Forever: A Word Study I. Introduction. A. The expression forever(or for ever) appears in 54 books of the Bible. B. Forever defined: 1. English: For a limitless time; at all times; always(constantly). 2. Greek: At all times, always, on all occasions; continuous time(Vine: "undefined periods and are not to be taken literally). 3. Hebrew: Continuous. 4. How word is used decided by context and supporting passages. 5. Use cannot approve(contradict) other scriptures. C. In the human mind, some experiences can seem to last forever: but not in this life. D. Forever can be a limited expression or one that is not bound by time or material experiences. II. Body. Forever can be... A. Limited to an age. 1. Land promise to Abraham: Genesis 13:5. 2. Barring of heathen: Nehemiah 13:1, 3. a. Israelites did not always observe as directed. b. The mixed multitude created many problems. 3. Or, limited to a generation or generations. a. Note again the land promise: Exodus 32:13. b. Feast of Passover: Exodus 12:14, 17. c. Worship in tabernacle(temple): Exodus 27:21. d. When the Law of Moses was abolished by God, this "forever" ended. e. The pre-millennialist is wrong; God will not restore Palestine to his people on earth. B. Continuing actions. 1. The question: Psalm 74:10. a. Some things seem to last "forever." b. Ever had a bad toothache in the night? Seemed to last forever. 2. The lip of truth: Proverbs 12:19. 3. Sacrifice of Christ: Hebrews 10:12. 4. "I will love you forever" some pledge in marriage-- lifetime. D. Forever can be eternal. 1. Discuss Genesis 3:22. 2. The character and nature of God is everlasting. a. His will: Exodus 15:18. b. The throne of God: Psalm 45:6. c. The word of God: I Peter 1:25. (1 The bread of eternal life for us: John 6:58. (2 Eat it and live forever. d. Hence--fear Jehovah: Psalm 19:9. 3. Jesus Christ is eternal: Hebrews 13:8. a. Throne and kingdom: Luke 1:33. b. Priesthood: Hebrews 6:20. 4. Punishment: Revelation 20:10. 5. Reward: Revelation 22:5. E. These are not forever. 1. The earth: Ecclesiastes 1:4, yet: II Peter 3:10. 2. Earthly substance: Proverbs 27:24(For riches are not forever). III. Conclusion. A. Philippians 4:20. B. I Thessalonians 4:17.-jy