"On the Other Side" Sermon

Create a sermon based on the theme: "On the Other Side".  This should be focused on the following thoughts. It should be based on Baptist theology. It should include 5 scripture versions from the King James version of the Bible.  Explain each verse from a religious perspective.  It should include an anecdote for each verse

 On the Other Side

I. Introduction: The Call to Look Beyond

Beloved, we gather today to consider a theme that resonates through the corridors of human experience and echoes from the very pages of Holy Scripture: "On the Other Side." How often do we find ourselves standing at a juncture, peering into the unknown that lies beyond our current understanding, our present circumstances, or even our deepest-held beliefs?

 It is a common human tendency to remain on the familiar "side" of things, perhaps believing the negative stereotypes of what lies beyond without truly listening or investigating.1 We may build walls of comfort or fear, hesitating to step across thresholds that might lead to profound discovery or necessary change. A sermon often begins with a story to focus the audience on a thought or conflict 2, and so it is fitting to consider how easily we can dismiss something, or someone, before giving it a chance, potentially missing answers to life's biggest questions.1

Life, in its unfolding, frequently presents us with these "other sides." It might be the other side of a daunting decision, the unseen shore beyond a sea of trials, the dawn that breaks after a long night of spiritual wrestling, or indeed, the ultimate other side that lies beyond the veil of this earthly existence.
The phrase "On the Other Side" is rich with meaning, far transcending a mere physical location. It speaks to the very heart of the Christian journey.

It signifies the crossing from an old way of life, marked by sin and separation from God, to a new existence, a new identity found in Jesus Christ.

It describes the experience of emerging from overwhelming difficulties, not unscathed, perhaps, but with a deepened awareness of God's unwavering faithfulness.
And ultimately, it points towards the glorious, unshakeable hope of eternity with God, on the other side of our mortal pilgrimage.

The journey from one "side" to another is a central motif in the believer's experience. From spiritual death to vibrant life, from the throes of struggle to the calm of God-given victory, from this temporal world to the eternal realm—these are not passive drifts but transitions that involve a divine call and a human response.3 The very act of hearing God's Word proclaimed is an invitation to consider what lies "on the other side" of our current spiritual posture. It is a call to listen, to ponder, and perhaps, to cross over from a place of unbelief to faith, from spiritual lethargy to renewed vigor, from fear to courage, or from despair to the living hope that is offered in Christ Jesus.1

Today, our purpose is to explore, through the unfailing light of God's Word, the transformative power, the enduring hope, and the divine promises intrinsically linked with being "On the Other Side." We will navigate this theme by five scriptural signposts, each illuminating a vital aspect of this profound spiritual reality.

II. The First Step: Seeing the Kingdom – The New Birth (John 3:3)

Our first scriptural marker is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 3.

Scripture Reading (KJV): John 3:3 – "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Here, the Lord Jesus Christ addresses Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, a man steeped in religious tradition and knowledge.5 Yet, to this esteemed teacher, Jesus utters a statement of profound and absolute necessity. This is not a gentle suggestion, but a divine imperative: one must be born again. Nicodemus, like many, initially struggled to grasp this spiritual concept, thinking in physical terms.5 But Jesus speaks of a spiritual rebirth, a regeneration.

From a Baptist theological understanding, this "new birth" is a foundational work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus.3 It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit, not by human effort or will.3 As John Gill, a respected Baptist theologian, noted in his exposition of this verse, this spiritual birth is distinct from any outward religious conformity; it is an indispensable prerequisite for anyone, regardless of their heritage or religious standing.7 We had no part in our physical birth, and similarly, we have no part in imparting this spiritual life to ourselves; it is a divine work.3

And what is the consequence of not experiencing this new birth? Jesus states, "he cannot see the kingdom of God." This "seeing" transcends mere physical sight; it refers to spiritual perception, understanding, and ultimately, entrance into God's eternal reign and spiritual realm.8 Without this spiritual rebirth, one remains "on the outside," incapable of truly comprehending or experiencing the realities of God's Kingdom. The eyes of the heart must be opened by faith, which is a fruit of this new birth.8 This initial crossing over, from spiritual blindness to spiritual sight, from spiritual death to spiritual life, is the gateway to all other spiritual "other sides." It is a fundamental shift in identity and perception, bestowing new spiritual senses.

Anecdote:

Consider the story of a man named Arthur. He was a pillar of his community, known for his moral integrity and charitable works. He attended church regularly, knew the Bible intellectually, and by all outward appearances, was a good man. Yet, in his private moments, Arthur felt a deep emptiness, a sense that something profound was missing. He heard sermons about being "born again" but dismissed them as emotionalism, something for those less refined in their faith. One evening, much like Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night 6, Arthur found himself alone, wrestling with this persistent void. He picked up his Bible and read John chapter 3.

