Grace in the Eternal Kingdom

In our recent Bible Study, we learned that grace is not just a concept but a transformative power from God, impacting every part of our lives. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God's word is alive and active, having the ability to penetrate through our body, soul, and spirit.

First Thessalonians 5:23 encourages us to walk in wholeness or fulness of God. This walk is spiritual, going beyond all physical and emotional boarders. God’s incredible gift of grace is intended to completely change our walk with Him, transforming every part of lives—body, soul, and spirit—preparing us for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in the eternal kingdom.

Grace is fulfilled in our lives when we become transformed. Think of God's grace in our lives as a holistic transformation of renovating a house—body (structure), soul (interior design), spirit (foundation). Grace doesn't just paint over problems; it renovates from foundation to roof, making all things new.

1. Body: Resurrected and Glorified  
Transforming Our Existence: Philippians 3:20-21 tells us that our true home is heaven. Grace changes how we view the world, how we speak life into others, and how we show love through our actions. Our bodies are destined for resurrection and transformation. Grace transforms our physical senses:

1. Eye: Seeing through God's perspective (Grace changing our vision)
2. Nose: Symbolism of smell in sacrifices (Transforming actions into living sacrifices)
3. Mouth: Speaking words of grace and truth (Using speech for edification)
4. Ears: Hearing God's voice (Listening with hearts attuned by grace)
5. Touch: Acting compassionately (Hands as vehicles of grace and love)

2. Soul: Cleansed and Renewed  
The soul—that complex intersection of imagination, conscience, memory, reason, and affection—finds its ultimate completion in the vision of Revelation 21:1-4. John writes of a new heaven and new earth where God will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear, abolishing death, mourning, crying, and pain. First Corinthians 2:14 reminds us that the natural person cannot understand spiritual things, but grace opens our understanding, cleansing our conscience and enabling godly living. Grace transforms the faculties of our soul through our:

1. Imagination: Sanctifying thoughts and creativity (Grace-filled vision)
2. Conscience: Purification through grace (Leading to godly living)
3. Memory: Past experiences as testimony (Grace and growth reflected)
4. Reason: Aligning logic with divine wisdom (Grace-informed decision-making)
5. Affection: Directing emotions toward love (Grace shaping relationships)

3. Spirit: Strengthened and Empowered
Strengthening Our Spiritual Life: Romans 11:26-27 reassures us of God's faithfulness, bringing together Israel and the Church. Our spirits are strengthened by faith, hope, worship, reverence, and prayer in God's eternal plan, bringing unity in His redemptive story.

1. Faith: Strengthened by grace (Sustaining relationship with God)
2. Hope: Anchor of the soul (Looking toward eternal promises)
3. Reverence: Deepening respect for God (Awe through the Spirit)
4. Worship: Grace leading to true worship (In spirit and truth)
5. Prayer: Empowered communication with God (Fueled by grace)

Recognize that grace is the foundation of your relationship with God, freeing you from trying to earn favor. Romans 3:23-24 assures us that we are made right through faith, which encourages us to live with gratitude and love.

Grace leads us toward a new heaven and earth, where God’s story comes to its fullest expression. This promise of a bright future is clear: your citizenship is in heaven, and transformation is certain. Grace actively prepares you for this magnificent eternity right now.

- Grace transforms every part of you—body, soul, and spirit—preparing you for eternity.  
- It unifies us beyond any differences, encouraging a journey of faith.  
- Grace is how we live, connect, and hold hope every single day.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Identify one specific area in body, soul, and spirit that needs grace's transforming work, and commit to cooperating with the Holy Spirit in that renovation process. Think about how grace is evident in our lives. How it strengthens our relationship with God and others, and ways we can learn to extend grace.        

This season, remember that you are part of an eternal plan of grace, strengthening your bond with God and inviting you to share its transformative power. Reflect on 1 Thessalonians 5:23 as a divine assurance that grace is at work within you, preparing you for His coming. Let grace be visible in all you do, being an ambassador of hope and unity. You're not just waiting for eternity—you're being prepared for it right now.

In His Grace,

Pastor Daniel Bangura