What Does Not Pass Away
What Does Not Pass Away
Text: Mark 13:31
“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.”
There are moments in life when the reality of time confronts us with sobering clarity. Seasons change. Generations come and go. Loved ones pass away. Creation itself, magnificent and vast as it is, carries within it the mark of temporality. Jesus said plainly in Mark 13:31, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.”
Heaven and earth were created by God, and they were created with a purpose and an appointed end. The apostle Peter echoes this truth: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away…” (2 Peter 3:10). What appears permanent to us is, in reality, temporary in the scope of eternity.
The Fleeting Nature of Everything
Scripture repeatedly reminds us of the brevity of life and the passing nature of this world. Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 declares, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die…” Life moves in seasons, and none of them last forever.
Jesus Himself spoke in generational terms in Luke 21:32: “This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.” Even entire generations rise and fall within God's unfolding plan.
James makes the truth intensely personal:
“For as the flower of the grass he shall pass away” (James 1:10).
“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14).
Today, that truth feels especially real as we reflect on the passing of Shiela. While her earthly life has ended, her spirit has returned unto the Lord who gave it. The sorrow is real. The separation is painful. Yet even in this hour, the enduring word of God speaks hope. Our grief does not negate God’s promises; it drives us to cling to them.
The Forever Nature of the Eternal Word of God
In contrast to the fading heavens and earth stands the unchanging word of God. Jesus said, “my words shall not pass away.” The psalmist declared, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89).
God’s Word is not subject to decay. It does not erode with time. It is settled, steadfast, and secure. When circumstances shift and emotions overwhelm us, Scripture remains the anchor of the soul.
Truth
Jesus prayed, “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). He also declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The word of God reveals who God is, who we are, and what eternity holds. In a world filled with uncertainty, divine truth does not fluctuate.
Salvation
The word proclaims the gospel, which is the only message that overcomes death. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Death may claim the body, but it cannot conquer the soul redeemed by Christ.
Hope
Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). The grave does not have the final word. God does. There is resurrection. There is reunion. There is everlasting life for those in Christ.
Strength
Grief can drain the strongest heart. Yet Scripture assures us: “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart” (Psalm 34:18). God does not stand afar off in our sorrow. He draws near. His promises uphold us when our own strength fails.
Comfort
Finally, God’s word provides true comfort.
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).
“Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Comfort is not the denial of pain. It is the assurance that pain is not permanent. Death does not have the last word. The gospel does. The promises of God endure when all else fades.
Closing Reflection
Heaven and earth shall pass away. Generations shall pass away. Even time itself will one day cease. But the word of God will remain, and all who are in Christ will remain with Him forever.
Anne Steele captured this enduring confidence in her hymn, “The Promises of God” (c. 1760):
Text: Mark 13:31
“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.”
There are moments in life when the reality of time confronts us with sobering clarity. Seasons change. Generations come and go. Loved ones pass away. Creation itself, magnificent and vast as it is, carries within it the mark of temporality. Jesus said plainly in Mark 13:31, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.”
Heaven and earth were created by God, and they were created with a purpose and an appointed end. The apostle Peter echoes this truth: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away…” (2 Peter 3:10). What appears permanent to us is, in reality, temporary in the scope of eternity.
The Fleeting Nature of Everything
Scripture repeatedly reminds us of the brevity of life and the passing nature of this world. Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 declares, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die…” Life moves in seasons, and none of them last forever.
Jesus Himself spoke in generational terms in Luke 21:32: “This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.” Even entire generations rise and fall within God's unfolding plan.
James makes the truth intensely personal:
“For as the flower of the grass he shall pass away” (James 1:10).
“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14).
Today, that truth feels especially real as we reflect on the passing of Shiela. While her earthly life has ended, her spirit has returned unto the Lord who gave it. The sorrow is real. The separation is painful. Yet even in this hour, the enduring word of God speaks hope. Our grief does not negate God’s promises; it drives us to cling to them.
The Forever Nature of the Eternal Word of God
In contrast to the fading heavens and earth stands the unchanging word of God. Jesus said, “my words shall not pass away.” The psalmist declared, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89).
God’s Word is not subject to decay. It does not erode with time. It is settled, steadfast, and secure. When circumstances shift and emotions overwhelm us, Scripture remains the anchor of the soul.
Truth
Jesus prayed, “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). He also declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The word of God reveals who God is, who we are, and what eternity holds. In a world filled with uncertainty, divine truth does not fluctuate.
Salvation
The word proclaims the gospel, which is the only message that overcomes death. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Death may claim the body, but it cannot conquer the soul redeemed by Christ.
Hope
Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). The grave does not have the final word. God does. There is resurrection. There is reunion. There is everlasting life for those in Christ.
Strength
Grief can drain the strongest heart. Yet Scripture assures us: “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart” (Psalm 34:18). God does not stand afar off in our sorrow. He draws near. His promises uphold us when our own strength fails.
Comfort
Finally, God’s word provides true comfort.
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).
“Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Comfort is not the denial of pain. It is the assurance that pain is not permanent. Death does not have the last word. The gospel does. The promises of God endure when all else fades.
Closing Reflection
Heaven and earth shall pass away. Generations shall pass away. Even time itself will one day cease. But the word of God will remain, and all who are in Christ will remain with Him forever.
Anne Steele captured this enduring confidence in her hymn, “The Promises of God” (c. 1760):
Firm as the earth thy gospel stands,
My Lord, my hope, my trust;
If I am found in Jesus’ hands,
My soul can ne’er be lost.
The Word that built the heavens above
Abides for ever sure;
The truth that seals redeeming love
Shall evermore endure.
When flesh and heart alike shall fail,
Thy promise is my stay;
The written Word shall yet prevail
When all things pass away.
Here would I rest my weary soul,
On truths divinely given;
Till faith be lost in perfect sight,
And hope be crowned in heaven.
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