Christian Hope

Eternal life, the new earth, and reunion with loved ones - the future God has prepared for those who believe

After examining the reality of death, the unconsciousness of the dead, and Satan’s deceptions, we now turn our eyes to Christian hope. This hope does not disappoint, because it rests on God’s unfailing promises.

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” — Revelation 21:1 (KJV)

The Promise of Jesus

What did Jesus promise His disciples before He departed?

That He would send their souls to heaven immediately after death That He would come again and receive them to Himself That they would remain on earth forever That they would reincarnate until they reached perfection

Christian hope is not going to heaven when we die, but the return of Jesus. He said, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself” (). This is a personal promise from the Saviour. He Himself will come for His people.

“The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope of His true followers.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 302, par. 2.

The Reunion

What will happen when the dead in Christ are raised?

They will go immediately to judgment They will wander over the earth They will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air They will remain in the graves waiting for instructions

Imagine the scene: Jesus appears in the clouds of heaven with thousands of angels. The graves are opened, and the righteous of all ages rise with glorified bodies. Together with the righteous living, they are caught up to meet Jesus in the air.

After meeting Jesus in the air, where will the saved go?

They will return to the earth immediately They will remain floating in space They will go to the Father's house, to the place Jesus prepared They will go to another planet

After meeting Jesus in the air, the saved will be taken to the Father’s house, according to His promise. There they will be with Christ during the millennium (). Then, after the final eradication of sin, God will make a new heaven and a new earth, where the redeemed will live forever.

Life on the New Earth

What is God preparing for the saved?

An existence as spirits in the clouds A new heaven and a new earth A return to the original Garden of Eden only Reincarnation in better bodies

Christian hope is not to float in the clouds forever. God will create a new earth, real and tangible, where His people will live forever. It will be Eden restored.

What will no longer exist on the new earth?

Work and activity Death, sorrow, crying, and pain Relationships and friendships Nature and animals

Everything that causes suffering now will be removed. Death, the last enemy, will be destroyed. Sin and all its consequences will be gone forever.

Eternal Life in Detail

The Bible gives us beautiful glimpses of life on the new earth:

What will the saved do on the new earth?

They will only contemplate God and do nothing else They will sleep forever in peace They will build houses, plant vineyards, and enjoy the work of their hands They will serve as angels in heaven

Eternal life will be active and full. It will not be boring or empty. There will be work to enjoy, beauty to explore, and endless opportunities to grow in knowledge and joy.

How will humans and animals relate on the new earth?

There will be no animals on the new earth The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be perfect peace Animals will serve humans as slaves Humans and animals will live apart

The Presence of God

What will be the greatest blessing of the new earth?

The absence of problems Physical immortality God will dwell with men and be their God The beauty of restored nature

The greatest joy of eternity will be the presence of God. We will see His face, hear His voice, and live in direct fellowship with Him forever.

“There the redeemed shall know, even as also they are known. The loves and sympathies which God Himself has planted in the soul shall there find truest and sweetest exercise.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 677, par. 1.

What will the saved do every Sabbath on the new earth?

They will rest in their homes The Sabbath will no longer exist They will come to worship before the Lord They will work as on any other day

Reunion with Loved Ones

What did Paul say to comfort those who had lost loved ones?

That we should not feel any sorrow at all That we will see them again when Jesus returns That they are already in heaven That we should forget the dead

One of the greatest comforts of Christian hope is the reunion with our loved ones who died in Christ. This is not a vague idea that they are in a better place. It is the sure promise that we will see them again and never be separated from them.

Eternity with Christ

How long will the saved live with Christ?

One thousand years Until the next cycle of creation For ever and ever Until God creates another universe

Eternal life is exactly that: eternal. There is no end, no decay, and no uncertainty. For ever and ever we will be with our Saviour, exploring the wonders of His creation and growing in love and understanding.

What Now?

Christian hope changes the way we live today:

Death is only a brief sleep before the awakening.
We can comfort one another with the promise of reunion.
Every day is an opportunity to prepare for eternity.
Others need to know this hope.
The return of Jesus is not a cause for fear, but for joy.

My Decision

I accept the Christian hope of the resurrection and eternal life. I await the return of Jesus and the reunion with my loved ones who died in the faith. I want to be ready for that day, living in communion with Christ. Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.

Yes, I believe and accept this truth.

7) Christian Hope