Life Eternal in Heaven and a New Body

↻ Updated: February 18th, 2020 by JPE

Life Beyond Inspires

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Rom. 8:18) This Scripture talks about the “glory that is to be revealed to us” or our eternal life as promised by Christ. It serves as the living hope to the genuine followers of Jesus—not the fame and riches of this world!

Wrote the apostle Peter that we are “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Pet. 1:3-5) The real inspiration is our life with God in the hereafter. It is as sure and true as Christ Himself who promised it. “He who believes in the Son has eternal life.” (John 3:36a)

The real inspiration is our life with God in the hereafter. It is as sure and true as Christ who promised it. ‘He who believes in the Son has eternal life.’ (John 3:36a)

A certain woman questioned God’s wisdom of giving her kidney disease which caused her early death. “I’m still young…am still young,” she protested. In her deathbed, I told her about Romans 8:18, but she couldn’t understand it. I continued to quote Romans 8 until I reached verse 35 where it says,

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress…or sword?…. But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us…. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels…nor powers…shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Still, she couldn’t grasp God’s word. Life to her was just the one she experienced on earth.

So I went on telling her that even if God will cause her body to be mutilated and be given to the dogs, still Jesus’ love for her is far greater, for our Lord will give her a new body and life eternal in heaven (cf. John 10:28, 1 Cor. 15:50-55). The Spirit of God then caused her heart to understand the “glory that is to be revealed to us.” The woman died in less than 12 hours—assured and happy!

That woman was the sister-in-law of my wife. She was a Christian, but then doubted her life in heaven at the point of death. But Christ did not allow her to die the death of the unbelievers. The hope of eternal life then recaptured her dwindling spirit of faith. She died leaving behind a smile on her lips.