Christ triumphed over sin and death so that all who trust in him are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come.
-What hope does everlasting life hold for us?
That we will live with and enjoy God forever in the new heaven and the new earth, where we will be forever free from all sin in a renewed, restored creation.
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ . . .” Philippians 3:20
Both of our last catechism questions for the year have to do resurrection and everlasting life. As 2020 ends, it is wise for us to look to the end of our own lives and consider what that means for us. God created humans as perfect beings, designed to live with Him forever, free from sin and death. Genesis 5:5 succinctly summarizes the weighty consequences of our first parent's disobedience by saying "thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died."
In Christ, we see the second and better Adam. Where Adam disobeyed, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Father's law. Where Adam hid and blamed others for his failure, Christ in his innocence took the punishment for us. Adam brought death upon himself and on his children, but Jesus' death brings forgiveness of sins. Adam's earthly life ended in death, but Christ's death ended in resurrection life. And Jesus' resurrection is just the first fruits of what God is doing to restore his creation (1 Cor. 15:23). We will experience the freedom of glory and all creation along with us (Romans 8: 21).
But are these truths relevant for us now, in this life? Do they make a difference in our every day living? The New Testament answers an emphatic "yes!" In John 14, Jesus himself comforts his disciples before his death by telling them not to be worried. Why shouldn't they be worried? Because he was going to prepare a place for them in heaven. "I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." We can flee from the temptations of worldly gain and fleeting gratification in light of an eternity filled with lasting treasure and enduring pleasure (Ps. 16:11). We can rejoice in the midst of grief and sorrow knowing that one day our Father will wipe away all tears (Rev. 21:4). We can persevere through sickness and persecution with the guarantee that those experiences are preparing us to enjoy glory even more (2 Cor. 4:17). We can fight for holiness and purity because we are sure that when we see Christ we will be like him (1 John 3:2-3). We can be steadfast in our work because Jesus has given us the victory over sin and death (1 Cor. 15: 56-58). We watch and wait with expectation that we will be changed, raised in glory (Mark 13:33 and 1 Cor. 15: 43).
"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22: 20