God Wants to Spend Eternity with You

by Rick Warren — April 4, 2021
From Expecting a Resurrection When Life Falls Apart

“If the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from death, lives in you, then he who raised Christ from death will also give life to your mortal bodies by the presence of his Spirit in you.”

Romans 8:11 (GNT)

God never promised this life would be fair. We live on a broken planet. Heaven is where everything is done God’s way. Life on Earth just doesn’t work like that.

But what happens on this Earth isn’t all there is to life.

You’ll spend 60, 80, or maybe 100 years on Earth. You’ll spend trillions of years in eternity. If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus, the Bible says you’ll spend eternity with God in heaven.

That’s one of the most important reasons Christians should be joyful—God has given us eternal life!

The Bible promises, “If the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from death, lives in you, then he who raised Christ from death will also give life to your mortal bodies by the presence of his Spirit in you” (Romans 8:11 GNT).

Eternity will be amazing. What will heaven be like? You’ll be reunited with people you love. You’ll get rewards. You’ll get rest. You’ll get responsibilities you love.

And, as 1 Corinthians 15:42 says, you’ll get a new body because, even though your earthly body will be buried in the ground, it will be raised to live with God forever.

You were created because God wants a family, and he wants to spend eternity with his family. He wants to spend eternity with you and me! That truth can bring you great joy.

Talk It Over

  • How does knowing life is short compared to all of eternity change the way you live?
  • If God wants his family in heaven with him, why do you think you are here on Earth now? What is your purpose for the time you are here?
  • How are you working to fulfill your purpose?

Easter’s Promise: No Condemnation for Those Who Belong to Christ

God has prepared a beautiful eternity in heaven for his family. But the Bible says you can only get to heaven by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ. You can’t earn God’s love or work your way into heaven. The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and committed to following him, why wait any longer? If you’re ready to step across that line and make a decision to believe in Jesus Christ and follow him, pray this prayer:

"Father, you promise that, if I believe in Jesus, I will be forgiven. I ask for that forgiveness now. I know that I am a sinner and that only you can cancel the record of all the things I’ve done wrong.

"Jesus Christ, I believe that you died to pay for my sins. I believe that you then rose again, breaking the power of death so that I can have eternal life with you in heaven. Thank you for saving me. Thank you that I don’t have to earn, deserve, or work for my salvation. It is your gift of grace. All I have to do is accept it.

"Today I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior.

"I want to use the rest of my life to serve you. Thank you for loving me, saving me, and accepting me into your family. In your name I pray. Amen."

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


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