Eternity: The Final State and the Closure of History
The final dispensation, Eternity, marks the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where time as we know it comes to an end, and God's eternal kingdom is fully established. This dispensation begins after the Millennium and continues forever. It is the culmination of God's promises to His people, the final resolution of the problem of sin, and the beginning of an existence in perfect fellowship with God. In this eternal state, believers will experience the fullness of God's presence, and the entire creation will be renewed, free from the effects of sin and death.
The transition to Eternity follows the final judgment described in Revelation 20:11-15, known as the Great White Throne Judgment. At this judgment, all individuals who have rejected Christ will be judged according to their deeds and cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death. However, those whose names are written in the Book of Life, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, will be granted eternal life with God in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1-4).
The Eternity dispensation begins with the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, as described in Revelation 21:1. The old heaven and earth, which have been tainted by sin and suffering, will pass away, and God will create a renewed world, free from decay, pain, and death. This new creation will be characterized by beauty, peace, and harmony, reflecting the perfect will of God. There will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things will have passed away (Revelation 21:4).
One of the most profound aspects of Eternity is the eternal presence of God. In the new heaven and new earth, God will dwell with His people in a direct and unbroken fellowship. Revelation 21:3 promises, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God." This verse emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His people that will be fully realized in the eternal state. There will be no barriers between God and His people, no separation caused by sin or distance. Believers will enjoy perfect communion with God forever.
In Eternity, the city of God, the New Jerusalem, will descend from heaven to earth. This glorious city is described in Revelation 21:10-27 as a place of unimaginable beauty and holiness, where the streets are made of pure gold and the foundations are adorned with precious stones. The city will not need the sun or moon to shine, for the glory of God will illuminate it (Revelation 21:23). The New Jerusalem will be the dwelling place of God’s people, a place of peace, security, and joy.
The eternal state also includes the final fulfillment of God's redemptive work. All things will be made new, including the complete restoration of God's creation. The effects of sin, death, and suffering will be eradicated, and the creation will be in perfect harmony with God’s original intent. In this new world, believers will live in perfect righteousness and will reign with Christ forever (Revelation 22:5).
The Eternity dispensation is marked by the eternal blessings of God’s presence, peace, and joy. The faithful will experience the fullness of God’s love, and the ultimate victory over sin and death will be fully realized. This eternal state will be a time of perpetual worship and service to God, where believers will delight in His glory and work with Him to fulfill His eternal purposes.
As we close this series on the dispensations, we are reminded that each period in God's redemptive plan points forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Eternity. From the innocence of the Garden of Eden to the grace of the Church Age, and ultimately to the triumph of the Millennium and the eternal kingdom, God's plan unfolds with perfect wisdom and purpose. The Eternity dispensation brings all things to their rightful end, where God's sovereignty, holiness, and love are fully revealed, and His people will enjoy everlasting fellowship with Him.
In conclusion, the Eternity dispensation is the final and most glorious chapter in God's unfolding plan. It represents the culmination of God's promises and the eternal joy of being in His presence. As believers, we are called to look forward with hope to this eternal future, knowing that the trials and struggles of this life are temporary, but our eternal inheritance with God will last forever. This final dispensation closes the series, but it also opens the door to a new reality, where time gives way to eternity and all things are made new in Christ.