What If Eternity Develops?

Have you ever seen one of those pictures of heaven portrayed as a place where many little winged cherubs sit on clouds and play harps forever? Can I be honest with you and say this sounds incredibly boring? 

Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about eternity. It feels too far away to be relevant to life right now. When we think about it, we often picture it as something static—like an eternal harp playing. Frankly, I’m not sure I could handle a lengthy harp concert, much less an eternal one. 

Why do we think of eternity as something static? What if eternity isn’t static? What if, instead of being an endless loop of the same thing over and over again, it is developmental? If eternity is real, consider it more likely not a fixed state of being but a trajectory. It is more likely that eternity develops, grows, and multiplies one’s state of being.

If this is the case, the important question becomes: Where is that trajectory taking us?

Understanding Trajectory: The Example of Finances

A simple way to understand trajectory is to think about money. How we handle our finances today doesn’t just affect this moment—it shapes our financial future. If someone invests wisely, makes good financial choices, and consistently saves, their wealth grows. Over time, interest compounds, and what started as a small investment can become something far greater. But if someone spends recklessly, takes on debt, and ignores financial wisdom, their resources will eventually dry up. What may have seemed like small, careless decisions at first can lead to complete financial ruin over time.

Now imagine your financial trajectory multiplied over 1 million years! What would your investments look like if they continue to compound and grow? Or how much loss would you sustain if your careless decisions continued for that long?

Our relationship with God also has a trajectory.

The Trajectory of Your Relationship With God

Just like finances, my relationship with God is never static. Everyday, I either draw closer to Him or move further away. And so are you.

Ask yourself some questions with me. Am I falling more in love with God? Am I learning to trust Him more? Am I becoming more aware of His presence, more aligned with His truth, and more fulfilled in His love? Or am I resisting Him? Do I find it harder to hear His voice, believe His promises, and care about what He desires?

Now, ask yourself this straightforward question:

Where would I end up if I do the same thing with my relationship with God for the next million weeks I did this past week? Would my relationship with God be stronger or weaker? Would I be closer to Him or further away?

The Trajectory of Heaven

If my relationship with God is growing, imagine that trajectory compounded for all of eternity. A million years from now, if I continue to pursue Him, I will know Him more deeply than ever. The joy, the peace, and the love I feel now will only increase and be infinitely multiplied.

Eventually, I will find myself wholly enveloped in His presence, seeing Him face to face, experiencing Him fully. I will be consumed by His glory and splendor, filled with overwhelming love, forever deepening my connection with Him.

Doesn’t this sound like the Biblical description of heaven?

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)

“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

Heaven is not just where I believe I will go; it’s the culmination of a relationship - Heaven is more about Who I am with. And if my relationship with God is growing, eternity will compound that experience forever.

That is an incredible concept!

The Trajectory of Hell

But let’s consider the opposite. If my relationship with God is diminishing—if I am moving away from Him—then imagine that trajectory compounded for all eternity.

At first, the distance may not seem that significant. But the further I drift from God, the harder it becomes to turn back. The more I resist Him, the less I recognize His voice. The more I choose my way over His, the more isolated I become.

Stretch that process out not just for a million years but for eternity. Eventually, all that remains is total isolation, emptiness, and regret. A life that rejects God will, over time, become an existence without Him.

Doesn’t this sound like the Biblical description of hell?

“They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might.” (2 Thessalonians 1:9)

“Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:23)

When we think of eternity as a compounding trajectory, Hell becomes not merely an arbitrary punishment—it is the natural conclusion of an eternity spent running from God.

Do I Want to Change My Trajectory?

If your relationship with God is already growing, then you can be encouraged. If you keep moving toward Him, eternity will only make that relationship richer and more complete.

But if you realize that you are moving away from Him, the good news is that you can change your trajectory today.

Here are three simple, time-proven ways to move closer to God:

Daily Study of Scripture: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17). The more you immerse yourself in God’s Word, the more you align with truth. Scripture shapes your thinking, increases your faith, and keeps you grounded in His promises.

Daily Prayer: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8.) Prayer is not just about asking for things but about communion with God. Talking to Him each day deepens my trust, strengthens my relationship, and opens my heart to His leadership. It will do the same for you, too.

Worship: “God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24.) Worship is more than just singing—it is a lifestyle. We worship through personal moments of praise, corporate worship with other believers, and living each day as an offering to God. This mindset can transform your daily life.

Final Question: Where Am I Headed?

Heaven and hell are not arbitrary destinations—they are the logical conclusions of a trajectory. Where will it take me if my current relationship with God continues on the same path for eternity? If I am moving toward Him, eternity will only deepen that connection into an existence of joy, love, and total union with Him.

But if I am moving away from Him, eternity will only widen that distance until nothing remains but isolation and separation.

I encourage you to think about your trajectory. Now is the time to decide.

Will you draw closer to Him today?