240. ISA 57:15. THE MOMENTOUS WORD

Isa_57:15. The Momentous Word

"Eternity."’97Isa_57:15.

This all-momentous word is only to be found once in the whole of the inspired pages. Yet how unconcernedly we often use it. It is utterly incomprehensible. No finite mind can grasp it. We are, however, intimately, and indissolubly connected with it. It behooves us, therefore, to do all we can to understand as much of it as possible.

Let us inquire, then.

I. What we understand by Eternity?

Eternity is duration without limits. As such it has neither beginning nor end. In this sense it is only applicable to God, for Jehovah is alone truly and properly eternal. Other beings, as angels and men have a sort of prospective eternity are immortal, and will exist forever; but as they were not always in existence, they are not strictly eternal. Eternity has been likened to a ring, which has no beginning or end. Eternity is not unaptly said to resemble the scene presented to the mariner when out at sea, when he looks abroad in every direction, and perceives nothing but the waters of the mighty ocean Eternity necessarily includes duration beyond all that figures can describe or ideas conceive. There are a certain number of grains of sand on the seashore; a certain number of drops in the mighty ocean; a certain number of blades of grass, and leaves upon the trees; and, were myriads of ages to pass between the annihilation of each of these, there would finally cease to be a grain of sand, &c. &c. But eternity would then be no nearer its termination than at the first, and would still be duration without limits.

Let us, then,

II. Consider some things directly connected with it.

1. The existence of man shall be eternal.

The soul shall never die; and the deceased body shall be raised again to immortality and endless life.

2. The believer’s happiness will be eternal.

Hence we read of eternal redemption and eternal salvation. Heb_5:9, and ix. 12. Eternal weight of glory. 2Co_4:17. Eternal inheritance. Heb_9:15. Eternal life, &c. Joh_6:54, and Joh_10:28; Rom_6:23.

3. The sinner’s wo will be eternal.

Hence we read of eternal damnation, Mat_3:29; eternal fire, Jdg_1:7. Also we read of everlasting punishment, Mat_25:46; everlasting destruction, 2Th_1:9.

Let us then,

III. Make some useful Improvement of it

The subject should lead us,

1. To high and sublime views of Deity.

He, and he only, inhabiteth eternity. How great and unsearchable is God!

We see,

2. The dignity and preciousness of man.

A candidate for eternity; an immortal deathless being. "What shall it profit a man," &c.

3. The evanescence and shortness of time A vapor, shadow, thing of naught, &c 4. The vast importance of life.

Time of escape from eternal wrath; of preparation for glory; only seed-time for a harvest of blessedness or wo. "Redeeming the time," &c.

5. The solemnity of death.

The outlet of life! the gate of eternity. passage to heaven or to hell!

Let the subject of eternity daily impress our minds; let us do every thing in reference to eternity, Preach, hear, pray, live, &c. How necessary to be serious, wise sincere, watchful, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS