Act Four-The Kingdom Restored
winter
rains
flowers
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.
Song Of Solomon 2:11-12
September 21
Seldom do I shed tears while reading a book, but as Eldredge discusses the closing scenes from the movie Apollo 13 when the astronauts' contact is finally restored with Houston control and everyone realizes they have made it home, tears of joy were streaming down my cheeks!
God knew what he was doing from the very beginning.
He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him
along the same lines as the life of his Son.
The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored.
Romans 8:29 The Message
Eldredge writes of a party similar to that in the closing scene of Titanic, when the ship is shining in its glory and Jack takes the stairs to reunite with Rose! Can't you see us meeting Jesus face to face in such fashion! Woo wee! It is going to be out of this world for sure!
Eldredge reveals the "sobering truth" in this final chapter that while hell was created for Satan and his angels, not mankind, it will be the destination for eternity for those who "do not want God. They reject his offer of forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus. What is he to do? The universe has only two options. If they insist, God will grant to them what they have wanted-to be left to themselves."
"Act Four is the restoration of life as it was always meant to be. It is the return of the beauty, the intimacy, and the adventure we were created to enjoy and have longed for every day of our lives," says Eldredge.
It is our happily ever after!
For God wo loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
This is the way to have eternal life-to know you, the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.
John 17:3