 The words "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" struck him with new force. He realized his morality and religiosity were like fine clothes on a lifeless mannequin. That night, Arthur humbled himself, confessed his spiritual deadness, and asked God to make him new, to give him this spiritual birth. He later described it not as a sudden flash of light, but as if scales fell from his eyes. The Scriptures, once just ancient texts, came alive. Worship, once a duty, became a delight. He had moved from one side of understanding God, a side of intellectual assent and outward observance, to truly "seeing" and experiencing the vibrant reality of His kingdom "on the other side." He knew, with an assurance that transcended feeling, that he had been born.9

The encounter of Nicodemus, a "master of Israel" 6, being told he cannot see the kingdom without this spiritual rebirth, underscores a vital truth: religious pedigree, extensive knowledge, or esteemed status within a religious community offers no exemption from this essential "other side" of spiritual birth.5 This truth radically levels the ground at the foot of the cross. Access to God's kingdom is not through human achievement or lineage but depends solely upon God's regenerative work and an individual's response of repentance and faith.3 This aligns deeply with cherished Baptist distinctives such as soul competency and the priesthood of every believer, emphasizing that each person must individually encounter God and experience this new birth.4

III. The Transformation: Becoming a New Creature (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Having been born again, the believer steps onto another "side" – the side of profound and ongoing transformation. Our second scripture, 2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 17, describes this reality.
Scripture Reading (KJV): 2 Corinthians 5:17 – "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

The Apostle Paul begins with the crucial phrase, "if any man be in Christ." This speaks of a vital union, an identification with Jesus Christ, entered into through faith.11 To be "in Christ" is to have one's life completely intertwined with His. It means viewing the world and oneself not from a worldly, fleshly perspective, but from a spiritual vantage point, through the lens of Christ's redemptive work.11 John Gill speaks of this as an "open" state in Christ for those who are converted.12
And what is the result of being "in Christ"? Paul declares, "he is a new creature," or as some translations render it, "a new creation." 

This is not a superficial makeover, a mere polishing of the old self, or simply turning over a new leaf.13 It is a radical, thoroughgoing transformation, a complete renewal of one's spiritual nature by the power of God.3 As one theologian aptly put it, Christianity does not primarily change one's circumstances; it changes the person. This is a new creation, not a modification or addition to the old life.15 It's an internal principle of grace, a work where humanity is passive, much like in the original creation.12

This newness is comprehensive: "old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." The "old things" encompass the former sinful self, the dominion of old habits, the pull of old desires, the guilt of the past, and old ways of thinking that were alienated from God.12 These are declared "passed away." And in their place, "all things are become new." This newness touches every facet of the believer's existence: new desires that align with God's will, new motivations rooted in love for Christ, new perspectives shaped by eternal truth, new relationships governed by grace, and a new, God-given purpose for living.12

Anecdote:

Many years ago, in a bustling city, lived a woman named Sarah. Her life was a tapestry woven with threads of bitterness, addiction, and broken relationships. She had tried countless times to change, to "turn over a new leaf" as the saying goes, but each attempt ended in deeper despair.13 Her past haunted her, and her future seemed a bleak continuation of the same destructive patterns. One day, a street preacher shared the message of 2 Corinthians 5:17. The words "new creature" and "old things are passed away" snagged her attention. Could it be true? Could her old things pass away? Skeptical but desperate, she sought out a small Baptist church. 

There, she heard more about this Jesus who makes all things new. Tentatively, she surrendered her broken life to Him. The change was not instantaneous in all its manifestations, but the shift was undeniable. The chains of addiction began to loosen. The bitterness in her heart started to be replaced by a strange, new peace. Her old companions, who thrived in the darkness she was leaving, found her changed. She sought new fellowship with those who loved the Lord.

 Her desires began to change; the things she once craved lost their appeal, and a hunger for God's Word and righteousness grew. Years later, Sarah would testify with tears of joy, "I am not the woman I once was. The old Sarah is gone. In Christ, I am truly a new creature. He took my shattered pieces and made something entirely new." She had stepped "on the other side" of her past, into a present and future defined by God's transforming grace.

This "new creation" is not merely an internal feeling; it is intended to manifest in observable changes in a believer's behavior, values, and priorities.3 This aligns with the Baptist emphasis on a lived faith, a faith that works, demonstrating the reality of the inward transformation.4 The "old things" passing away and "all things" becoming new should be evident to those around us. 

