Knowledge is power, and many people seek to expand their knowledge through study, lectures, or good books. Everywhere, people are striving to unravel the mysteries of nature, the universe, and technology—and just think of all they have already accomplished! It really takes a lot of effort to stay up-to-date.
But despite all our efforts, there is still so much we will never know—things that even science cannot explain. For example, many people would like to know how long they will live, how long the world will last, or if and when it will come to an end; what will happen to them after death, and much more. Indeed, there has been a lot of speculation about these matters, and many have followed in Saul’s footsteps (see 1 Samuel 28) in an attempt to lift the veil that God has drawn over these things.
And yet, there is a kind of knowledge that every mortal should have—indeed, that everyone must possess. The Apostle Paul speaks of this knowledge in 2 Corinthians 5. This knowledge is very easy for everyone to obtain, and it comes at no cost. Nor is it necessary to attend prestigious schools or pass difficult exams. Yet there will come a moment for every person when the lack of this necessary and important knowledge will cause deep sorrow and unspeakable hardship. And this sorrow could last for all eternity.
Paul begins by stating a truth known to every person on earth, namely, that “our earthly house”—actually, our tent—is being torn down. Isn’t that true? We all have this certainty; we have no permanent home here. Our lives pass quickly. Every setting sun, every funeral procession, every illness, and every pain reminds us that the “tent” is being torn down. How much longer will it stand?
The psalmist prays: “Teach us to consider that we must die”—for what purpose?—“so that we may become wise.” My friend, have you already explored this “science” of life and death? And what have you learned from it? What did the Spirit of God and your troubled conscience tell you? And what did you do?
It is unpleasant to realize that our “earthly tent” has fallen into disrepair. The vast majority are also plagued by fear and dread. What do they do, then, to get rid of this fear? Do they become still and seek knowledge of eternity? Maybe if they did, they could find help. Unfortunately, experience teaches us that the vast majority take the opposite path: “Just don’t think about the end. There will be time for that later.”
“Don’t let them scare you,” says your “friend”—oh no, he’s not your friend, but the enemy who wants to make you miserable forever when your earthly tent is torn down. Time is flying by all too quickly, and with it, the opportunity to turn back.
But the knowledge that this earthly tent will be torn down is only one side of the reality of eternity. The other side is full of light and glory for all who know that the new building, the new home, is already prepared. That is why they do not fear when this fragile tent is torn down. They will not be without a home. But who has this knowledge?
Many may know that their earthly dwelling will one day come to an end but only those who have been born again, who know that they have received forgiveness of their sins through the blood of Christ and can call Him their Redeemer, have the assurance that comes from this knowledge. Whoever has received the testimony of divine sonship through the Holy Spirit also knows that the heavenly dwelling is already prepared, one that will never be torn down again. It is a house full of heavenly glory, where suffering has no place, where no more tears are shed, and where death no longer exists. We are not told exactly what this dwelling will look like. But we are dealing with a loving Father who has prepared the very best for His own.
This knowledge of eternal things enables us to properly evaluate earthly, transitory things. This is of great importance for our spiritual life and our walk with the Lord. How often is life in this world completely misjudged and misunderstood! It is not only the goods of this world, but also the desire for recognition and honor among people that must be properly evaluated.
Jesus’ followers are indeed in this world, but they are not of this world. Their knowledge of eternity protects them from misusing the things of this earth. Many abuse this world because they do not know any better. But those who possess this knowledge value and embrace heavenly and eternal things, knowing that their true home—the place of their bliss—is above. This knowledge gives them rich comfort in the storms of life and in suffering, for they know that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to them.
Yes, it also gives us strength in the struggle, in all trials and temptations, to hold high the shield of faith and resist the enemy. It stirs our longing for the unseen, for what endures forever—the longing to see Jesus Christ in the glory of heaven, as well as the longing for those who are already at home with the Lord! It also spurs us on to live a life pleasing to the Lord. It takes away our fear of death and also protects us from the terror of judgment.
What a wonderful and desirable knowledge this is! It surpasses all the knowledge of our time and proves its worth in life and in death. Only those who possess it can truly be called wise. Let us ensure that it remains our most important source of knowledge at all times!
Wilhelm Berle
Be the first to comment