Message of the Apostolic: A Vision for Eternity

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (II Corinthians 4:16-18).

Another aspect of the apostolic ministry is that it always restores the message of eternity and connects it to the life of the believer in the “here and now.” If people see that they are not living for today but for the age-to-come, it will help them realize that every moment counts. Every decision made for righteousness will be rewarded in eternity.

Paul constantly made the connection of holiness with the hope in the resurrection (Rom. 6:5-12, I Cor. 15:42-45, II Cor. 5:1-7, etc.) He also constantly connected the indwelling Holy Spirit with eternity. He would refer to the indwelling Holy Spirit with phrases like, “guarantee of our inheritance as sons” (Eph. 1:13-14) or “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). He would make reference to being transformed from glory to glory into the likeness of His image (II Cor. 3:18). He spoke of how the momentary afflictions were nothing compared to the eternal weight of the glory we will have in eternity (II Cor. 4:16-18).

Also, the connections that Paul made with eternity, holiness, and the resurrection of the dead were many times connected with a vision for the Second Coming of Christ (I Cor. 15:50-58; I Thess. 4:1-8, 13-18, I Tim. 3:1-11). Also, the vision of Christ’s Second Coming and hope in the resurrection were also given to comfort those who suffered persecution (I Thess. 2:3-10, II Thess. 2).

Peter also made the connection between eternity and holiness in I Peter 1:3-4 when he said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you…”

 

Then, later in the chapter he says, “Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…" (I Pet. 1:13-15). He was saying that in light of our eternal promise, let us live in godliness and holiness now.

John was the Apostle who saw Jesus in His resurrected glory and wrote the book of Revelation. He saw the eyes like a flame of fire, the door standing open in heaven, and the events of the Second coming of Christ. He heard a voice calling out to him and heard the lightning and thunder of God. He saw God seated on His throne in all of His glory and splendor. Reading the book of Revelation, which was written by an apostle, will give you a vision for eternity and put a cry in your heart for the return of Jesus.

The apostolic message is the story of Jesus from beginning to end, and constantly keeping before us the hope and vision for eternity. God, restore the apostolic message back to the church.