109. Chapter 103: Concerning Eternal Glory

------------ CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED-THREE ------------ Concerning Eternal Glory The Blessed Portion of the Elect

Upon completion of the judgment and the casting of the ungodly into hell, the Lord Jesus will usher the elect into eternal glory Psalms 73:24, the Father’s house in which there are many mansions John 14:2, the house not made with hands which is eternal in the heavens 2 Corinthians 5:1, the third heaven, paradise 2 Corinthians 12:2;2 Corinthians 12:4, the city which has foundations and whose builder and maker is God Hebrews 11:10, the joy of the Lord Matthew 25:21, and the heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18). He will give them eternal life John 10:28, place the crown of righteousness upon their head 2 Timothy 4:8, grant them the crown of life James 1:12, and make them partakers of “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4). Furthermore, they will enjoy that which the Lord Jesus has merited and petitioned for them: “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me” (John 17:24).

God Himself who alone is omnipotent, wise, and merciful, has built the third heaven Hebrews 11:10, and has prepared this kingdom from the foundation of the world for His blessed ones (Matthew 25:34). He has chosen them from the beginning unto salvation 2 Thessalonians 2:13, He has sent His Son into the world to save His people Matthew 1:21, and it is His pleasure to give them the kingdom (Luke 12:32). “For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever” (Romans 11:36). The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, has earned and merited salvation for the elect. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23), who is “... the captain of their salvation” Hebrews 2:10, who “is able also to save them to the uttermost” Hebrews 7:25, and has said, “I lay down My life for the sheep ... and I give unto them eternal life” John 10:15;John 10:28. Therefore, He bears the title Savior, for man contributes nothing to salvation; he is led to and subsequently ushered into it. “It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture” (Psalms 100:3). “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:9). Therefore, “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake” (Psalms 115:1). The elect, they who are foreordained, are those who will become partakers of salvation: “Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also ... glorified” (Romans 8:30); they are the blessed of the Father: “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom” (Matthew 25:34); they are those who have been given to Christ by the Father: “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am” (John 17:24); and they are believers: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” (John 3:36). They alone, and they all, are the persons who will enjoy felicity. The Godly Will Differ in Glory in Heaven Question: In heaven, will one person have a greater measure of glory than another?

Answer: Some think this will not be the case, whereas others believe that there are various degrees. We maintain that all they who are glorified will be filled with felicity to overflowing; that is, as much as they can endure. Thus, there neither will be a desire for more, nor will this be possible. It will be impossible to be deprived of anything there. “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalms 17:15). As one vessel can, however, contain more than another vessel, while yet all being full, we believe that also the one will excel the other in glory. This is, however, not due to merit. The papists maintain this when they say that virgins, monks, ministers, and martyrs who excel in merit here, will also stand out there. Rather, on the basis of His free grace, God will elevate in glory those who have done or suffered much as a witness for His Name. This is evident in the following passages:

First, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). In verse 2 the prophet relates what all believers will be equal partakers of: eternal life. Subsequently, in verse 3, a distinction is made between ministers and those who have been instrumental in the conversion of many. They especially will shine forth as the brightness of the firmament and as the stars.

Secondly, “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:41-42). The apostle not only indicates that the same bodies will have different characteristics, but also that these characteristics will differ in individual persons -- the one will be more glorious than the other. There is a difference between the luster of the sun, the moon, and the stars, and also the stars among themselves differ in luster.

Thirdly, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). This promise does not pertain to this life, for this does not always occur. Rather, it pertains to eternal life, which is confirmed from Galatians 6:8 where the apostle states: “He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” The word “sparingly” is contrasted with “bountifully.” It is not indicative of a lack, but rather of a difference of degree.

