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Heaven and the Reward of the Saints

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Samuel Smith
5

LESSON 11

HEAVEN AND THE REWARD OF THE SAINTS

You are welcome to another edition of Insights from God's Word, a Bible study programme that is committed to sharing God's Word by allowing the Bible to speak for itself.

Friends, I want to thank the Lord so much for how far He has brought us. This study will be the last in our series on Heaven. It is captioned: Heaven and the Reward of the Saints. It's my prayer that the Lord will use this study to encourage us on our daily upward journey to the city of God.

Beloved, the Bible is full of several precious promises for those who receive Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour. The ultimate of these promises, I believe, is the heavenly city that God has prepared for those who love Him. The apostle Paul refers to this promise as the blessed hope of God's children (Titus 2:13). It is this hope that has encouraged the hearts of God's children to press on through the narrow way that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).

For instance, from the book of Hebrews, we read concerning the patriarch Abraham the following: "For he looked for a CITY which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:10; Capital Emphasis Added).

The apostle Paul, in the same chapter of Hebrews, also testifies of Moses the following: "24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the REWARD" (Hebrews 11:24-26; Capital Emphasis Added).

Besides Abraham and Moses, Paul also spoke about other heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 who had looked forward to a better country in the heavens. From Hebrews 11:13, 14 and 16, we read the following faith - building words: "13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a COUNTRY ... 16 But now they desire a BETTER COUNTRY, that is, an HEAVENLY: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a CITY." (Hebrews 11:13, 14 and 16; Capital Emphasis Added) Friends, it is clear from Scripture that the people of God who lived before the birth of the Messiah had looked forward to the hope of a better world to come. When Christ came to our world, He also endeavoured to lift our minds and hearts from the earthly to the celestial. He utilized the most simple of parables to teach His hearers about the coming kingdom of God (Matthew 13:33-53). When the time was getting closer for Him to ascend unto His Father, He encouraged the disciples with the same promise that the patriarchs and prophets of old had looked forward to. From John 14:1-3, Christ gave the disciples the following precious promise: "1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Beloved, after Christ had ascended to heaven, the apostles never ceased to preach unto the young Christian church the reality and importance of the heavenly city that God has prepared for those who love Him. Outlined below are just a few examples of the apostles' exhortations to the early believers about the city of God in heaven:

i) "Looking for that BLESSED HOPE, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13; Capital Emphasis Added).

ii) "For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in HEAVEN a better and an enduring substance" (Hebrews 10:34; Capital Emphasis Added).

iii) "3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, RESERVED IN HEAVEN for you" (1 Peter 1:3-4; Capital Emphasis Added).

iv) "20 For our CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself" (Philippians 3:20-21; Capital Emphasis Added).

Friends, the New Jerusalem is a real city that Christ has prepared for all His children. And to convince us of the reality of this blessed hope, Christ gave us just a little glimpse of the splendour of the heavenly city through His apostle John. From Revelation 21, we obtain some amazing pictures about the beloved city of God:

A) NAME

The name of the heavenly city is New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2).

B) SIZE

The city lies in a perfect square. Its perimeter is 12,000 furlongs. A furlong is 1/8 mile. Thus, the city's perimeter in miles would equal 1,500. That is, 375 miles long on each side (Revelation 21:16). The city's measurement clearly shows that there is going to be an abundance of space, and that God does not intend to leave anyone out of the rich treasures that He has prepared for those who love Him.

C) WALLS

The wall that surrounds the city is made of solid jasper. The wall is 144 cubits or 216 feet high (a cubic is 18 inches) (Revelation 21:17-18). The beauty and splendour of the wall of the city will be indescribable.

D) GATES

The city has 12 gates which are named after the 12 sons of Jacob. This means there will be three gates on each side of the city. The gates are made of pearl (Revelation 21:12, 13, 21).

E) STREET

The street of the city is made up of pure gold. The surface of the street is at it were, a transparent glass (Revelation 21:21).

F) FOUNDATIONS

The city has 12 foundations which are named after the 12 apostles. The 12 foundations are made of 12 different precious stones (Revelation 21:19-20). With 12 different precious stones reflecting in the golden streets, we can only begin to imagine the beauty of the city.

G) LIGHT

The city has no need of the sun or moon to lighten it. This is because the overpowering glory of the Father and the Son will be there (Revelation 21:22-23).

G) APPEARANCE

The city is described as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2). This metaphor denotes the relationship that God has with His people. The idea of marriage conveys the majesty and purity that will attend the city of God. With all the gold and precious stones being lighted by the glory of God, the appearance of the city will surpass our most dramatic imaginations. The apostle Paul, failing for words to describe the glory of the celestial world to come, puts down the following: "But as it is written, 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).

HOW WILL LIFE BE LIKE IN THE NEW JERUSALEM CITY IN HEAVEN?

A) The saints will go through the records of God's judgement.

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years" (Revelation 20:4).

Within the 1000 - year period, the Lord will commit unto the saints the work of checking out His judgement (Revelation 20:4; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3; 1 Corinthians 4:5). The saints will understand from the books of judgement the reasons why some of their friends and loved ones couldn't make it into the city. At the end of the millennium, the people of God will have no doubt about the justice of God in regard to His judgement.

