Monday, May 21, 2007
“Deluxe Accommodations in Heaven” Jn. 14:1-6
Yesterday I talked with our brother Emlyn in the nursing home. A little down we talked about the glories of heaven. I asked Emlyn what would be the most important thing about heaven for him. "Meeting my Saviour."
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places…” Vs. 2a NASB
The Bible seems to teach there are "three heavens," rout only one is the abode of God.
The first heaven is the atmosphere. "Heaven" refers to the air and atmosphere that surrounds every human being and all created life upon earth. "Behold the fowls of the air: they sow not, neither do they reap" (Matt. 6:26). "And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain" (James 5:18).
The second heaven is the stellar spaces. This is what we call outer space. "The stars shall fall from heaven" (Matt. 24:29) God described this space to Abraham, "Look now Inward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them" (Gen. 15:5).
The third heaven is the dwelling place of God. No one knows the location of God's throne and localized presence. All we can say is that heaven is where God is located. "And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them" (Rev. 20:9). "I will write upon him the name of my God... and the name of the city of my God, which is now Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God" (Rev. 3:12).
References to the three heavens. The fact that "Jesus passed through the heavens" (Heb. 4:14) indicates there is more than one heaven. Also, Jesus "ascended up far above all heavens" (Eph. 4:10) means one heaven is above another. Paul taught that there were three heavens. "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot Toll; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such it man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter" (2 Cor. 12:2-4). The Bible teaches that all of these heavens shall pass away, "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Pet. 3:10). Then the Bible describes "a new heaven" because the "first heaven" was passed away (Rev. 21:1)
I. The Description of Heaven “In My Father’s house are many mansions…” Vs. 2a KJV
The splendor and beauty of heaven far outshines anything the human mind can comprehend. It will be impossible to comprehend heaven until we arrive on location, but we do know that heaven is a huge and colorful city.
The assets of heaven are incalculable
We need to juggle three things here.
There will be the passing away of the present heavens and earth, and the bringing in of the the New heavens and earth after the judgement day (Rev 20, 21)
One term for heaven is that called Paradise.
The Lord Jesus said to the h=dying thief "This day you shall be with me in . .(where?) paradise!.
In the Old Testament the place where the dead went was called...? Sheol!
Sheol was divided into basically two parts, a place of suffering and a place of blessing. Remember when the Lord Jesus told the parable or story of the rich man and Lazarus? The poor beggar lazarus died and went to paradise, Abraham's Bosom.
The rich man died and found himself in a place of suffering. Luke 16:19 And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side. 24 ‘Father Abraham!’ he called out, ‘Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this flame!’
John was imprisoned as a slave on a rock island quarry in the middle of the Aegean Sea. He saw a Vision of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem. Now there is a time factor here. The New Jerusalem appears after the Great White Throne of Judgement. The New Jerusalem is created after the 1000 year millennial reign of Christ in Old Jerusalem on this earth after the 7 years of tribulation. The New Jerusalem isn’t around yet. It hasn’t been created yet. Pastor are you telling us that Heaven hasn’t been created yet? No, in fact the Lord Jesus spoke of heaven as having many dwelling places. The Lord Jesus has been preparing that for 2000 years.
There is a part of heaven where people go to now when they die. Paul called that part Paradise.
“And I know that this man – whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows – was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.” 2 Cor. 12:3-4
The Lord Jesus said to the thief dying on the cross Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
In Rev 21 all was pictured under the aspect of a city, the New Jerusalem, as the antitype and fulfillment of the old city of earthly Jerusalem. But in Revelation 22 something is added.
Rev 22:1 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: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
In this section the life and blessedness of the glorified church is described under the imagery of the original garden of Eden, Paradise the First. The symbolism of the city is not abandoned, as is evident from the reference to the street of the city and to the throne of God and of the Lamb and to the nations. But into this vision of the New Jerusalem is injected the symbolism of Paradise. There was mention of this already in the letter to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:7: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." And here the Paradise of God is presented as the final realization of the promise, the fullness of joy of eternal life for the church, the New Jerusalem.
So the three things to juggle.. paradise in Sheol, paradise now in heaven where our loved ones who trusted the Lord Jesus are gone now, and, after the tribulation and the millenial reign of Christ on earth, after the Great white throne Judgement, Paradise in the new heavens and new earth where we will live forever.
The terms described here remind us of the Garden of Eden, paradise.
Consider the beauties of earth.. beautiful waterfalls as Ebor falls, beautiful regions like Nelson Bay, beautiful places like the deserts of central Australia, the beauty of the barrier reef, .. if God could create that in 7 days what could He have done in 2000 years?
The universe so far out so beautiful, yet there is more and more beyond.
