Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "Our Future" in the Bible encompasses both individual and collective destinies as revealed through Scripture. It is a theme that intertwines with God's promises, prophetic revelations, and the ultimate fulfillment of His divine plan. The Bible provides insights into the future of humanity, the world, and the eternal state of believers.1. God's Sovereignty and Plan The Bible affirms that God is sovereign over the future. In Isaiah 46:10, God declares, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’" This verse underscores the belief that God has a predetermined plan for the future, which He will bring to fruition. 2. The Future of Believers For believers, the future is filled with hope and assurance. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." This promise is often interpreted as God's commitment to the well-being and ultimate salvation of His people. The New Testament further elaborates on the future of believers, emphasizing eternal life through Jesus Christ. In John 14:2-3, Jesus assures His disciples, "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am." 3. The Return of Christ A significant aspect of the future according to the Bible is the Second Coming of Christ. This event is anticipated as a time of fulfillment and judgment. In Matthew 24:30-31, Jesus describes His return: "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." 4. The New Heaven and New Earth The culmination of God's plan for the future is the creation of a new heaven and a new earth. Revelation 21:1-4 provides a vivid description: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'" 5. The Judgment and Eternal State The Bible teaches that the future includes a final judgment. In Revelation 20:12, John writes, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." This judgment leads to the eternal state, where believers will experience everlasting life with God, while those who reject Him face eternal separation. 6. Living in Light of the Future Scripture encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the future promises of God. In 2 Peter 3:11-13, Peter exhorts, "Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells." The Bible's teachings on the future serve as a source of hope, motivation, and guidance for believers, encouraging them to remain faithful and steadfast as they await the fulfillment of God's promises. Topical Bible Verses Jeremiah 29:11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Topicalbible.org Library Whether the Sentence of John is to be Understood of Our Future ... A Funeral Oration. Whether Our Intellect Can Know the Future? Sermon xxvii. Argument: Besides Asserting the Future Conflagration of the Whole ... What! do not Our Good Works Merit, which yet God Will Reward in ... That Hope is of Future Things, and Therefore that Our Faith ... The Future State a Self-Conscious State. The Providence Before us May be Farther Improved to Quicken us in ... Of Meditating on the Future Life. Resources What is our inheritance in Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus is our Advocate? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus took our place? | GotQuestions.org Our: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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