Fourthly, consider (Luke 19:12-19). “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come” vs. 13; “Have thou authority over ten cities” vs. 17; “Be thou also over five cities” vs. 19. Not only is the reward of the faithful servants recounted, and the fact that there is a reward in a general sense (as is the case in Matthew 25:21;Matthew 25:23), but also the measure of reward given in accordance with each person’s profit. This is figuratively expressed by having authority over either ten or five cities.

Fifthly, “Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour” (1 Corinthians 3:8). We neither have a contrast here between the faithful and the unfaithful, and between the good and the evil, nor is it said of them that the good are to be rewarded and the evil punished. Rather, the apostle only speaks of faithful servants -- of Paul and Apollos -- and relates the task of each person. It is the one who plants and the other who waters -- even though the planting of a church in a given locality requires more work than the administering of that which is subservient to her growth. He declares that they both are indeed unable to facilitate its growth, but nevertheless, each one would be rewarded according to whether his work was of greater or lesser importance.

Sixthly, “Many ... shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11); “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom” (Luke 16:22); “When the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28). The reference here is to heaven, for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob do not belong to the church here on earth. Lazarus enjoyed sitting down with Abraham after he had died and the apostles would sit upon the twelve thrones when Christ would sit upon the throne of His glory. Following this time state there would be a difference between Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the many who would sit down with them; between Abraham and Lazarus; and between the apostles and other believers -- namely, that the apostles would sit upon the twelve thrones, which is not said about others in this text. From this it is evident that there will be a difference in degree in the measure of glory.

Objection #1: “So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny” (Matthew 20:8-10). Equal wages were given to those who had labored much or little, and thus there are no degrees in heaven.

Answer (1) The objective here is to show that the reward is not meritorious, but rather is given out of free grace. (2) The penny is not to be understood as referring to eternal life, for there will be no one there who has an evil eye and who murmurs.

Objection #2: All believers are equal partakers of the same election, satisfaction of Christ, justification, adoption of children, and designation as heirs. Thus, they are also equal partakers of glorification. This proves that there are no degrees in glorification.

Answer: This argument is futile, for by way of the same argument we could conclude that believers are all equal partakers in sanctification. Experience and Scripture both teach that this is not so, but that in this life there are fathers in Christ, young men, and children. Just as there are degrees in this life in regard to grace and its outworking, so likewise in the reward. The least of them will, however, be filled to overflowing and eternally enjoy as much glory and felicity as he is able to contain. This must nevertheless motivate us to do and suffer much for Christ. The Saints Will Recognize Each Other in Heaven

Question: Will there be mutual recognition in heaven? Answer: Even though such knowledge will not be what it is here (it being associated with a physical relationship and affections), we nevertheless believe that ministers will know their members, members their minister, the husband his wife, the wife her husband, parents their children, and children their parents. Relatives and acquaintances will know each other. Furthermore, all men of renown in the Bible, and all who excel in glory will be known by all. All who are in heaven will mutually know each other by divine revelation and through the eternal fellowship they will have with each other. No one will be a stranger to each other or be considered as such by anyone, for there will be no loss of memory. Ignorance is a weakness, and there will be no imperfection. Mutual fellowship will be perfect there; it will not be engaged in ignorantly, but knowledgeably. I believe that they shall recount to each other the ways in which the Lord had led them. They shall then praise and magnify the perfections of God which manifested themselves at each step of the way. They shall thus not be occupied with the immediate beholding of God only, without thinking of each other. Rather, as glorified men they shall fellowship together, unitedly glorifying God. The disciples knew Moses and Elijah when they were on the holy mountain (Matthew 17:3). The poor will know their benefactors when “they may receive you into everlasting habitations” (Luke 16:9). The absence of relatives will not engender sorrow since all physical relationships and affections cease there. The righteousness of God will give as much reason for joy and rendering of glory to God as His goodness. That they shall have the ability to speak is evident from the fact that inability to speak is an imperfection. How else would they be able to sing praises? Moses and Elijah spoke with Christ, its purpose being to render glory to God. We believe, however, that the difference between languages will cease, this being a consequence of sin. However, which language will be spoken there is not known. It may possibly be the language that Adam spoke, which up to the moment when the languages were confused (a period of nearly two thousand years) was the only language -- the Hebrew language. Perhaps it will be a language enabling the saints to express the essence of heavenly matters better than any earthly language, which is generally derived from temporal matters. Whatever the language will be, however, it will be to the glorification of God. The Essential Elements of the Glory of God’s Children

