Peter Tan-Chi - Look Up, Don't Give Up
Everybody, what’s the topic today? Live for eternity now! All right, let’s tackle the first word, «eternity». How long is eternity? You know, I tried to research it. I’m reminded of a story I heard years ago when I was a young Christian. It’s about a maya bird. Have you seen a maya bird? Now, I want you to imagine, the Philippines is famous for maya birds, imagine a maya bird that will gulp a beak full of water in the Quezon province, Pacific Ocean, and that Maya bird will fly to Luneta and spit out the water. And then the bird will fly again, all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Quezon province, and scoop the water. Fly again. And then when it reaches Luneta, what will it do? Spit water. And then fly again. Are you getting bored?
Now, after the ocean is dry, that is the first day of eternity. Is eternity a long time? I think it’s unimaginable. And that’s why I tell people, «Live for eternity now», meaning you need to learn to connect. 1 Corinthians 15, I will highlight three realities of eternity. Number one, everybody read? Life after death. Meaning death is not final. Therefore, what must you do? You must live wisely. Make good choices. Don’t mess it up because it impacts the future. Number two, the Lordship of Jesus. Jesus will ultimately reign. That’s for sure. So what do you do now? Better recognize Him as your Lord. Live to please Him. And lastly, you have an amazing future. Glorious future. This world is messed up. But don’t worry, we have an amazing future. And what must you do? You’ve got to live with hope.
Luke chapter 12 tells us how to live for eternity now. Jesus tells us an amazing story of a rich man. He was so successful, like many of you, and he decided, «I have reached the top so I will now retire». How many of you like the word «retire»? It depends. If you have money, it is nice to retire. If you don’t have money, you cannot retire. Now this guy, look at what he said, «And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come…'» (Luke 19:19) Wow! The guy is so successful! «…take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry». (Luke 19:19) Is that not the desire of almost everybody you know? Why are you working hard? Isn’t it one day you are hoping? What will you do? «Take», everybody, read, «Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry».
Wow! Is that your desire? Ah, let’s continue. The great amazing conjunction again, «But», that’s the problem, «But God said to him, 'You fool! '» (Luke 19:20) You know that in the Bible, the word «fool» has many origins. One of them is «moron» or stupid. You are really stupid. You know, for God to call me «stupid», that is really scary. And God is telling you right now, «don’t be stupid». Why? Now, «This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared»? Think about it. When you die, what do you leave behind? Everybody is working hard for material goods, house, money, whatever it is. But the Bible says, when you die, think about it, who will now own what you have?
That’s why the Bible says you are a fool because you don’t live for eternity now. You live for the temporal world. And many people today, because of their perspective, they don’t know the Bible, or they refuse to think about the reality that there is life after death, you know what they do? They don’t think about it. They pretend that they’ll never die. Live for eternity now, not tomorrow. Eternity begins for you today. You know, I’m reminded of the story of the son of David. His name is Amnon. Amnon is a spoiled brat. The father never really disciplined him. He has this idea of entitlement, «everything I want, I want it now». That’s most young people, «I want it now»!
No delayed gratification, it’s all immediate. So he fell in love with his half sister, Tamar. And this is what happened. Because he has no self control, he does not think of the future, he told Tamar, «Let’s have sex now»! He wanted to force his half sister to have sex, and this is the story. The sister told him, «But she answered him, 'No, my brother, (do not rape me) do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; fo not do this disgraceful thing»! (2 Samuel 13:12) That is shameful. Don’t do that! «As for me, where could I get rid of my reproach»? What will people say if you violate me? I’m a virgin. «And as for you», everybody, read, «you will be like one of the fools». (2 Samuel 13:13)
You will be a fool. «Now therefore, please speak to the king», speak to the father, to our father, «for he will not withhold me from you». (2 Samuel 13:13) Our father will surely agree, but don’t rape me. You know, this guy, Amnon, because he does not connect the future with the present just like many people today, you know what he did? He raped her. As a result, the Bible tells us, two years later, out of vengeance, the other brother killed him. Amnon died. Amnon made a mess of the entire kingdom of David. It was a mess.
