Eternity Will Come to All

I was challenged recently by a professor’s sermon to not only read the Bible and other Christian books, but to read classical literature and present-day bestsellers. Heeding the challenge, I started reading Plato’s Republic. While many would turn their heads down to reading Greek philosophy, we need to remember that truth is not limited to the Bible alone. Let me be clear before I am labeled a heretic. The Bible is the only divinely inspired and inerrant book of truth in all areas to which it speaks – it is special revelation from God. However, we would all agree that general revelation is present in the physical world around us including our human mind. Where we need to be very careful is when the two come into conflict. The Bible always trumps any scientific theory or intellectual argument when they are at odds.

Now back to Plato’s Republic. In discussing the topic of getting old, Plato’s character Cephalus makes a spectacular observation. He says concerning older people, “when someone thinks his end is near, he becomes frightened and concerned about things he didn’t fear before. It’s then that the stories we’re told about Hades, about how people who’ve been unjust here must pay the penalty there – stories he used to make fun of – twist his soul this way and that for fear they’re true. And whether because of the weakness of old age or because he is now closer to what happens in Hades and has a clearer view of it, or whatever it is, he is filled with foreboding and fear, and he examines himself to see whether he has been unjust to anyone.” It seems easier when you are young to neglect to think about what happens to your soul after death, but age brings reflection on the past and life after death. Words and ideas you laughed at in the past, now weight heavily upon your heart. What if hell is real? What if I die in my sin? What if I die and go to hell?

Cephalus’ observation and asking questions about our own eternity are common occurrences. But why? I think the answer is very clear from Scripture. Romans 1:18-21 shows us how God has made Himself known to all men – past and present. However, although man knew God by His revelation in nature, he still turned away to sin. No one will be able to offer an excuse for non-belief. The men’s response to Jesus’ statement about the woman caught in adultery in John 8 also offers another reason. When Jesus said that whoever had not sinned could cast the first stone, the men left one-by-one – starting with the oldest. Some translations include the words “being convicted by their own conscience.” God gives all people a conscience in guiding their decisions. I believe that in most cases age brings about a revival of conscience. This is not to say that a person starts choosing the correct option, but the conscience is “heard” because many the “sounds of youth” (ie. school, job, power, success) pass away due to the decline in physical or mental ability present with aging.

We should all thank God for giving us general revelation and a conscience to point us to God. However, worship should be our response to God’s special revelation in the person of Jesus Christ. Only by faith in Him alone can a person find hope and peace for this life and the next. Old age will come for most of us, but eternity will come to all. Our conscience tells us that we sin. Our conscience begs for justice upon those who wrong us. The conclusion is that we deserve punishment for the wrongs we commit. But the good news is Jesus died for all of my wrongs and yours. He took our punishment and is offering us eternal life with Him. What are you going to do with Jesus? Accept Him by faith or laugh at the truth? The clock is ticking!