As Christians, we need to learn to look at life through God’s eyes. We do not want to view this life from a purely physical and earthly perspective. We want to learn to see the world through God’s eyes. How would our lives, decisions, and priorities change if we learned to view this life the way that God does? That is what Paul has been teaching us in Colossians 3:1-4. If we are going to develop a spiritual perspective on life, there are three words we need to understand. Two weeks ago, we talked about purpose. Colossians 3:1-2 teaches us to seek after spiritual things because we have set our minds on spiritual things. Last week, we talked about identity. Colossians 3:3-4 teaches us that we are not who we used to be. We have died, and our lives are now hidden with Christ in God. Christ is our life.
This week, we come to the third word: eternity. If we are going to develop a spiritual perspective on life, we must understand where this life is taking us. We need to ask the question: Where am I going? Paul answers that question in Colossians 3:4: “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Notice the first half of that verse: “When Christ who is your life appears.” Jesus is coming again. The Christ who we were raised with, who is seated at the right hand of God, whose presence defines our lives, is one day going to appear. Hebrews 9:28 says that Christ “will appear a second time” to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him. Revelation 1:7 says that every eye will see Him. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 says that the Lord Himself will descend from heaven “with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.” Jesus Christ is coming back. Make no mistake about it.
But what does that have to do with our eternity? Look at the second half of Colossians 3:4: “Then you also will appear with him in glory.” Right now, our lives are hidden with Christ in God. One day, when Jesus appears, we will appear with Him in glory. We will spend eternity with Jesus.
That day will involve a glorious resurrection. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 teaches that the dead in Christ will rise, and those who are alive will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. “And so we will always be with the Lord.”
It will also involve a glorious transformation. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 teaches that what is sown perishable will be raised imperishable, and what is sown in weakness will be raised in power. Philippians 3:20-21 says that Jesus “will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” First John 3:2 says, “We know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” Our weak, frail, physical bodies will be transformed to be like Jesus’ glorious body.
There will also be a glorious judgment. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. For someone who is unprepared to meet Jesus, those words should be frightening. But for a faithful Christian, they should be among the most encouraging words in Scripture. One day, we will stand before Jesus. Because of how we have responded to His grace through faith and obedience, we will hear those wonderful words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
That glorious resurrection, transformation, and judgment will lead us into a glorious eternity. There will be no hunger, thirst, scorching heat, mourning, crying, or pain. God will dwell with His people. We will worship Him alongside the angels and the redeemed. Most importantly, Jesus will be there (Philippians 1:23; Revelation 7:9-12; 21:3-4).
If you want to develop a spiritual perspective on life, ask yourself three questions. What is your purpose? Who are you? Where are you going? Live your life with those three things in mind: purpose, identity, and eternity. If we can do that, we will gain the ability to see the world around us not from our own eyes, but from God’s eyes. Find your purpose in Christ. Find your identity in Christ. Live with eternity with Christ in view.
Tyler Alverson
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