Let me ask you a question. If you are Amnon, and you know what will happen by raping your half sister, you know you will eventually die, will you do it? Of course not. Now, let me ask you a question. Why do you do what you are doing now, thinking everything’s okay? What’s the topic today? Live for eternity now! Why? Because there is life after death and the choices today have consequences. 1 Corinthians 15, let’s read verses 19 to 22. We didn’t finish this last week, «But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep». Continue reading «For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all died, so also in Christ all will be made alive». (1 Corinthians 15:20–22)
So the Bible is simply saying, «Hey guys, because Jesus died and rose again, you too will rise again». There is life after death. You see, there are three options you can think about death. Number one, you can think of death as final. It’s the end. Why do you think people commit suicide? Sincerely, in their mind, suicide is the end, not knowing, suicide is just the beginning of the rest of your misery. Think about it. If you know suicide will not end your misery, will you commit suicide? See, what you think is important. Number two option. Death is simply just floating in the air. You know, you know, just floating and floating. You watch too much movies. Or the third option, life after death, you’ll really live again in a spiritual body. I’m not talking about reincarnation. Some people, they think of that reincarnation. Whatever is your opinion, that’s your opinion. The Bible is simply saying, «Hey, there is life after death».
Let’s read the next verse. «But each in his own order: Christ, the first fruits (to show us there’s life after death), after those who are Christ’s at His coming». So Christ is going to come again. He’s now telling you the order of events. «…then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power». (1 Cor. 15:23) The Bible tells us that eternity means there is life after death and that Jesus will abolish all death. Notice, Jesus will abolish all rule, authority and power and including death. What do I mean? Are you ready to read the next verse? Well, if you don’t mind, let’s read verses 25 and 26. Let’s read. The Bible tells us «For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death». (1 Corinthians 15:25)
Do you understand? The first thing I want you to know about eternity is what? There is life after death. The second thing you need to learn about eternity is Jesus will reign. That’s what the Bible is saying. «The last enemy to be abolished is death. For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, 'All things are put in subjection, ' it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him». (1 Corinthians 15:26–27) I will make this very simple. The Bible tells us that Jesus will eventually reign. He will abolish all of His enemies, not just death — all enemies, demons, people, any kingdom that that is against Him. He will establish His kingdom.
The Bible does not stop there. Do you want to know what else? The Bible tells us, if you don’t mind, look at Revelation that tells us what is the meaning of «Jesus will reign»? This is the meaning. «The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever». (Revelation 11:15) You see today, you don’t see Christ reigning because God is very clear. Today, He’s allowing Satan to have limited authority. He’s allowing the people of this world to have limited authority. That’s why you have suffering and you have pain. However, the Bible is very clear. Someday, He’s going to come again. And when He comes again, you know what’s going to happen? Everybody read. «The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ». (Rev. 11:15)
I thought God is already in control. Yes! However, now He’s allowing. Do you recall when Satan tempted Jesus? Satan said, «you worship me and I will give you the kingdom. You don’t have to go to the cross. You can become king without the cross. I will give you this kingdom because it has been handed over to me». You see, you need to understand what the Bible has to say about life on earth. Life on earth today is a testing ground for those who will follow Jesus and those who will not follow Jesus. To those who follow Jesus, it’s going to impact your eternity. To those who don’t follow Jesus, that’s your prerogative, but there are consequences. So, the Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians, what will happen? Let’s go back to 1 Corinthians. He says, «The last enemy that will be abolished is death».