Furthermore, the declaration "Behold, all things are become new" carries with it an element of ongoing discovery. Being "on the other side" of conversion is not a static arrival but the commencement of a lifelong journey of experiencing the multifaceted "newness" that God continually unfolds in the life of His child. This understanding guards against a simplistic view of salvation as a mere transaction without ongoing implications for growth in holiness, a process Baptists refer to as sanctification.16

IV. The Journey: God's Presence Through Trials (Isaiah 43:2)

The journey "on the other side" of conversion is not, however, a journey devoid of challenges. Our third scripture, from the prophet Isaiah chapter 43, verse 2, offers profound comfort and assurance for the path ahead.

Scripture Reading (KJV): Isaiah 43:2 – "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

The prophet, speaking the words of God, acknowledges the inevitability of trials in the life of a believer. There are no smooth, untroubled roads to paradise.17 The "waters," the "rivers," and the "fire" are powerful metaphors representing the various forms of adversity, persecution, deep distress, and suffering that God's people will undoubtedly encounter.18 These are not hypothetical situations but expected passages in the pilgrimage of faith. 

Albert Barnes, in his commentary, notes that fire and water are common scriptural symbols for calamity, one overwhelming, the other consuming.21

Yet, at the very heart of this passage lies an unshakable promise: "I will be with thee." This is the bedrock of the believer's capacity to endure. God does not promise an exemption from trials, but He unequivocally promises His abiding presence in the midst of them.17 John Gill's exposition highlights that God is with His people to sympathize, comfort, teach, sanctify, support, and ultimately deliver them through their afflictions.20 Indeed, the Lord has pledged never to leave nor forsake His own, regardless of what life may bring.18

Beyond His presence, God also promises His protective power. "Through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." While the trials may be severe, deep, and intensely hot, they will not ultimately destroy or consume the child of God who trusts in Him. God, in His sovereignty, sets limits to the reach and intensity of adversity in the lives of His children.20 As Matthew Henry beautifully commented, while believers may pass through fire and water, with God beside them, they need fear no evil, for they will be borne up and brought out.23

Anecdote:

There's a story told of a missionary family serving in a remote and hostile region. They faced constant threats, scarcity of resources, and the deep ache of loneliness. One season, a severe drought struck the area, followed by a devastating wildfire that swept through the surrounding villages, inching closer to their small mission station. Fear gripped them. It seemed the "waters" of despair were rising, and the "fire" of destruction was imminent. They gathered their children and prayed, clinging to the promise of Isaiah 43:2. 

As the flames approached, the wind suddenly, inexplicably, shifted, diverting the main blaze around their compound. Though the land around them was scorched, their small haven remained untouched. Later, when a relief convoy finally reached them, struggling through difficult terrain—the "rivers" of impassable roads—they found the family shaken but safe. The missionary later wrote, "We were in the fire, and we felt its heat. We saw the waters of difficulty rise. But God was with us. The river did not overflow us; the flame did not consume us. We came to the other side of that terror, not because of our strength, but because of His presence." They felt, as the prophet declared, personally known and cared for by God amidst the trial.24

God's promise in Isaiah 43:2 is not merely about survival; it's about His active companionship that transforms the experience of suffering. To be "on the other side" of a trial, having walked through it with God, means more than just having endured; it means having potentially grown in spiritual fortitude, having witnessed His faithfulness in a more profound way, and having one's faith refined like gold in the fire.25 

This passage also offers a crucial theological balance. It affirms that faithfulness to God does not guarantee a life insulated from hardship. This stands in contrast to any teaching that equates godliness with uninterrupted ease or prosperity. Instead, Baptist theology emphasizes God's sovereign purpose in allowing trials and the believer's perseverance through them, kept by His power.17 The "other side" of such trials is a testament to God's sustaining grace, a grace that ensures that though we pass through the waters and the fire, we are not overcome.

V. The Strength: Power for Every Circumstance (Philippians 4:13)

As believers journey towards the ultimate "other side," they are not left to their own devices. Our fourth scripture, from Paul's letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verse 13, reveals the divine provision for this journey.