What is the purpose of it? He ahs created it all for His enjoyments and for the enjoyment of those who will be with Him forever. You’ll never run out of interesting adventuresome new learning experiences, and you’ll never get tired doing it. Heaven will be more fun than you’ve ever had anytime.
II. The Assurance of Heaven “… if it were not so, I would have told you.” Twas the Master Himself who said it to the sorrowful little band
Facing an hour of darkness That they could not understand.
The light of their lives was fading, their eyes with tears were dim,
The rugged men were shaken At the thought of losing Him.
‘Let not your heat be troubled!’ Never was voice so sweet,
Never was look more kindly Nor assurance more complete.
‘Let not your heart be troubled!’ You believe in God most high?
And One with God the father, Equal with Him am I.
Vs. 2b “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Jn. 20:31
BELIEVERS ARE WITH CHRIST IMMEDIATELY AFTER DEATH: 2 Cor. 5:8. "We are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord."
Phil. 1:23. "But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better."
UNBELIEVERS CONTINUE TO EXIST AFTER DEATH: Matt. 25:46. "And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life." Luke 12:47-48. "And that servant, who knew his lord's will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes." Rev. 14:11. "And the smoke of their torment goeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, they that worship the beast and his image, and whoso receiveth the mark of his name."
III. The Accommodations in Heaven “I am going there to prepare a place for you…” Vs. 2c
· Redeemed Creation See Rom. 8:18-21 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. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
· Renovated Construction “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away and there was no longer any sea.” Rev. 21:1
· Royal City “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Rev. 21:2
· Resplendent Condition “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.” Rev. 21:10-11
· Remarkable Capacity See Rev. 21:15-16 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
IV. The Transportation to Paradise “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me…” Vs. 3a
Dr. RW Dale lay dying, a deep horror of darkness came over him. Happily, he lived long enough to conquer and to tell the story of his victory.
The house was quiet. Soon after midnight I awoke in great pain, and a terrible distress came over me. I was full of fear. .. I lay silently struggling against the indescribable terror of an unknown dread. When the conflict reached its worst, it seemed as though Christ Himself came and was standing close beside me said ‘:et not your heart be troubled. You believe God, believe me also.” That steadied me and I felt safe and strong in the arms of Christ.
Sometimes there is the horrible darkness that meets as we meet death, but always for believers there is the the Lord who meets us to take us home.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Vs. 6
The glories of heaven are incomparable
The most important thing about heaven is the lamb, and His glories
Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
Rev 22:1 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. 22:3 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:
The sands of time are sinking, the dawn of Heaven breaks;
The summer morn I’ve sighed for—the fair, sweet morn awakes:
Dark, dark hath been the midnight, but dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
O Christ, He is the fountain, the deep, sweet well of love!
The streams of earth I’ve tasted more deep I’ll drink above:
There to an ocean fullness His mercy doth expand,
And glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
There the Red Rose of Sharon unfolds its heartsome bloom
And fills the air of heaven with ravishing perfume:
Oh! To behold it blossom, while by its fragrance fanned
Where glory—glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
The King there in His beauty, without a veil is seen:
It were a well spent journey, though seven deaths lay between:
The Lamb with His fair army, doth on Mount Zion stand,
And glory—glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
O I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved’s mine!
He brings a poor vile sinner into His “house of wine.”
I stand upon His merit—I know no other stand,
Not even where glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
I shall sleep sound in Jesus, filled with His likeness rise,
To love and to adore Him, to see Him with these eyes:
’Tween me and resurrection but Paradise doth stand;
Then—then for glory dwelling in Immanuel’s land.
The Bride eyes not her garment, but her dear Bridegroom’s face;
I will not gaze at glory but on my King of grace.
Not at the crown He giveth but on His pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory of Immanuel’s land.
I asked Emlyn what would be the most important thing about heaven for him. "Meeting my Saviour."
V. The Splendor of Paradise “… that you also may be where I am.” Vs. 3b
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things was passed away.” Rev. 21:4
“No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him.” Rev. 22:3
The benefits Of Heaven are Inexhaustible rev 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.
There will be no sepulcher no death.
No need for casket or tomb.
The “deceased”, no your mum,. Your dad, etc.
A reminder that you too must face death. But there is no more sepulcher in heaven.
There will be no more sorrow.
No more suffering
Dreams no more crushed.
Rev 21 :23 No more searching 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.
Learning for all eternity.. but no longer sorrowfully, no more grievous searching..
Rev 21:27 no more sinning there 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.
I get more perturbed at me than you.
