HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 142
page A140
Future continued
Most of the things we worry might happen never do. So don’t waste time on the “what if”
worries. Spend your worry time as prayer time.
What do I have to look forward to?
• 1 P E T E R 1 :4 -5 | We have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for
you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith,
God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be
revealed on the last day for all to see.
We who are God’s children will inherit the heavenly riches reserved for us. Until we enter
heaven, God preserves our inheritance there.
• 1 C O R I NT H I A NS 2 :9 | “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love him.”
We think too little about the great future that awaits us beyond this mortal life. When we take
time to ponder the glorious future ahead, it puts everything in a new light and perspective.
• 1 C O R I NT H I A NS 1 5 :5 4-5 7 | Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into
bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” . . . But thank God! He gives
us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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• R E V E L AT I O N 1 4 :1 2 | This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently,
obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus. (See note on page 1161.)
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Those who trust Jesus Christ need have no fear whatsoever as they face death. Death is
simply a doorway into our heavenly home. This hope of eternal life gives us courage and
discipline to persevere in life now. We know that nothing we do for the Lord will be wasted
or forgotten.
Why doesn’t God reveal more of the future to his followers?
• I SA I A H 4 6 :9 -1 0 | “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.”
• I SA I A H 1 4 :2 4 | The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sworn this oath: “It will all happen as I
have planned. It will be as I have decided.”
• 1 P E T E R 1 :1 3 | So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your
hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to
the world.
God reveals enough to give us hope. We know there is a heaven, we know how to get
there, and we know that our future will be more wonderful than we can imagine. Perhaps
to know any more than that would be beyond our finite understanding.
• G E NE S I S 1 2 :1 -4 | The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country . . . and go to
the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you.” . . . So
Abram departed as the Lord had instructed.
• DE U T E R O NO MY 2 9 :2 9 | The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not
accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has
revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.
• J O H N 2 1 :2 2 | Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to
you? As for you, follow me.”
God reveals enough to encourage us to obey. To achieve God’s future rewards requires
present obedience.
• PR O V E R B S 2 0 :2 4 | The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along
the way?
• J A ME S 4 :1 3 -1 6 | Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain
town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you
know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little