Time Of The End

As Gabriel approached the place where I was standing, I became so terrified that I fell with my face to the ground. “Son of man,” he said, “you must understand that the events you have seen in your vision relate to the time of the end.” [Daniel 8.17]

Nothing lasts forever, right?

We would probably like to believe the statement above but it seems the Bible has something to say to that end. 

The Bible also refutes the statement, "nothing lasts forever..." because it clearly and repeatedly says God is the Everlasting One Who was, and is, and is to come.

So, something lasts forever and that something is Yahweh God Almighty.

Based on how many Bible prophecies have come true, wouldn't it make sense to at least give it some thought about prophecies it says will be fulfilled at "the time of the end"?

I think so. And, it all starts by first acknowledging that the time of the end is in fact a reality. The end is coming. Time, as we know it, will cease to exist. Eternity is all that will remain.

While we tend to consider 'eternity' in terms of time, nothing could be further from accurate. Eternity is timeless. Eternity is spaceless. Eternity is bound by neither time nor space. Eternity is something the human mind can hardly comprehend because the human mind is trained and accustomed only to time and space. How can a time and space-bound mind comprehend timelessness and spacelessness? The only way is to consider God. And God says 'time and space' will cease to exist - but for now, they allow the propagation of the human soul (created in God's image). 

There is a purpose in the creation of humanity - it is for the benefit and pleasure of God Who created it. And, we can be sure that the benefit and pleasure of God involves eternity. 

But God is very clear that His time and space project is one designed to produce souls who allow Him to impart His Spirit into them (obedience of faith) so that when time and space cease to exist, God has effectively propagated Himself for eternity. 

However, not every created soul will enjoy the benefit and pleasure of God for eternity. Only those who "friend" God on His terms will enjoy His benefit and pleasure of eternity. All others - the disobedient and faithless - remain eternal souls created originally for God's benefit and pleasure, but discarded to the refuse of loss and suffering - hell - God's garbage dump.

So we would do well to consider the time of the end. It is coming. It is coming for each and every person. When we breathe our last breath, there it is. The body ceases to live, but the soul continues for eternity because of God Who created it. The eternal condition of the soul (heaven or hell) can only be determined during its time and space existence. It has to be that way, otherwise faith is of no value - and nothing but faith pleases God.

This really explains the significance of words like, obedience, faith, disobedience, pride, etc...

Father, I have let my mind wander here today a bit. But it has been a good exercise. I know I understand very little about eternity, but I want to learn more. And, while I exist on earth, I want to follow Your wishes regarding my soul so that I might enjoy eternity with You! I believe in You and I believe in Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life.