We shall now consider the matter itself; that is, that which constitutes the glory of God’s children. This glory is very great, as is confirmed first of all by its inexpressible nature. Anyone who receives but a glimpse and tastes but a little of this will be dumbfounded and his pen will stop, for he will not be able to find words to express it. He will be ashamed about the expressions he makes concerning it, as they do not correspond to the matter itself. When David wishes to give expression to this, all he is able to say is: “Oh how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men!” (Psalms 31:19). If anyone should be able to tell us something about this, it ought to be Paul, for he was drawn into the third heaven. All he could say about it, however, was that he “heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” 2 Corinthians 12:4 -- thus, unspeakable matters. And even if someone were able to express the matter somewhat more particularly, no one would be able to understand it unless he were of a more heavenly disposition. The inexpressible and incomprehensible nature of this glory ought not to cause us to think less of salvation, but ought to stir us up to think of greater glory. Nevertheless, the Lord has revealed that much of heaven in His Word, and made it known to the souls of His children, that they may know enough of heaven to enable them to endure all tribulations and heartily desire to be a partaker of that salvation.

Secondly, that which the only wise and omnipotent God has conceived and thought out within Himself (let me speak as a man), namely, to exalt man to the highest level of felicity, fill him with incomprehensible glory and delight, and glorify Himself in His saints and be admired in all them that believe 2 Thessalonians 1:10, must be glorious to the highest degree. Therefore God, who is the Creator of heaven and earth, is called the Builder and Maker of heaven. “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).

Thirdly, this is to be deduced from the fact that they whom God leads unto salvation are His children. One reserves his very best for his children. Men of renown provide great inheritances for their children. Would that which the great God has prepared for His beloved children not be most eminent? “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).

Fourthly, this is evident when considering that the means whereby this salvation was procured for them is of inestimable worth; it is the precious blood of Christ, the Son of God. The Son of God would not have suffered that much to provide man with only a small measure of happiness. Therefore, how great is that salvation which has been purchased at such a high price! “For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10).

Fifthly, it ought to be considered furthermore that when God wishes to promise His children the very greatest blessing, He promises them eternal life. “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. ... He ... shall not be hurt of the second death. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it” (Revelation 2:7;Revelation 2:11;Revelation 2:17); “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, ... and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God ... to him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne” (Revelation 3:5;Revelation 3:12;Revelation 3:21); “He that overcometh shall inherit all things” (Revelation 21:7).

Sixthly, salvation constitutes the entire hope and comfort of believers. This has enabled them to endure all manner of torment and cruel deaths. For this salvation they have longed with great yearning. “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward” (Hebrews 11:26); “... having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Php 1:23). From all this it can readily be concluded that future felicity will be inexpressibly great. Would you not dare to put all your trust in this, believers? Would you not joyously forsake all that is of the world, endure all suffering, and courageously engage in all battles in return for this -- even if all that you could perceive of it is no more than what you can deduce by way of conclusion? Surely, if faith were but lively, you would have sufficient reason to long for this. The Experience of Felicity

I can understand that the godly reader is desirous to hear a bit more concerning the state of felicity, expecting more particulars concerning this matter to follow. I must tell you, however, that I shall not be able to satisfy your desire and expectation. You are not interested in words, but in the matter itself, and this I cannot give you. Human words are not able to express the inexpressible. Nevertheless, I wish to mention some things. May it please the Lord to make it an occasion for someone to get the matter itself in view and begin to taste it. First we shall say what will not be there, and then what will be experienced there, both according to body and soul.

