The End

Finitude

We are limited creatures. By this I mean that we exist experientially in a state bound to limits of time and space. Everything began at some fixed point in space. Also, our lives span a particular period of human history and experience. While we have language for limitlessness, such as the mathematical concept of infinity, we struggle to truly comprehend space with no boundary or to understand past and future without beginning and ending.

As we come to the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, we are probably more acutely aware of the passing of time. Maybe we have goals that we have yet to accomplish or experiences that we do not want to miss out on. As we evaluate our lives, the reality of the brevity of life (James 4:14) and the incomprehensibility of eternity, it is apparent that we are small, creaturely, and finite.

Completion

Because our nature is so defined by the limits around us, we also are people who seek for completion. When watching a movie or reading a story we expect a satisfactory resolution. Most people enjoy a “happily ever after” only after the conflict has been sufficiently resolved. This is not a flaw or defect coming from the fall but actually the image of God in us seeking for the resolution made necessary by the fall. We know that God has more in store for His people, as well as perfect justice and perfect peace. God is not going to leave His great story unfinished and unresolved. I get so much comfort out of knowing from the promises in God’s word that He is the just judge and He will do what is right (Genesis 18:25). On that day, all will know that He does what is right and no one will be able to say, “What have you done?” (Daniel 4:35).

Conclusion

As God’s image bearers we were created to live forever. But, because of sin, death became the common experience and fate of the human race. However, the Lord Jesus Christ came to destroy death and release His people from this cruel bondage (Hebrew 2:14-15). This means that even though we were originally created for eternity we also long for this present state to find it’s necessary completion (Romans 8:18-25). We were not meant to live forever in sin! But God will deliver His people and bring us into a future full of hope and promise!

Continuation

So this means that we will experience the perfect resolution of God’s story but also the continuation of God’s goodness and glory forever. The Lord has promised us (His redeemed people) an everlasting home called the New Heavens and New Earth (2 Peter 3:13). And we are told by Him that this is the place where righteousness dwells, for this is where God dwells forever with His people. He will be our God and we will be His people (Jeremiah 32:38)!

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