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In chapter one we considered “The Pre-Existence Of Jesus Christ.” Looking back in time, we recognized that
Christ existed in eternity past, before the creation of the world. However, in this chapter we will look forward in time,
into the eternal future. We shall see that Christ now exists in heaven to make intercession for us, but He will thereafter
exist forever. Jesus had no beginning and He will have no ending. There will never be a time when He does not exist,
thus the title “The Eternity Of Jesus Christ.”
The Bible tells us that Christ is “a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:6). In Hebrews 7:3
Melchizedek is described this way, “Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days,
nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.” Notice that Melchizedek is compared to
the Son of God, Who “abideth a priest continually.” Thus, we may conclude that, as the Son of God, Christ abides
“continually.” Continually, which means without stopping, declares Christ will live forever. He is eternal!
While the comparison between Christ and Melchizedek is interesting, John gives a simpler and more
direct statement about the eternity of Christ. Revelation 1:6 says, “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his
Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Saints are made “kings and priests,” but Jesus
receives glory and dominion “for ever and ever.” In the short book of Jude we find a similar statement which also declares
the eternity of Christ. Jude 1:25 says, “To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both
now and for ever. Amen.” He presented Christ as our “Saviour,” to Whom glory, majesty, dominion and power
belong, both now and “for ever.” While the wording in the two verses differs a little, both proclaim the same truth: Christ
forever! In the closing remarks of Peter’s second epistle, he included a statement similar to that of John and Jude. He
said, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for
ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Notice that all three of these inspired writers agree that Jesus will abide “for ever.”
In their repetition, John, Jude and Peter all proclaim a common witness to the eternal being of Christ. Matthew
reminds us of the importance of having “two or three witnesses.” In Matthew 18:16 he said, “But if he will not
hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be
established.” The value of multiple witnesses was well established in the Old Testament. (See Deuteronomy 19:15.)
All three of the preceding witnesses have testified that Christ will live forever. Their combined testimony should not,
indeed must not, be ignored. They were divinely inspired!
But why does the Bible so clearly and repeatedly declare the eternity of Christ? The answer is simple - God
wants His children to rejoice in this irrefutable truth: Jesus will live forever. The enormity of the eternity of Christ lies
not just in the duration of time or His longevity. It also involves what occurs during that time. What value does time
have if nothing worthwhile comes of it? What will Christ do with all His time? Hebrews 7:25 tells us, “Wherefore he is
able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
What a blessing! He “ever liveth” to make intercession for us. Remember that Christ taught “it is more blessed to give
that to receive” (Acts 20:35). As He intercedes for us, He certainly will be giving us a priceless gift.
In addition to His intercessory work, the Bible tells of another very special benefit of His eternal existence. We will
be blessed to live with Him, forever! Jesus shared this bright prospect during a prayer to His Father. He said, “Father, I
will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast
given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24). The Father chose His elect before the
foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) and gave us to Christ. In time, He came to die for our sins, that we might live in
heaven forever. Heaven, how wonderful!
But as wonderful as heaven will be, our greatest joy will not be found in the place (heaven) but in the Person
(Jesus). Surely, all experiences pale in comparison to the presence of Christ. That glorious fellowship will never end,
for we will “ever be with the Lord.” Read it for yourself: “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up
together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians
4:17). In our mortality we live and die, but immortality means that we will live forever. All who are saved by grace
will enjoy eternal bliss, living in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ. Oh, the thought of being with Jesus forever. How it
blesses the soul!
Such a blissful state simply would not be possible, unless Jesus lives forever. How could we hope to be with
Him forever unless He is eternal? Men will likely continue to debate the pros and cons of His eternal existence. However,
the Bible declares that Christ will live eternally, and God’s word is truth (John 17:17). Among the most powerful and
pertinent words on this subject are the words of Christ Himself. He said, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). Christ has
always existed in the past, He is ever present, and He “is to come” forever in the future. Jesus also said, “I am he that
liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Revelation
1:18). He lives, though He died for our sins. He was resurrected and is “alive for evermore.” Our hearts rejoice in
knowledge too wonderful to fully comprehend; Christ is eternal! Since He will live forever, so shall we. He promised,
“because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19).
Living forever with Christ is our Christian hope! All that now surrounds us is fading and will ultimately end. If it
does not happen in our lifetime, it will at the end of this world. But even when this world ends, Christ will live on and
on - forever. A million years into eternity, Christ will continue to bless us with His gracious presence. It is
impossible for our finite minds to fully comprehend the enduring joys of heaven and eternity with Christ. We simply
have nothing on earth with which to compare it. The Bible says, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians
2:9). What will heaven sound like, look like, or be like? Stretch our imagination as we might, it is impossible to gain
an accurate description of what is yet to be. Job, David, and Solomon, all spoke of “things too wonderful” for them to
understand. The eternity of Christ certainly fits into that category. But this we can declare without fear of
contradiction: the best is reserved for eternity. His name is Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Since we cannot fully comprehend such wonderful truths, we must simply embrace them by faith. Through faith
we believe Jesus Christ is eternal, but by our works we praise and worship Him. (See James 2:17.) If we profess a desire
to live with Jesus for eternity, why not live in His fellowship each day? It will bless us and glorify Him. Amen.
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