There will be nothing of all that which causes either body or soul any discomfort or unrest in this life. No darkness will stupefy the mind and no sinfulness will pollute the soul. Souls will no longer be deserted, and there will no longer be any battle against the flesh, the world, and the devil. All sorrow, grief, heartache, anxiety and fear will have been eliminated. There will be no poverty, opposition, oppression, pain, hunger, or anything else that would grieve soul and body. “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” (Revelation 21:4); “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat” (Revelation 7:16).

Instead of misery, there will be everything that can satisfy the soul and the body. The body will be clothed with glory and “be fashioned like unto His glorious body” (Php 3:21). Furthermore, since the body will have perfect vision and hearing, nothing will be lacking to render a man happy. Everything will be present there and will be subservient to the glory of God. However, what the eye and ear will see and hear is hidden from us. In general we can say that whatever will be seen and heard there will be wondrous, joyous, and enrapturing.

Heaven, as a locality, is inexpressibly great and filled with divine glory. It is described for us in a figurative sense in Revelation 21:1-27, and is there compared to the most eminent circumstances that can be construed upon earth. “And the city lieth foursquare. ... And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof” Revelation 21:16;Revelation 21:21;Revelation 21:23.

Fellowship there will be very conducive to promotion of joy. “I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by” (Zechariah 3:7). All the saints (each in his own glory, delightfulness, and loveliness); all the godly from Adam until the day of Christ; all the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles; and all the martyrs and those who have heroically fought for the truth, will have fellowship with each other, speak together, and together will praise the name of the Lord. “And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 7:10-12). The Quintessence of Felicity: To Be in the Presence of God and Enjoy His Fellowship The foregoing can, however, not ultimately satisfy the soul which has an infinite desire, and which cannot find fulfillment in anything else but the enjoyment of the infinite. It is thus necessary to lead the soul to a higher plane.

First, there believers will be forever with the Lord. It is their grief in this life that they live so far from the Lord. This costs them many a tear. All their desire, yearning, and delight is focused upon communion with God. “Nevertheless I am continually with Thee. ... But it is good for me to draw near to God” Psalms 73:23;Psalms 73:28. However, communion there will be both immediate and eternal. This renders them comfort in this life: “So shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18). This was Paul’s desire: “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Php 1:23). This is the promise made by our faithful Jesus: “... and where I am, there shall also My servant be” (John 12:26). This was His petition: “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am” (John 17:24). We are given a view of this: “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them” (Revelation 7:15). Oh, how sweet it shall be to sit eternally under the shadow of the almighty, good, loving, all-sufficient, and benevolent God!

Secondly, felicity consists in seeing God. God cannot be seen with physical eyes, for He is the invisible One (cf. 1 Timothy 6:16; Hebrews 11:27). The Lord Jesus, according to the body, will, however, be seen with physical eyes with overwhelming joy and love by all the citizens of heaven. Since the fullness of the Godhead will dwell bodily and visibly in Him, the nature of this will be such that the reflection of divine glory will be seen in Him. Believers will see Jesus in His glory, and they will speak with Him and He will speak with them face to face. God, however, will be seen with the enlightened eyes of the understanding. Presently, the believer sees God only from afar and sees but a small ray, seeing it but for a fleeting moment. This yields a wondrous joy to the soul; however, it is but a rare moment of brief duration. [Note: The Dutch phrase reads as follows: “Is een zelden uur van eenen korten duur.”] It readily disappears and leaves behind a strong desire intermixed with sorrow in those who have seen and tasted something of this. Time and again they must say, “Why standest Thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest Thou Thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalms 10:1); “How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me?” (Psalms 13:1); “O when wilt Thou come unto me?” (Psalms 101:2); “Show me Thy glory” (Exodus 33:18). Then it shall be as the sun in its clearest light at dawn. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12); “I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalms 17:15). David said of it, “In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalms 16:11). When God in an immediate and immanent manner -- in a manner which God presently has not made known to us -- will reveal His glorious perfections to His children, will cause the soul to experience that He is her portion, and cause her to taste the gratifying efficacy of this, only then shall they know what it means to see God’s friendly, glorious, loving, holy, gladdening, and satisfying countenance.

