What Will Man Be Like for Countless Future Ages
John Piper teaches that the ultimate hope and motivation for Christians is the transformed, eternal life they will experience in the new heavens and new earth, where they will be fully like Christ and live in perfect communion with God for countless ages.
This sermon delves into the final condition of redeemed humanity in the future ages, emphasizing the importance of knowing and loving God as the essence of eternal life. It explores the concept of being swallowed up by true life, where believers will experience ever-increasing knowledge, love, and joy in God for countless ages to come. The message highlights the significance of serving and reigning with God as our true calling, ensuring that our lives are continually set in motion by the hope of the eternal life that awaits us.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Importance of the Final Condition
- The final condition of redeemed humanity motivates Christian living
- Knowing the end energizes the means
- Biblical encouragement to fix eyes on the prize
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II. The Nature of True Life
- True life is eternal and found in Christ
- We currently experience this life partially and imperfectly
- The future life is real, full, and hidden until Christ appears
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III. The Transformation of the Body
- Our resurrected bodies will be imperishable and glorious
- There will be continuity and discontinuity with our present bodies
- The body will be empowered and perfected by the Spirit
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IV. The Transformation of the Soul
- The soul will be fully alive in eternal communion with God
- Eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ
- This future life shapes our present hope and holiness
Key Quotes
“The love of the end is the poise and spring which setteth every wheel a-going.” — John Piper
“You will be swallowed by life. Why do we need to be swallowed by life if we're alive? I'm alive. You think you are. You need to be swallowed by real life.” — John Piper
“Our final destiny, our final condition for those endless ages... is true life, real life. And that life is in God and in his Son.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Fix your eyes on the eternal prize to motivate holy living today.
- Live with the hope of the resurrection to persevere through present struggles.
- Seek to grow in holiness by remembering the future life that awaits believers.