B) The saints will reign with Christ

Besides the work of judgement, we are also told that the saints will reign with Christ for one thousand years. What a blessed future awaits the people of God! The close relationship that we will have with God is what will give us our ultimate pleasure in heaven and on the new earth to come. The Scripture teaches that we will see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 22:4). Day by day, we will learn more of His greatness, and His amazing love for us. The love He will bestow on us after our translation will know no bounds. He will even be willing to sing for us. Did you ever catch that from Scripture? The God of the universe giving us a song! From Zephaniah 3:17, we read just that: "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with SINGING" (Capital Emphasis Added).

C) The people of God will have a fulfilling social life in heaven

In heaven, we will have the opportunity to socialize and interact with our family, friends and people that we knew on the Earth. This will be made possible because the identities that we have on Earth now will be preserved after our translation. The Bible clearly teaches that when Christ resurrected from the dead, the disciples could identify Him. For instance, Mary could identify His unique call (John 20:11-16). The two disciples who encountered Him on the Emmaus road recognised Him by His unique mannerism in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:13-35). The apostles identified Him later by His physical form (John 20:19-20).

The Bible makes it clear that when Christ appears the second time, we will be like Him (1 John 3:2). We will possess a glorious physical body like that of Christ after His resurrection (Philippians 3:20-21). And as the disciples of Christ could identify the Lord after His resurrection, so would our friends and relatives be able to identify us in heaven and on the New Earth. And throughout eternity, the people of God will enjoy close social communion with friends and family they knew on earth.

Moreover, we will also socialize and interact with God's children who have lived throughout the various ages of human history. The apostle Matthew records the following in relation to social life in heaven: "And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 8:11).

Think about having lunch with Abraham and discussing how he felt when he raised the knife to slay Isaac, his only begotten son; reflect about taking a walk with Elijah and recounting the experiences of mount Carmel; Ponder over spending a night at Moses' apartment and talking over how he felt when God told him he wasn't going to make it to the promised land; Think about going through the book of Romans with Paul. Beloved, it is refreshing to ponder on the fact that we will be able to befriend and spend quality time with the redeemed of all ages because we have all eternity at our disposal.

Besides our human family, we will also enjoy the companionship of holy angels in heaven. With great interest, we will listen to the precious stories of how our guardian angels have protected us from evil, and shielded us from temptation (Matthew 18:10; Psalm 34:7). Our hearts will be thrilled beyond measure when we hear for the first time the angelic host sing to glorify our Maker in heaven. The lyrics of one of my favorite hymns say:

"There is singing up in heaven such as we have never known, Where the angels sing the praises of the Lamb upon the throne; Their sweet harps are ever tuneful and their voices always clear, O that we might be more like them while we serve the Master here!" (Johnson Oatman, JR.) Now unchained from the shackles of sin, we will be able to travel and explore the universe of God (Isaiah 40:31). Something that we are struggling to achieve today despite all our current technology, will then be made possible. From the celestial city, we will be able to travel from planet to planet to interact with intelligent beings from other worlds. We will then be able to access their wisdom, knowledge and experience that they have accumulated over the years (See hints of intelligent life in Scripture from Job 1:6-7; Job 2:1-2; Job 38:1-7; Hebrews 1:1-2; Hebrews 11:3).

D) What about the marriage relationship? Will there be marriage in heaven and the new earth?

Concerning social relationships in heaven and on the New Earth, many have pondered whether the relationship of marriage will be continued after this life. The Scripture has a straightforward answer to this question. From the words of Christ Himself, we learn the following:

i) "For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven" (Mark 12:25).

ii) "35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection" (Luke 20:35-36).

Thus friends, there will be no marriage after the resurrection, neither in heaven nor in the new earth. Our highest pleasure, just like that of the angels, will be to serve and worship the Lord. And this pleasure, I believe, will be more superior and fulfilling than any form of pleasure that marriage couples have ever experienced on this earth. In fact, the book of Psalms makes it clear that the saints will enjoy pleasures forever more in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 16:11). Our joy will be full and our deepest longings will be met by our Creator. Loneliness and boredom will be a thing of the past. In heaven and the new earth to come, we will put our highest mental faculties to work.

Unlike our experiences on earth, we will have joy immeasurable as we relate with God and the rich treasures of His creation. For instance the animals, instead of being ferocious, will rather be real companions and true friends (Isaiah 11:6-9). Moreover, the saints will also enjoy never - fading flowers, delicious fruits and magnificent trees. From the prophet Ezekiel, we read the following: "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine" (Ezekiel 47:12).

Friends, our experience in heaven and the new earth to come is going to be superb. As we read from the prophet Ezekiel, never fading flowers are going to perfume the environment. Like Eden, we are going to enjoy as our food the amazing fruits that dangle nicely on numerous magnificent trees. The tree of life that man was prevented from eating after his sin will now be made available to us. From Revelation 22:1-3, we read the following: "1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:" (Revelation 22:1-3). From the beloved apostle, we read more of the blessed conditions that will prevail in heaven and on the new earth: "21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

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."

