======================================================================== HEAVEN WOULD BE A VERY HELL by Thomas Brooks ======================================================================== Summary: The presence of God in heaven would be unbearable for those who are not holy, exposing their sinful nature and desires. Topics: "Holiness", "Desire for Heaven" Scripture References: Job 21:14, Psalm 24:3-4, Isaiah 35:8, Matthew 5:8, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:24, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:16, Revelation 21:27 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for an unholy heart, heaven would feel like hell due to its purity and holiness, which are contrary to their desires. He points out that while unholy souls may seek heaven for relief from earthly troubles, they lack the true longing for the divine presence and holiness that heaven embodies. The sermon warns that the company and activities in heaven are entirely holy, making it undesirable for those who cling to sin and reject God's ways. Ultimately, Brooks calls for self-examination regarding one's desires for heaven and the nature of one's heart in relation to God. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Yet they say to God--Leave us alone! We have no desire to know Your ways." Job 21:14 Heaven would be a very hell to an unholy heart. If now--the presence of God in His servants, and the presence of God in His ordinances--is such a hell to unholy souls; ah, what a hell would the presence of God in heaven be--to unholy hearts! It is true, an unholy heart may desire heaven--as it is a place of freedom from troubles, afflictions, oppressions, vexations, etc., and as it is a place of peace, rest, ease, safety, etc. But this is the least and lowest part of heaven. To desire heaven as it is . . . a place of purity, a place of grace, a place of holiness, a place of enjoying God, etc. --is above the reach of an unholy heart. The company of heaven are all holy, the employments of heaven are all holy, the enjoyments of heaven are all holy-- therefore heaven would be a most undesirable thing to unholy hearts. An unholy heart is no way desirous nor ambitious of such a heaven . . . as will rid him of his darling sins, as will make him conformable to a holy God, as will everlastingly divorce him from his precious lusts, as will link him forever to those gracious souls whom he has scorned, despised, and persecuted in this world. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/heaven-would-be-a-very-hell/ ========================================================================