Can you explain eternity?
Introduction. The answer to this question is a succinct "no". How can the finite comprehend infinity? While I cannot fully explain eternity, I would like to share some Biblical truths about it with you.
Eternity, for ever, and everlasting. These words are used in our translations to convey or suggest the thought of that which has no ending. Isaiah spoke thus of God, "For thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity..." (Isa. 57: 15). Regarding the righteous, there is life everlasting (Luke 18: 30) and everlasting punishment for the wicked (Matt. 25: 46). There is the everlasting gospel and kingdom (Rev. 14: 6; 2 Pet. 1: 11). We are told the fear of the Lord endures for ever (Ps. 19: 9).
Everlasting and for ever can mean age-lasting. The scriptures speak of the earth lasting for ever (Eccl. 1: 4). However, we are told this earth shall be "burned up," "dissolved," and the "elements shall melt with fervent heat" (2 Pet. 3: 10-12).
Similarly, the Aaronic priesthood is called an "everlasting priesthood" (Ex. 40: 15). Yet, we are also told the priesthood had to change (Heb. 7: 11-28). You ask, how can we know when these terms mean for all eternity or just a long period of time? Simply speaking, the only way is whether the matter under consideration has any clarification or limitation in the immediate context where it is found or remote context (verses elsewhere).
Fully viewed, eternity is beyond man's ability to understand. We only know existence with ending. By faith we accept that God is eternal. He knows no ending as well as no beginning (John 8: 58). We accept the teaching of everlasting life. Jesus said, "...And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matt. 25: 46).
Eternity, for ever, and everlasting. These words are used in our translations to convey or suggest the thought of that which has no ending. Isaiah spoke thus of God, "For thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity..." (Isa. 57: 15). Regarding the righteous, there is life everlasting (Luke 18: 30) and everlasting punishment for the wicked (Matt. 25: 46). There is the everlasting gospel and kingdom (Rev. 14: 6; 2 Pet. 1: 11). We are told the fear of the Lord endures for ever (Ps. 19: 9).
Everlasting and for ever can mean age-lasting. The scriptures speak of the earth lasting for ever (Eccl. 1: 4). However, we are told this earth shall be "burned up," "dissolved," and the "elements shall melt with fervent heat" (2 Pet. 3: 10-12).
Similarly, the Aaronic priesthood is called an "everlasting priesthood" (Ex. 40: 15). Yet, we are also told the priesthood had to change (Heb. 7: 11-28). You ask, how can we know when these terms mean for all eternity or just a long period of time? Simply speaking, the only way is whether the matter under consideration has any clarification or limitation in the immediate context where it is found or remote context (verses elsewhere).
Fully viewed, eternity is beyond man's ability to understand. We only know existence with ending. By faith we accept that God is eternal. He knows no ending as well as no beginning (John 8: 58). We accept the teaching of everlasting life. Jesus said, "...And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matt. 25: 46).