(Revelation 21:1-4)
Friends, as the passages above clearly spell out; any curse of sin will not be found in heaven and the new earth to come. There will be no sorrow, suffering, pain, sickness or death. There will be no troubles, tragedies, tears, disappointment, hunger or thirst. There will be no funeral trains of people mourning for their dead. Physically challenged people will be made whole. From the prophet Isaiah, we read the following precious promise: "5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert" (Isaiah 35:5-6). Halleluyah! In heaven and the new earth to come, the things of this present life that makes our hearts heavy and sad will be forever gone. The apostle John summarises the experience of God's people with these inspiring lines: "And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him" (Revelation 22:3).

HOW CAN I BE PART OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE NEW JERUSALEM CITY?

Beloved, it is a clear fact that this present world has nothing better to offer us; for it is filled with the bitter curse of sin. Our fondest aspirations of the future are always cut short by sickness, sorrow, and death. Maybe you are pondering in your heart, how can I be part of the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem? How can I be part of the true paradise that God has prepared for His children? Beloved, it is quite very simple. From John 3:16, we read about what each one of us ought to do; for we are told that "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

From Revelation 22:17, we read the following: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

My dear friend, Christ is inviting you and I to take the water of life freely. I wholly accepted His invitation some years ago. And I have never regretted for making that decision. Will you accept His invitation today? The only thing that can prevent you from entering into the gates of the New Jerusalem is by refusing to accept the precious gift of salvation that God offers us in the Person of His Son. You don't have to worry about where you are coming from or what you've done in the past. The salvation that Christ offers us is able to cover all our sins and our past (1 John 1:9; Psalm 103:12). If you accept Jesus today, He will help you to gain victory over sin. And He will prepare you a place in the glorious city that He has prepared for all those who love His appearing (John 14:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:8).

STATEMENTS REFLECTING BIBLICAL PASSAGES: ELLEN G. WHITE'S COMMENTS ON HEAVEN AND THE REWARD OF THE SAINTS

In relation to the inheritance of the saints in heaven and the new earth to come, Ellen White pens down the following beautiful words: 1. "I saw a very great number of angels bring from the city glorious crowns--a crown for every saint, with his name written thereon. As Jesus called for the crowns, angels presented them to Him, and with His own right hand the lovely Jesus placed the crowns on the heads of the saints. In the same manner the angels brought the harps, and Jesus presented them also to the saints. The commanding angels first struck the note, and then every voice was raised in grateful, happy praise, and every hand skillfully swept over the strings of the harp, sending forth melodious music in rich and perfect strains. . . .

Within the city there was everything to feast the eye. Rich glory they beheld everywhere. Then Jesus looked upon His redeemed saints; their countenances were radiant with glory; and as He fixed His loving eyes upon them, He said, with His rich, musical voice, "I behold the travail of My soul, and am satisfied. This rich glory is yours to enjoy eternally. Your sorrows are ended. There shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." . . .

I then saw Jesus leading His people to the tree of life. . . . Upon the tree of life was most beautiful fruit, of which the saints could partake freely; in the city was a most glorious throne, from which proceeded a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal. On each side of this river was the tree of life, and on the banks of the river were other beautiful trees bearing fruit. . . .

Language is altogether too feeble to attempt a description of heaven. As the scene rises before me, I am lost in amazement. Carried away with the surpassing splendor and excellent glory, I lay down the pen, and exclaim, "Oh, what love! what wondrous love!" The most exalted language fails to describe the glory of heaven or the matchless depths of a Savior’s love." - Maranatha, Page 311.
2. "Jesus lifted the veil from the future life. "In the resurrection," He said, "they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven" [Matt. 22:30].--DA 605 (1898).

3. "There are men today who express their belief that there will be marriages and births in the new earth; but those who believe the Scriptures cannot accept such doctrines. The doctrine that children will be born in the new earth is not a part of the "sure word of prophecy." The words of Christ are too plain to be misunderstood. They should forever settle the question of marriages and births in the new earth. Neither those who shall be raised from the dead, nor those who shall be translated without seeing death, will marry or be given in marriage. They will be as the angels of God, members of the royal family." - Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 2, Page 163.

4. "There, when the veil that darkens our vision shall be removed, and our eyes shall behold that world of beauty of which we now catch glimpses through the microscope, when we look on the glories of the heavens, now scanned afar through the telescope, when, the blight of sin removed, the whole earth shall appear "in the beauty of the Lord our God," what a field will be open to our study! There the student of science may read the records of creation and discern no reminders of the law of evil. He may listen to the music of nature's voices and detect no note of wailing or undertone of sorrow. . . . All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God's children. With unutterable delight we shall enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. We shall share the treasures gained through ages upon ages spent in contemplation of God's handiwork."--Ed 303, 307 (1903).

5. "Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar--worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe, and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. . . . With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation--suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator's name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed." --GC 677, 678 (1911).

Exhortation: "23 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. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Revelation 21:23-27).

Stay blessed and keep shining for King Jesus.

Maranatha!

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