The Life Everlasting (A.C. #9)

Hope = joyous expectation - not idle sentiment.

I.  Eternal life is more than endless existence.
Dan. 12:2  Matt. 25:46 - duration.  Same word = eternal sin/fire/judgment  2 Thess. 1:9
Therefore:  we have evangelism responsibility.
Everlasting life - everlasting death.  Cannot build a doctrine of no hell/judgment out of the scriptures.

II.  Eternal life begins here and now. - it will be consummated/completed/fully realized in heaven.
John 5:24  1 John 3:2 - If don't have it here and now, won't have it in heaven either.   Eternal life happens when you cross over and can only happen in this life.   No second chance after death.

III.  Eternal life is a gift from God.  It's a gift we have to receive.  Rom. 6:23  John 10:27-28
Salvation/security is not found in heaven but in Christ!!

IV.  Eternal life is obtained (secured) by knowing God in a relationship, submission.  John 17:1-3 (contrast Matt. 7, James 2 - demons)   Way more than intellectual assent.  Salvation = head, heart, and hands.
Summary verse:  1 John 5:11-12

So, Heaven is A.  included in the package
                       B.  defined by:  1) what's there (God/Christ/glory/etc.) and Rest - Rev. 14:13 - "no tears"
                                                2) what's not there!!  Rev. 21:3-5

NOTE:   "I believe in Everlasting Life" - is not the end of the creed. 
The end is:  "Amen" - when God says it, means "it is and shall be so"
                                 - when man says it, means "so let it be"

Closing:  Rev. 1:18 - - - Rev. 22:17

Rev. 22:21