What Lasts Forever? Only Two Things
By Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Do you realize there are only two eternal things on earth today? Only two: people and God’s Word. Everything else will ultimately be burned up—everything else. Kind of sets your priorities straight, doesn’t it?
The stuff we place on the shelf, the things we put frames around, the trophies and whatnots we dust and shine and love to display, the things we’re so proud of—it’s all headed for the final bonfire (2 Peter 3:7, 10–12). But not God’s Book!
Peter reminds us that the truth "endures forever" (1 Peter 1:25). Grass will grow and then it will wither; flowers will bloom and then they will die. But God’s written message, the truth, will abide forever. All His promises will be fulfilled. His redemptive truth cannot be annulled or changed. He will accomplish what His powerful Word proclaims, and He will achieve the purpose for which His Word was sent (Isaiah 55:10–11). His Word will endure!
But wait. Doesn’t all this talk about the Bible lead to an important question? The question goes like this: How can anyone get so excited about something that was written by men? We have no problem with the Giver of truth. He gave it . . . but wasn’t the truth corrupted when He relayed it to earth through the hands and minds of sinful men?
God’s Word Is Inspired
This is the perfect moment for you to become acquainted with three doctrinal terms: revelation, inspiration, and illumination.
- Revelation occurred when God gave His truth.
- Inspiration occurred when the writers of Scripture received and recorded His truth.
- Illumination occurs today when we understand and apply His truth.
The critical issue—your confidence in the Bible—is directly related to your confidence in its inspiration. How then can we be sure that God’s Word is free from error or corruption, is absolutely true, and therefore, is deserving of our complete trust? Paul provides great help in answering this question:
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
Second Peter 1:21 gives us further insight: "For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." The English phrase moved by is translated from an ancient Greek nautical term (phero) describing ships at sea. When a ship is at the mercy of the winds, waves, and currents of the sea, it is "moved by" a power apart from its own. That’s the word used here. The writers of Scripture raised, as it were, their sails, the Holy Spirit filled them, and they were "moved by" His desires.
Our Conclusion Is This
In the Bible we have the preservation of a completely dependable, authoritative, inspired text. The question each of us must ask ourselves is this: Can I rely on it, especially when I go through those chaotic experiences in life? My answer, and I pray it is your answer, is absolutely and unreservedly YES!
The wonderful thing about relying on God’s Book is that it gives you stability. It gives you that deep sense of purpose and meaning. No other counsel will get you through the long haul. No other truth will help you stand firm in the storms of doubt and uncertainty. No other reality will give you strength for each day and deep hope for tomorrow. No other instruction has the power to give new meaning to your life.
Our Commitment to God’s Word
As I said at the beginning of this article, only two things last forever: God’s Word and people. That’s why for 35 years at Insight for Living Ministries we have maintained our commitment to proclaim God’s Word to people. That’s why we are trusting God for the fulfillment of the Great Commission by making a way for us to minister to all 195 countries of the world—through the airwaves, the Internet, biblical resources, and training others to study and how to teach the Word of God! Take a look at www.vision195.com for more information.
Only two things last forever—and I’m committed to both. How about you?
Copyright © 2015 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights are reserved worldwide.
About the author
Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Pastor Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. He is the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends far beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs around the world. Chuck’s leadership as president and now chancellor emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation of men and women for ministry.
