Let’s consider some scriptural aspects of forever.

A FOREVER FAVOR – Favor means: “friendly regard shown toward another or gracious kindness”. When Adam and Eve sinned, death came upon all creation. But God showered His favor upon us. “For the wages of sin is death but the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). “As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive” (I Corinthians 15:22). Notice that receiving God’s favor brings “eternal” life.

Jesus told the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the beggar. (Luke 16) The wealthy man lived the life of the rich and famous. The beggar sat outside the rich man’s house hoping for some scraps of food. The dogs came and licked his sores. One day both died. The rich man found himself in hell where he was tormented in flames of fire. Lazarus went to paradise where he was comforted. The rich man begged father Abraham to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and touch it to his swollen tongue. He was told that it was not possible. Besides, there was a great gulf that separated hell from paradise. There was no escape. When the rich man realized that his fate was final, he begged God to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his brothers not to come to such a horrible place. He was told that if they would not believe Moses and the prophets, then they would not believe if one went back from the dead. Probably the only time the rich man ever cared for anyone besides himself was when he realized that if his brothers did not believe and change, they would also live in eternal torment. Be sure to receive God’s forever favor. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

A FOREVER FAMILY – In a recent prison worship service I was surprised when a young black man requested that we sing an old gospel song, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”

1.There are loved ones in the glory,
Whose dear forms you often miss;
When you close your earthly story,
Will you join them in their bliss?

Refrain:
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
In a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?

2.In the joyous days of childhood,
Oft they told of wondrous love,
Pointed to the dying Savior;
Now they dwell with Him above.

3.You remember songs of heaven
Which you sang with childish voice,
Do you love the hymns they taught you,
Or are songs of earth your choice?

4.You can picture happy gath’rings
’Round the fireside long ago,
And you think of tearful partings,
When they left you here below.

5.One by one their seats were emptied,
One by one they went away;
Here the circle has been broken—
Will it be complete one day?

The young man in that worship service hoped and prayed that his family circle would be unbroken. When Paul and Silas were freed from prison, they gave assurance to the terrified jailer, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved along with your entire household” (Acts 16:31 NLT). The jailer believed and had the promise that his whole family would live forever and ever, amen. You can influence your family forever and have the joy of a grand reunion in heaven.

A FOREVER FRAME – Jesus assured his disciples that he was preparing a place where they would live with him forever. “In my Father’s house are many mansions . . . I go to prepare a place for you . . . I will come again . . . that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1-7). We are also promised a forever frame. Our earthly dwelling places grow old and wear out. But when Jesus comes back, the dead will be raised. We will receive new bodies, immortal and incorruptible. (I Corinthians 15)

Do you have the bless assurance of living forever and ever, amen? You can live in the glories of heaven forever. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son; that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John