Scripture Reading (KJV): Philippians 4:13 – "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

This powerful declaration by the Apostle Paul is not a statement of arrogant self-sufficiency, but a profound testimony to Christ-sufficiency.26 The ability to "do all things" is not inherent in Paul, nor is it in any believer; it flows "through Christ." It is an assurance that we can accomplish whatever God calls us to do, not merely whatever we might ambitiously decide for ourselves.29 John Gill, in his commentary, underscores that Paul accomplished what he did, not by his own power, but by always looking to and depending on the Son of God.30 Albert Barnes similarly emphasizes Paul's complete reliance on this divine power.31

The phrase "all things," while often applied broadly, must be understood in its immediate context. Paul has just spoken of learning contentment in every circumstance—whether abased or abounding, hungry or full, in need or in plenty (Philippians 4:11-12).28 Thus, "all things" primarily refers to his God-given ability to endure these varying states with unwavering contentment and to faithfully fulfill his apostolic duties amidst them.29 It is about the capacity to persevere through hardship and persecution for the Gospel's sake. Matthew Henry connects this to Paul learning to bring his mind to his condition and make the best of it, whatever it might be.32

The source of this remarkable capacity is Christ "which strengtheneth me." This is not a one-time impartation of strength but an ongoing, dynamic, empowering presence of Christ within the believer. He supplies the necessary spiritual, emotional, and moral fortitude to face whatever challenges God permits or whatever tasks God assigns.33 This strength is accessed through an abiding relationship with Jesus, for apart from Him, we can do nothing of eternal value.33

Anecdote:

Consider the life of Joni Eareckson Tada. As a vibrant teenager, a diving accident left her a quadriplegic, confined to a wheelchair, unable to use her hands or legs. Imagine standing on "one side" of such a life-altering event, looking at an "other side" that seemed filled with insurmountable limitations and despair. In the early days, she battled deep depression and questioned God's goodness. Yet, through a long and arduous journey, Joni discovered the truth of Philippians 4:13. She found that through Christ who strengthened her, she could indeed "do all things" that God called her to. She learned to paint holding a brush between her teeth, creating beautiful works of art. She became an internationally known advocate for people with disabilities, founded Joni and Friends, a ministry that has touched millions, written numerous books, and shared her testimony of God's grace with countless people. Her life is a living testament not to her own strength, but to the incredible, enabling strength of Christ that can empower a person to move from the "other side" of utter helplessness to a life of profound impact and deep contentment in Him. Like Doug McKnight who found gratitude despite MS, or the leper woman who requested "Count Your Many Blessings" 34, Joni's story shows that Christ's strength is made perfect in weakness.

The "other side" made accessible by the truth of Philippians 4:13 is an experience of Christian contentment and effectiveness that rises above circumstances. It signifies a movement from being merely reactive, tossed about by external conditions, to becoming proactive and faith-filled, anchored by an internal, divine power. This verse, understood in its proper context of enduring hardship and faithfully fulfilling God's specific calling, also serves as a robust affirmation of the Baptist doctrine of the perseverance and preservation of the saints.27 It is not primarily about achieving worldly acclaim or material success, but about Christ strengthening believers to remain faithful, to endure, and to be fruitful "on the other side" of every trial, every temptation, every demanding duty, carrying them safely through their earthly pilgrimage towards their eternal home.

VI. The Destination: The Eternal "Other Side" (Revelation 21:4)

All these steps "on the other side"—the new birth, the transformed life, God's presence in trials, and Christ's enabling strength—are leading us somewhere. Our final scripture, from the book of Revelation chapter 21, verse 4, gives us a breathtaking glimpse of that ultimate destination.
Scripture Reading (KJV): Revelation 21:4 – "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
This glorious verse transports us to the consummation of all things, into the eternal state, the new heavens and the new earth, where God Himself will dwell intimately with His redeemed people.10 This is the final, perfect "other side" for every believer in Jesus Christ. It is the reality that unfolds after God has enacted His final judgment, when all wrongs are made right, all sin is eternally separated from His presence, and all suffering is eradicated forever.35 Albert Barnes describes this as the general statement of the future condition of the redeemed.36

The passage resounds with the definitive "no more."

"God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes": Every tear, whether shed from sorrow, pain, loss, or the struggles of this life, will be tenderly removed by God Himself.

"There shall be no more death": The last enemy, death, in all its forms—physical, spiritual, eternal—will be utterly vanquished.38

"Neither sorrow, nor crying": The deep grief that pierces the heart, the outward expressions of anguish—these will cease, for their causes will be no more.38

"Neither shall there be any more pain": Physical suffering, emotional agony, mental distress—all will be absent in that perfect realm.38 These are the direct and bitter consequences of sin and the curse that fell upon creation, and in the new creation, they will be entirely and eternally done away with. Matthew Henry, in his commentary, assures us that not only will all effects of former trouble be gone, but all causes of future sorrow will be forever removed.39