By the way, how I wish the president of the USA or the Philippines can decree a law. «Henceforth, by the law of the Congress of the Philippines, we abolish death». Will that be a great law? Except that you cannot do that because the law of sin and death is operational. Only one person can abolish that. And you know who is that? It’s Jesus. He’ll abolish death. Hallelujah! Abolish death. Are you happy or not happy? Well, then you better clap if you’re happy. «For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, 'All things are put in subjection, ' it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him». You know what Jesus is saying? Let’s continue reading. «When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all and in all». (1 Corinthians 15:27–28)
Let me explain this to you so you’re not confused. This verse is saying that Jesus will now rule everything in this universe, and then everything He will submit it to to God the Father and Jesus Himself will submit Himself to God the Father. This verse is not saying Jesus is inferior. This verse is simply saying there’s going to be an organizational setup where God is the head and Jesus is the second-in-command, not inferior, but equal. What do I mean by equal? I’ll prove to you. Look at the Gospel of John. Let’s read this together. God the Father, God the Son, equal. Together, everybody. «In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God». (John 1:1)
Your question is this, who is the Word? Because it says, in the beginning, grammatically, before there was time, you have the Word. Who is the Word? «…and the Word», notice this is a definite pronoun, «the Word was with God, and the Word was God». Who is the Word? Let’s find out. «He was in the beginning with God». Huh. Who is this Word with God? «All things came into being through Him», oh, He’s the creator! What else? «And apart from Him, nothing came into being that has come into being». (John 1:1-3) So nothing was made apart from Him. So who is the Word? Remember, I taught you how to read the Bible? The way to read the Bible is to read the whole context. So in the same chapter, a few verses down, God tells you, who is the Word. Are you ready?
«And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth». (John 1:14) Who is the Word? Louder. Jesus! Jesus! «In the beginning was (Jesus), and (Jesus) was with God, and (Jesus) was God». (John 1:1) So what I’m trying to tell you is this: Someday, when Jesus rules everything, because He’s going to take over physically, literally, visibly, He will hand over the kingdom to God the Father. My point is simply this, because Jesus is going to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, how should you live your life? Remember, what’s the message today? Live for eternity now! What’s point number one? You live for eternity now, why? There is life after death. Be wise in your choices.
Think of the consequences. Live for eternity now! You know why? Because Jesus is the King of Kings. Are you living your life to please Him? Or are you living your life to please yourself, your friends? Many times you are frustrated because you see injustice. You see dishonest people getting richer and richer while you are trying to be honest and nothing seems to be going for your life. My advice is don’t be jealous. Don’t take things into your own hands. You leave it to God. To live for eternity now means you must believe that God is the ultimate judge, that God is going to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Why do I say that? Because the Bible is very clear. The Bible tells us Jesus will come again to judge.
Do you know that’s in the Bible? Let me share with you. This will make you relax. Some of you are so agitated. How come these people are so rich, they’re so corrupt, and nothing’s happening. I want to tell you something. Relax! Take your time. Because God will do something. Let’s look at the Bible. Let’s look at Revelation. Everybody, read together. Together. «Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them». (Revelation 20:11) Notice, on Judgment Day, you cannot run away. Everybody was present. «And I saw the dead, the great and the small», meaning, the powerful, the not powerful, the famous, not famous. They’re all «standing before the throne, and the books were opened; and another book was opened which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books». (Revelation 20:12)
In short, on Judgment Day, there will be two books. One book, will be about the deeds of your life. Whatever you have done, God will judge you based on your deeds. God is fair. God is just. On that day, everybody will be given his day in court. You can defend yourself if you want to. The Bible is clear. And the Bible tells us, look at the next verse. «And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged», everybody, read, «every one of them according to their deeds». (Revelation 20:13) My friend, if God were to judge me, based on the book of my deeds, I stand guilty. But praise God, there is another book. What is the other book? Let’s read. «And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire». (Revelation 20:15)
The only way you will be spared from hell, from the lake of fire, is for your name to be transferred to the book of life. The Bible described it as the Lamb’s book of life. The Bible says, if you are in Christ by grace, not by good works, by God’s grace, you are transferred from the book of the deeds to the book of life. Now, what book do you like? Do you like to be in the book of the deeds or do you like to be in the book of life? But I’m going to tell you something. The world will deserve what they get because God is just. He will judge everybody. So people who are crooked now, who are committing all kinds of foolish things, and you think they’re getting away, in Tagalog, may araw din sila. (They will have their day.) Say that with me. They will have their day, my friend.
