As I sit in the dark thinking about God my mind rebels at the concept of eternity. I cannot comprehend it, but that is the nature of a temporal creature trying to grasp the eternal. It brings to mind concepts like infinity, holiness and all the omni words.
God is eternal, He is outside of time. I don’t think we are designed to understand what that would be like. Is that part of what we lost when Adam and Eve rebelled against God? Will we ever enter that mode or will time be kept for our benefit? How deep will our understanding be of what God is like? Will learning be part of the adventure? There are so many questions I don’t have answers to.
My understanding of eastern religions is that existence is an eternal wheel, thus the Buddhist idea of the Wheel of Life. It is eternal because you go through eternal cycles. One example would be the idea of reincarnation. The ultimate goal is a mindless state in Nirvana. The human mind can grasp those concepts. That is one indication that those religions do not have a clue to the eternal.
The Christian understanding is that existence is linear and eternal, or spacial in the sense that it would extend in all directions. It does not rinse and repeat. That is a concept that is a bit harder to grasp. In fact, I am of the mind that it cannot be grasped, at least in our current perishable existence. Perhaps that is why Paul said this,
(1Co 15:53 KJV) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.In the resurrection Christians believe we enter into a new level of existence. There will be enough of the old that our individual beings do not cease to exist. When Jesus came back they were able to recognize who He was and He ate food to demonstrate He was real. At the same time he walked through walls.
Or a little earlier in his discussion of the meaning of love he writes this,
(1Co 13:12 KJV) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.I cannot wrap my mind the God of the Bible. I can, however, wrap my arms around Him as I have learned through knowing Jesus. I am looking forward to the adventure of eternity and all of the colors, smells, concepts and depths of reality that will be revealed to explore.
I hope to see you there.
homo unius libri
I love your post! I'm now 79 and have lived a rather challenging life...widowed at age 27, widowed again at age 38. Raised my one child through some rough times but so thankful for my RN education to always grant me a job. Now retired and pray more and more that the Lord stays close to me for whatever comes ahead. I believe it will be a new adventure when I leave this earth and that the Lord will guide me through it as He has guided me so well through my earth-life.
ReplyDeleteI think "adventure" is a good word for what we can expect. I also think there may be a lot of little coffee shops along the way. I will probably see you in one of those.
DeleteGrace and peace
Yes, I will look forward to our meeting. Thanks!
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