life (Rom. 6:4); (3) spiritual life or salvation (John 3:16, 17, 18, 36); (4) eternal life (Matt. 19:16, 17; John 3:15); of God and Christ as the absolute source and cause of all life (John 1:4; 5:26, 39; 11:25; 12:50).”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Everlasting — Eternal, applied to God (Gen. 21:33; Deut. 33:27; Ps. 41:13; 90:2). We also read of the "everlasting hills" (Gen. 49:26); an "everlasting priesthood" (Ex. 40:15; Num. 25:13). (See [196]ETERNAL.)”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Immortality — Perpetuity of existence. The doctrine of immortality is taught in the Old Testament. It is plainly implied in the writings of Moses (Gen. 5:22, 24; 25:8; 37:35; 47:9; 49:29, comp. Heb. 11:13-16; Ex. 3:6, comp. Matt. 22:23). It is more clearly and fully taught in the later books (Isa. 14:9; Ps. 17:15; 49:15; 73:24). It was thus a doctrine obviously well known to the Jews. With the full revelation of the gospel this doctrine was "brought to light" (2 Tim. 1:10; 1 Cor. 15; 2 Cor. 5:1-6; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Life, Eternal — Christ is -- 1Jo 1:2; 5:20. Revealed by Christ -- Joh 6:68; 2Ti 1:10. To know God and Christ is -- Joh 17:3. Given By God. -- Ps 133:3; Ro 6:23. By Christ. -- Joh 6:27; 10:28. In Christ. -- 1Jo 5:11. Through Christ. -- Ro 5:21; 6:23. To all given to Christ. -- Joh 17:2. To those who believe in God. -- Joh 5:24. To those who believe in Christ. -- Joh 3:15,16; 6:40,47. To those who hate life for Christ. -- Joh 12:25. In answer to prayer. -- Ps 21:4. Revealed in the Scriptures -- Joh 5:39. Results from Drinking the water of life. -- Joh 4:14. Eating the ”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 3:15: 3:15 Those who are spiritually mature (cp. 1 Cor 2:6; 3:1) will share Paul’s perspective that eternal things are most important in life (Phil 3:12-14; cp. 2 Cor 4:16-18).”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 3:15: 3:15 Those who are spiritually mature (cp. 1 Cor 2:6; 3:1) will share Paul’s perspective that eternal things are most important in life (Phil 3:12-14; cp. 2 Cor 4:16-18).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 21:6: 21:6 God’s eternal blessings also bring fullness of life in the present (see Ps 133).”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 3:1: We are here taught to live a life of communion with God; and without controversy great is this mystery of godliness, and of great consequence to us, and, as is here shown, will be of unspeakable advantage. I. We must have a continual regard to God's precepts, Pro 3:1, Pro 3:2. 1. We must, (1.) Fix God's law, and his commandments, as our rule, by which we will in every thing be ruled and to which we will yield obedience. (2.) We must acquaint ourselves with them; for we cannot be said to forget that which we never knew. (3.) We must remember them so that they may ”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 25:46: 25:46 The Greek term translated eternal can mean either “lasting forever” or “lasting for an age,” in this case “the age to come” (13:39-40, 49; 24:3; John 17:3; 2 Thes 1:9; Phlm 1:15; 1 Jn 5:11, 13). Some hold out hope that the punishment of the damned will, after “an age,” be ended by annihilation or forgiveness. The parallel between eternal life and eternal punishment suggests strongly that it means “lasting forever,” since eternal life does not end (see also Luke 16:19-31; Heb 6:2; Rev 20:10).”