How long is eternity? There are figures of speech that flippantly use terms like, “this is taking forever.” This is not meant to be literal. But when we speak of “eternal life” there is no exaggeration, and we certainly should consider it in a literal manner. Various ones have tried to explain the timespan involved with eternity in creative ways, yet these stories tend to engender a sense of boredom and restlessness rather than represent the glorious sentiment that will be felt in the presence of our Lord Jesus.

When we speak of eternity future, it is not about focusing on the length of time, but on the fact that time will not have an end. This would not be a very pleasant thought if the circumstances were not enjoyable, but for Christians eternity is associated with Christ and is filled with unspeakable joy. In this sense, no believer will want it to end—and it won’t!

In some English translations of the Bible we read the term “everlasting life,” but the same idea is there: it is much less about the length of time than about what characterizes that time: life. The opening verse speaks of the same time period for two groups, but for one group that time is characterized by punishment whereas for the other group it is characterized by life.

All humans are everlasting in the sense of having no end. Death is not ceasing to exist, but a terminus that marks the end of one state and the beginning of another. Our life is hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3) and when we see Him, we shall be like Him (1 Jn. 3:2)! This is everlasting life! Have you accepted the Lord Jesus as your Savior? This decision is all that stands between eternal judgment and eternal life. Turn to Him today, for He is the way, the truth, and the life!