About The “Here” And The “Hereafter” – Bible study

The Bible is a very practical guidebook which contains principles that will improve our moral standards, bring joy to the sorrowful, and strengthen us in times of severe trial (cf. Philippians 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:3-9). However, experiencing the thrill of Gods help with our trials and tribulations, sometimes causes us to forget the future. Some folks have even gone so far as to say that they dont care about the hereafter. It is the here and now that involves their total concern.

Theres no question that our Lord wants us to be concerned with what is happening now, but He also wants us to look ahead. There are over three hundred New Testament references that remind us of the second coming of our Lord. Thats boils down to one verse out of every twenty-five, having something to say about the second coming.

Additionally, there are the parables our Lord recorded, which tell about future punishment, rewards, and glowing statements regarding the eternal blessings of the faithful (Matthew 13; Matthew 18-22; Matthew 25; cf. Romans 2:1-11; Revelation 2:10).

Paul was very much aware of the future when he stated:

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but on thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you (Philippians 3:13-15).

Brethren and friends, let us be concerned, not only of the here, but of the hereafter as well. Let us never forget that Christ is one day coming again (Mathew 24:36-51; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Revelation 1:7).

Knowing this event is a certainty, lets get (and keep) our house in order (cf. 2 Kings 20:1; Isaiah 38:1), and live each day as if it were our last day on earth it might just very well be (James 4:13-14; cf. Luke 12:16-21; Job 7:6-8; Job 20:4-9).