1. HEAVEN IS ETERNAL

2. DEFINITIONS Thomas defines the adjective ai ō nios as from ai ō n [a space of time, an age], meaning, “agelong, eternal” [166]. Thomas defines the adjective ai ō nios as from ai ō n [a space of time, an age], meaning, “agelong, eternal” [166]. BDAG say it pertains to: BDAG say it pertains to: a long period of time, long ago; a long period of time, long ago; a period of time without beginning or end, eternal a period of time without beginning or end, eternal a period of unending duration, without end. a period of unending duration, without end. Louw & Nida define it as “pertaining to an unlimited duration of time” [67.96]. Louw & Nida define it as “pertaining to an unlimited duration of time” [67.96].

3. DEFINITIONS Strong/Thayer say it signifies that which is Strong/Thayer say it signifies that which is without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be without beginning without beginning without end, never to cease, everlasting. without end, never to cease, everlasting.

4. OCCURRENCES Occurring 71x in 69 NT verses, this term is descriptive of Occurring 71x in 69 NT verses, this term is descriptive of The Godhead The Godhead Divine Standard & Kingdom Divine Standard & Kingdom Divine Reward & Condemnation Divine Reward & Condemnation Misc. Time References Misc. Time References

5. ENDURING GODHEAD We serve an enduring God. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are each described as “eternal” (Rom. 16:26; 2 Tim. 1:9; Heb. 9:14). We serve an enduring God. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are each described as “eternal” (Rom. 16:26; 2 Tim. 1:9; Heb. 9:14). Jesus referred to Himself in similar language (John 8:58). Jesus referred to Himself in similar language (John 8:58).

6. ENDURING STANDARD We are subject to an enduring standard, namely God’s eternal covenant (Heb. 13:20) and the eternal gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 14:6). We are subject to an enduring standard, namely God’s eternal covenant (Heb. 13:20) and the eternal gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 14:6). This language reminds us of enduring nature of God’s Word (1 Pet. 1:22-25). This language reminds us of enduring nature of God’s Word (1 Pet. 1:22-25).

7. ENDURING KINGDOM We are citizens of an enduring kingdom (2 Pet. 1:11) in which Christ our King has eternal dominion (1 Tim. 6:16). We are citizens of an enduring kingdom (2 Pet. 1:11) in which Christ our King has eternal dominion (1 Tim. 6:16). This language reminds us of unending nature of His reign (Dan. 2:44-45). This language reminds us of unending nature of His reign (Dan. 2:44-45).

8. ENDURING REWARD We live in hope of an enduring reward, having the promise of eternal life, where we will We live in hope of an enduring reward, having the promise of eternal life, where we will experience eternal comfort, experience eternal comfort, dwell in an eternal home, dwell in an eternal home, share in eternal glory, share in eternal glory, partake of an eternal inheritance, and partake of an eternal inheritance, and enjoy eternal salvation & redemption. enjoy eternal salvation & redemption.

9. ENDURING CONDEMNATION Those who reject the inspired message of salvation are guilty of eternal sin (Mark 3:29). Eternal judgment is a foundational concept (Heb. 6:2). Those who reject the inspired message of salvation are guilty of eternal sin (Mark 3:29). Eternal judgment is a foundational concept (Heb. 6:2). Those unprepared for the Lord’s return will pay the penalty of eternal destruction (2 Thess. 1:9), suffering eternal punishment (Matt. 25:46), in the agony of an eternal fire (Matt. 18:8; 25:41; Jude 7). Those unprepared for the Lord’s return will pay the penalty of eternal destruction (2 Thess. 1:9), suffering eternal punishment (Matt. 25:46), in the agony of an eternal fire (Matt. 18:8; 25:41; Jude 7).

10. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the term is also employed in general time references, looking both to the past and the future (Rom. 16:25; Phile. 15). In conclusion, the term is also employed in general time references, looking both to the past and the future (Rom. 16:25; Phile. 15). Yet, even these occurrences have spiritual significance, focusing upon God’s eternal plan and His eternal promises. Yet, even these occurrences have spiritual significance, focusing upon God’s eternal plan and His eternal promises.

11. CHALLENGE Recognizing the conditional nature of God’s promise of eternal life, we understand that obedience is essential (Matt. 19:16-17; John 3:14-16, 36; Heb. 5:8- 10). Recognizing the conditional nature of God’s promise of eternal life, we understand that obedience is essential (Matt. 19:16-17; John 3:14-16, 36; Heb. 5:8- 10).