O eternity!

(James Smith, "The Way of Salvation Set Forth")

"They will go away to eternal punishment - but the righteous to eternal life!" Matthew 25:46

The soul is immortal - it can never cease to be. It is destined by the immutable decree of God, to exist eternally.

O eternity! Who can conceive your dimensions!

Forever! Who can grasp the mighty idea!

To exist forever - solemn consideration!

Millions of ages as numerous . . .
  as the stars in the skies,
  as the sands on the seashore,
  as blades of grass on the surface of the globe,
  as leaves which fall from the trees in autumn
- are as nothing in comparison with eternity!

But where shall we exist? How will eternity be spent by us? In happiness - or in torment?

That will entirely depend upon the character, the state, the condition - in which we live and die. If we live in sin, if we serve self and Satan, if we die accursed - then we must suffer the due desert of our deeds in eternal Hell. But if we believe in Jesus, if we live unto God, if we die under His blessing - then we shall possess and enjoy glory, honor and eternal life in Heaven - and these forever!

Let the solemn fact that you are immortal, deeply impress your mind. Try to realize the overwhelming thought, "I must live forever! I must live forever in unspeakable happiness - or inconceivable misery! My eternal state depends on my present state. If I live unconverted, then I must die accursed - I am lost, and once lost, lost forever!"

O eternity! Tremendous sound! Incomprehensible idea!

"So teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12