My day was settled on the cross when Jesus died for my sins. I don’t pretend to be better than the others. I am just as guilty as the others. However, God, in His mercy, allowed me to hear the Gospel and that’s why you need to share the Gospel. Amen? So, what is eternity? There is life after death, and Paul proves it by saying, let’s read the next verse, in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is saying, «Why are we also in danger every hour»? Why would I risk my life if there’s no resurrection of the dead? «I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus», Paul said, «I die daily». The meaning is this, I deny myself daily. I say no to myself daily. I receive temptation daily. «If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, let us eat, drink, for tomorrow we die». (1 Corinthians 15:32)
You know what Paul is saying? If there is no life after death, why am I doing all of this? Are we clear? So what is this? What does it mean to live for eternity now? You are very sure in your heart there is life after death and what you do now matters. Okay. Paul is saying, «Don’t feel sorry for me». Paul is saying, «I believe there’s life after death». And Paul is saying that eternity means what? Jesus is the rewarder. Jesus is Lord. He’ll take care of me. And then he tells you, eternity means you and I have the greatest future. Your future is so glorious. Where do I find that? Let’s find out. You know, Paul was going to describe the amazing future of God’s people. You have no idea what kind of body you’re going to have, all right? This is what he’s going to discuss now, okay? Glorious future.
Now here is the prelude. Everybody, read. «Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man», everybody, «All that God has prepared for those who love Him». (1 Corinthians 2:9) Now, what has God prepared for those who love Him? Can you describe to me? You cannot. You know why you cannot describe? Because the Bible is saying, «…what eye has not seen and what ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man» Beyond your wildest imagination, God has prepared for all of you, on what condition? «…for those who love Him». (1 Corinthians 2:9) So what has God prepared for you? Do you have any idea? Answer. No idea, but I’ll give you some glimpses. Okay, are you ready? All right. He talks about the body. «But someone will say, 'How are the dead raised? And with what kind of body do they come? ' You fool…»
Now, Paul is telling these people, you guys, what are you thinking? «That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies; and that which you sow, you do not sow the body which is to be, but a bare grain, perhaps of wheat or something else». (1 Cor. 15:35–37) He’s now giving the analogy of agriculture. A seed is planted. It will disintegrate. It will become like the dust. But then something will grow. He’s saying that is like the Resurrection. Your body will decay. But boom! Something happens.
Let’s continue reading. «But God gives it a body just as He wished, and to each of the seeds a body of its own. All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one flesh of men, and another flesh of beasts, and another flesh of birds, and another of fish». Continue. «There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earth is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory». (1 Corinthians 38-41)
You know what Paul is saying? I want you to know, which is hard for you to understand, you will all have a supernatural body. Let’s continue reading, all right? Together. «So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness. it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body». (1 Corinthians 15:42–44) You know what he’s saying? Let’s find out. Let’s continue. This is the chart where I summarized what is in those verses. You are given a physical body, but there is an actual body, a spiritual body.
Notice, a literal, physical, spiritual body. Physical body is from the first Adam, perishable. Spiritual body: last Adam, imperishable. Physical body: dishonor, weakness, earthly, mortal. Spiritual body: raising glory, power, heavenly. For you to understand this, very simple. How many of you wake up in the morning with back pain or pain in the knee like me? Huh? Have you reached that age where you wake up and you feel pain in your back? Or is it just me? You know why? Our body is decaying. But one day, you’ll be given a body. A body that is indescribable. Paul is trying to describe it. It is so indescribable.
Let’s continue reading. «Beloved», okay, this is now a comment on our super body. I want to let you know what God has prepared for you, «we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is». (1 John 3:2) The Bible says, someday when Jesus comes, you will be like Him. You will see Him as He is. What does it mean to be like Him? What kind of body did Jesus have? A supernatural body. And the Bible says, if you really desire, you live for eternity. «And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself». (1 John 3:3)
Once you realize what God has in store for you and you desire to receive the blessing of Jesus by grace, the Bible says you will purify yourself. You’ll live a holy life. Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t know about you. I don’t like death. I was in a funeral service, our good friend’s daughter died, and I realized usually, it’s the daughters, the children, who bury the father. But in this case, my friend, buried his daughter. But you know what, I want to comfort all of you. Death is never final. Death is a transition to something better; provided that you are in Christ. That’s what the Bible says. So my friend, do you know what God has in mind for you? Something you can never imagine.
That’s why the Bible tells us, let’s finish those nice promises. That’s 1 Corinthians 15, verse 50. Together, together. «Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed». (1 Corinthians 15:50–52)
The Bible tells us in the twinkling of an eye. The Greek word means nothing faster than a second, a millisecond. So he uses the word in the twinkling of an eye. Now, you have to understand when the Bible uses this kind of language, it is to communicate clearly. In the time of the Roman Empire, there was no walkie talkie. How do they assemble the army? Very simple. The first trumpet, bring down your tents, be ready. Don’t sleep in the tent anymore.