Thirdly, such a life by way of beholding will neither consist nor end in mere reflection, but it will be accompanied by the enjoyment of mutual and perfect love. “God is love” (1 John 4:8). This infinite love will encompass and fill the soul, and as the soul experiences the warmth and sweetness of this divine love, it will respond to God in reciprocal love. In the enjoyment of this mutual love it will enjoy an incomprehensible sweetness and joy which will satisfy it forever. “Charity never faileth” (1 Corinthians 13:8).

Fourthly, perfect love is perfect holiness. Since the mind beholds God in perfection, and the will enjoys God in perfect love and immediate union, there can be no room for imperfection. “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Corinthians 13:10). There the image of God will be perfect in everyone. “I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalms 17:15). There they will be partakers of the divine nature perfectly (2 Peter 1:4). Everyone will shine forth in holy luster as the sun, moon, and stars. This perfection will manifest itself in all the fellowship with the glorified saints, who will be united in perfect love.

Fifthly, there will only be joy and bliss. “Enter Thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21). When the soul may behold God perfectly and be surrounded by the glory of the Lord, walk forever in the light of His countenance; when God will fill the soul with His all-sufficiency, encompass it with His love, and overshadow it with all His perfections -- how can it be any different but that the soul will delight itself in a “peace which passeth all understanding,” in adoration which will bring the soul into ecstasy, and in an inexpressible joy, and thus lose herself entirely in God. Oh, how wondrous it will be when, together with all the angels and the elect, they may reverently bow before the Lord and jubilate forever with them the eternal hallelujah!

Sixthly, bring to mind all that you have ever beheld of God: all the joy and peace you have ever tasted, all the union and communion with God you have ever enjoyed, and all the being lifted heavenward you have ever experienced. Then add thereto all the enrapturing sermons you have ever heard, all that others have shared with you of their experiences, and all the love you have ever perceived in a gathering of saints. Consider all this collectively and then compare these minute rays of light to the joy and bliss that will be enjoyed in the state of perfection. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). That which will enhance all this blessedness even more is that there will neither be fear of losing it nor of its termination -- for no one will disturb it, assault it, or remove it. Instead, it will endure to all eternity. This life is “eternal life” John 10:28, an “eternal inheritance” Hebrews 9:15, “eternal glory” 1 Peter 5:10, “the everlasting kingdom” 2 Peter 1:11, and it is “eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). The Unconverted Exhorted to Strive to Become Partakers of This Glory

Such glory and bliss is laid away for believers. Therefore, you who are unconverted, strive for that faith in Christ in order that you also may become a partaker of that salvation and may flee the eternal perdition which otherwise awaits you. It is presently offered to you, and therefore, take hold of it before it is too late. If you are not willing, then be no longer amazed about the strife and the tribulation the godly have to endure, as well as everything else they are engaged in. No longer think that it is but illusion, obstinacy, and stubbornness. Consider rather that they are acquainted with this glory, delight in it, and that they strive to receive that crown.

Believers Exhorted to Conduct Themselves in Anticipation of Such an Inheritance And you believers, who may anticipate so great a salvation, conduct yourself as heirs of the same. First, deem all things of this world as too insignificant and transitory than that you would concern yourself with it. Do not set your heart on prosperity, riches, honor, and entertainment. They are not worthy of mention in comparison with this inheritance. Turn away from them and do not permit them to hinder you as you pursue this crown. If you encounter adversity, oppression, persecution, death for the name of Christ, poverty, or whatever else it may be, be not too troubled by it, for in comparison to this inheritance it amounts to nothing. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Yes, suffering prepares us for a greater degree of glory -- that is, if one bears it well. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Rather, rejoice in tribulation instead of succumbing to it in discouragement. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him” (James 1:12). In place of the cross the Lord will grant you abundant and eternal comforts. Observe this in (Revelation 7:13-17). As this was the last text my deceased father preached upon, I shall quote it in its entirety: “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