The reason for this perfect state is given: "for the former things are passed away." This signifies a complete and irrevocable break from the old order of existence, an order marred by sin, decay, suffering, and separation from God.41 It is the glorious fulfillment of God's grand redemptive plan, where all things are made new.41

Anecdote:

An elderly saint, a woman who had known much hardship in her long life—the loss of her spouse in her youth, the struggle to raise her children alone, years of chronic illness, and the sorrow of seeing loved ones depart before her—lay on her deathbed. Her pastor came to visit, and found her weak but with a serene light in her eyes. He read Revelation 21:4 to her. As he finished, a single tear traced a path down her wrinkled cheek. "Pastor," she whispered, "all my life, I've known tears. Tears of loneliness, tears of pain, tears for my children, tears for a world that groans. But that verse... 'God shall wipe away all tears'... it's not just that the crying will stop. It's that He will wipe them away. The God who saw every tear fall will personally bring that comfort." She paused, then a gentle smile touched her lips. "And no more death... no more goodbyes... no more aching pain. The 'former things'... oh, how I long for them to be passed away." A few days later, she peacefully crossed over to that "other side." For her, the promise of Revelation 21:4 was not an abstract theological concept, but a deeply personal, comforting hope that sustained her to the very end, a hope of a land without tears, without funerals, without broken hearts, a land of no regrets and no agony.42

The detailed and specific negation of earthly sorrows in Revelation 21:4—tears, death, mourning, crying, pain—powerfully conveys that God intimately understands the depth and breadth of human suffering experienced on "this side" of eternity. His promise of a future that is a direct and complete reversal of these pains underscores His profound compassion and His intention to provide a tailored comfort that addresses the deepest hurts of this life.38 Furthermore, the absolute finality of "the former things are passed away" provides the ultimate bedrock for the Baptist doctrine of eternal security.10 The "other side" of glory is a permanent, unalterable state of blessedness. Because sin and all its consequences are not merely suppressed but entirely eradicated from that new creation, there is no possibility of a future fall or a loss of this eternal joy.41 The redeemed are secure forever in the presence of God.

VII. Conclusion: Living in Light of "The Other Side"

We have journeyed together through five crucial scriptural passages, each offering a unique perspective on the profound theme of "On the Other Side."

We began with John 3:3, understanding that the essential first step is the new birth, without which one cannot even see the kingdom of God, let alone enter it.

Then, 2 Corinthians 5:17 revealed the radical transformation that takes place in Christ, where we become new creatures, with old things passing away and all things becoming new.

Isaiah 43:2 assured us of God's unwavering presence to navigate us through the inevitable waters and fires of life's trials, promising that they will not overwhelm or consume us.

Philippians 4:13 empowered us with the knowledge that through Christ's strength, we can endure and act in every circumstance, fulfilling His purposes.

Finally, Revelation 21:4 painted a glorious picture of our ultimate destination at the eternal "other side"—a place of no more tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain, where the former things have forever passed away.

It is vital to understand that while the ultimate, perfect "other side" is our future hope in glory, many aspects of this new reality begin now for the believer. By God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, we are already new creatures.16 We already have access to God's abiding presence and His inexhaustible strength.4 Therefore, our lives "on this side" of eternity are to be lived with the confident assurance and the transformative influence of what awaits us, and what has already begun in us, "on the other side."
This truth calls for a response from each heart here today. This is central to Baptist belief – the Word of God calls for a personal response.4

To those who may not yet know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord:

The journey to any true "other side" of hope and peace begins with a single, crucial step: being born again. If you are living "on the side" of spiritual separation from God, burdened by sin, and without the assurance of eternal life, the invitation today is to cross over. Repent of your sins—that is, turn from them with a sorrow that leads to a change of mind and action—and place your faith entirely in Jesus Christ, who died for your sins and rose again to give you new life.3 This is how one receives eternal life, not by works, but as a gift from God.10

To every believer here:

Let us be encouraged to live fully in the reality of our new identity in Christ. Let the "old things" genuinely pass away from our lives as we embrace the "all things new" that God has for us.
Let us face the trials and tribulations of this life not with crippling despair, but with the courageous confidence that God is with us, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Let us fix our hope steadfastly on the eternal promises of God. May this glorious hope of "the other side" shape our priorities, our decisions, our actions, and our fervent witness in this present world. As Baptists, we are called to be "people of the Book," committed to sharing the good news of salvation with all nations.4

Let us continually seek to reform our lives according to the truth of God's Word, which so clearly illuminates these realities "on the other side".4

May we all live with such faith and conviction that our lives point compellingly to the glorious realities that await us "On the Other Side."