That’s the first trumpet. Second trumpet, assemble, fall in line, get ready. The last trumpet, march. The same thing with the Hebrew trumpet. First trumpet, get out of your tent. That’s what the Hebrew… If you read the book of Leviticus, it tells you how the Jewish people used to travel. Next trumpet, there’s a trumpet for assembly. There’s a trumpet for marching. The same thing with God’s people. When you hear the last trumpet, God is saying, come home. Come home. March. Time to go home. My friend, will you hear the last trumpet? And the Bible tells us, all of us will be changed.
Let’s continue reading. «For this perishable must put on imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'» (1 Corinthians 15:53–54) No more death. Read the next verse. «'Oh, death, where is your victory? Oh, death, where is your sting? ' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ». (1 Corinthians 15:55–57)
You know what the Bible is saying? Death. Oh, death. What have you got to do with God’s people someday? Where is your sting? You have to know the connection. «The sting of death is sin». It is because of sin that’s why we are dying. We have to die. And where is the root cause of sin? Because of the law. We are not able to obey the Ten Commandments. What did Jesus do? He defeated the law. He defeated sin and He defeated death. You know why? Jesus obeyed all the commandments. So, He solved it for you and for me. Jesus defeated sin. He did not commit any sin. He defeated death; He died for you; and He rose again in our behalf. That’s why, my friend, someday, there will be no more death, no more pain, nothing. What’s my proof?
Let’s continue reading. Look at Revelation. «…He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people» Everybody, read. «and God Himself», (Revelation 21:3). You know, God’s presence, I long for God’s presence. Those of you who don’t long for God’s presence, I’m going to tell you right now, you will not enjoy heaven. And in all probability, you will not go to heaven. Why would you go to heaven? Why do you want to go to heaven? You don’t even enjoy His presence. You don’t even look forward to worshiping God. You don’t love God.
So my friend, what makes you think you’re a follower of Jesus? You don’t want to be with Him. Unless, you have been deceived. My friend, I look forward to that day when I will see Jesus face to face. I want to see Him who loved me, who died for me, who rose again in my behalf. I long to be with Jesus. Do you long to be with Jesus? Be honest. Your worship will never be the same. Your prayer life will never be the same. «and He will wipe away every tear», (Revelation 21:4).
No more crying. You see, God knows. Here you cry, you have sadness. I know, «and there will no longer be any death». No more funeral services. No more funeral parlors. «There will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain». (Revelation 21:4) That is what God has in store for us. You can’t imagine that. A place with no sickness, no death, no crying, no mourning. «The first things have passed away. 'Behold, (what?) I make all things new.'» (Revelation 21:5)
I look forward to that day, the glorious future. I long to see my mother. I long to see my brother-in-law. I long to see my loved ones who have passed away. There will be a great reunion for God’s people. And the Bible says «we shall be forever and ever with the Lord». (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Live for eternity now! Tell your neighbor, live for eternity now! Make wise decisions. There is life after death. Live for eternity now! You know why? Make sure Jesus is your Lord. He’s going to reign. Do things to please Him. Live for eternity now! How? My friend, live with amazing hope. Don’t get depressed! Don’t be sad! Look at the last verse. You know what He tells you to do? God tells you.
Everybody, as we close, read this. «Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord», everybody, «knowing that your toil is not in vain». (1 Corinthians 15:58) It is not in vain. It’s going to be worth it. Say that with me. It’s going to be worth it. Live for eternity now! It’s going to be worth it! Say that again. It’s going to be worth it! Praise God! Let’s bow our heads and pray.
Lord Jesus, I come before You. I surrender my life to You completely. I commit my whole life, my whole being, to follow You, to live for You, to live in light of eternity. Change my heart, change my desire, and give me the power to live for You. Make my life meaningful, purposeful, Lord Jesus. I surrender to You my temptations, I surrender to You my struggles. Help me to live for eternity now. Help me to make good decisions. In Jesus name we all pray, Amen and amen.