Secondly, if you may anticipate so great a salvation, then rejoice in this future inheritance. “Rejoicing in hope” (Romans 12:12). Many believers have the deficiency that they focus too much upon the present. They would like to fare a bit better in this world, for this would then yield a somewhat more quiet life for them. At another time they are only concerned about the state of their soul, considering whether they are in the state of grace. Time and again they insist on examining themselves and repeatedly must be able to conclude that they are in a state of grace. Then they insist that they ought to have more sensible grace and more power to resist sin. In the meanwhile time passes on, and they do not lift up their heart enough to anticipate the great glory they may look forward to. They have but a few fleeting thoughts about it. Instead, one ought to be occupied in reflecting upon eternity, and upon the certainty and reality of this your inheritance. One ought to focus continually upon the glory of this inheritance, and by faith traverse heaven, beholding how gloriously the Lord Jesus manifests Himself; how the angels bow before Him; in what intimate manner He deals with the glorified saints; what light and immediate fellowship with God they enjoy; how they are moved and filled with a magnificent happiness toward God, Christ, the angels, and each other; how sweetly they may sing the praises of the Lord; and how they may adore and lose themselves in the perfections of God and the perfection of their state! We would then forget ourselves and, so to speak, find ourselves among the glorified multitude. With them we would bow ourselves before the Lord and glorify Him. In coming back to ourselves upon earth, we would then delight ourselves in bringing this glory to mind and we would go our way with joy, not stumbling over every spiritual difficulty. We would then be as someone who departs to take possession of a very great inheritance, and who, presently being poor and destitute, will endure a difficult day of travel. Therefore, I say again, “Rejoice in the hope of glory.” “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13).

Thirdly, cause this glory to be the only goal you pursue. The goal motivates the worker, and the more vehemently he delights in it, the more seriously he will apply himself to his work. Therefore, do not pursue any worldly goals, and do not seek anything here in which you might find your rest. Do not take it so seriously if you must be deprived of what you would desire to have, or if your soul does not prosper according to your wishes. This is not the season to be drawn into the third heaven with Paul. Now is the season of warfare and of tribulation. Therefore, look ahead and only have this glory in view. Depart neither to the right nor to the left side, and do not become inactive. Rather, let this glory be your goal, and pursue it so that you may enter heaven while being in a full run. Paul thus holds himself up as an example: “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Php 3:13-14).

You must do what our Lord Jesus did. Of Him the apostle writes: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Moses did likewise when “he had respect unto the recompence of the reward” (Hebrews 11:26). Therefore, keep heaven in view and “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called” (1 Timothy 6:12); “Strive to enter in at the strait gate” (Luke 13:24).

Fourthly, by way of anticipating this glory, stir yourself up to live a holy and heaven-oriented life. In this world conduct yourself as a stranger who is travelling to his homeland Hebrews 11:9-10;Hebrews 11:13-16, and lift yourself continually above the things of this earth so that you may presently live for the invisible, have your conversation in heaven, purify yourself, and lead a heaven-oriented life. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18); “For our conversation is in heaven” (Php 3:20). He who may have such a lively expectation of glory, holding this before him, will be motivated by that hope to prepare himself for this. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).

Believers, you may therefore anticipate that such glory will shortly be your portion. Thus, hasten to complete your task, and be an example of godliness, faith, and courage; and hope upon glory. Make this glory, and the way which leads to it, known to others and lead them along unto felicity, so that you may join the Lord Jesus in saying, “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do ... I have manifested Thy name unto ... men. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me!” (John 17:4-6). HALLELUJAH!