I cry out with Paul rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
No more scourge Rev 22:3 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:
John Atchison
I have read of a beautiful city, Far away in the kingdom of God; I have read how its walls are of jasper,
How its streets are all golden and broad; In the midst of the street is life’s river,
Clear as crystal and pure to behold; But not half of that city’s bright glory To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of bright mansions in Heaven, Which the Savior has gone to prepare;
And the saints who on earth have been faithful, Rest forever with Christ over there;
There no sin ever enters, nor sorrow, The inhabitants never grow old;
But not half of the wonderful story To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of white robes for the righteous, Of bright crowns which the glorified wear,
When our Father shall bid them, “Come, enter, And My glory eternally share”;
How the righteous are evermore blessed As they walk through the streets of pure gold;
But not half of the wonderful story To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of a Christ so forgiving, That vile sinners may ask and receive
Peace and pardon for every transgression, If when asking they only believe.
I have read how He’ll guide and protect us, If for safety we enter His fold;
But not half of His goodness and mercy To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of bright mansions in heaven There no sin never enters nor sorrow
I have read of white robes of the righteous..
Not half has been told not half of the cities bright glories has ever been told
Not half has ever been told; Not half has ever been told;
Not half of that city’s bright glory To mortals has ever been told.
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places…” Vs. 2a NASB
The Bible seems to teach there are "three heavens," rout only one is the abode of God.
The first heaven is the atmosphere. "Heaven" refers to the air and atmosphere that surrounds every human being and all created life upon earth. "Behold the fowls of the air: they sow not, neither do they reap" (Matt. 6:26). "And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain" (James 5:18).
The second heaven is the stellar spaces. This is what we call outer space. "The stars shall fall from heaven" (Matt. 24:29) God described this space to Abraham, "Look now Inward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them" (Gen. 15:5).
The third heaven is the dwelling place of God. No one knows the location of God's throne and localized presence. All we can say is that heaven is where God is located. "And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them" (Rev. 20:9). "I will write upon him the name of my God... and the name of the city of my God, which is now Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God" (Rev. 3:12).
References to the three heavens. The fact that "Jesus passed through the heavens" (Heb. 4:14) indicates there is more than one heaven. Also, Jesus "ascended up far above all heavens" (Eph. 4:10) means one heaven is above another. Paul taught that there were three heavens. "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot Toll; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such it man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter" (2 Cor. 12:2-4). The Bible teaches that all of these heavens shall pass away, "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Pet. 3:10). Then the Bible describes "a new heaven" because the "first heaven" was passed away (Rev. 21:1)
I. The Description of Heaven “In My Father’s house are many mansions…” Vs. 2a KJV
The splendor and beauty of heaven far outshines anything the human mind can comprehend. It will be impossible to comprehend heaven until we arrive on location, but we do know that heaven is a huge and colorful city.
The assets of heaven are incalculable
We need to juggle three things here.
There will be the passing away of the present heavens and earth, and the bringing in of the the New heavens and earth after the judgement day (Rev 20, 21)
One term for heaven is that called Paradise.
The Lord Jesus said to the h=dying thief "This day you shall be with me in . .(where?) paradise!.
In the Old Testament the place where the dead went was called...? Sheol!
Sheol was divided into basically two parts, a place of suffering and a place of blessing. Remember when the Lord Jesus told the parable or story of the rich man and Lazarus? The poor beggar lazarus died and went to paradise, Abraham's Bosom.
The rich man died and found himself in a place of suffering. Luke 16:19 And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side. 24 ‘Father Abraham!’ he called out, ‘Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this flame!’
John was imprisoned as a slave on a rock island quarry in the middle of the Aegean Sea. He saw a Vision of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem. Now there is a time factor here. The New Jerusalem appears after the Great White Throne of Judgement. The New Jerusalem is created after the 1000 year millennial reign of Christ in Old Jerusalem on this earth after the 7 years of tribulation. The New Jerusalem isn’t around yet. It hasn’t been created yet. Pastor are you telling us that Heaven hasn’t been created yet? No, in fact the Lord Jesus spoke of heaven as having many dwelling places. The Lord Jesus has been preparing that for 2000 years.
There is a part of heaven where people go to now when they die. Paul called that part Paradise.
“And I know that this man – whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows – was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.” 2 Cor. 12:3-4
The Lord Jesus said to the thief dying on the cross Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
In Rev 21 all was pictured under the aspect of a city, the New Jerusalem, as the antitype and fulfillment of the old city of earthly Jerusalem. But in Revelation 22 something is added.
Rev 22:1 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: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
In this section the life and blessedness of the glorified church is described under the imagery of the original garden of Eden, Paradise the First. The symbolism of the city is not abandoned, as is evident from the reference to the street of the city and to the throne of God and of the Lamb and to the nations. But into this vision of the New Jerusalem is injected the symbolism of Paradise. There was mention of this already in the letter to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:7: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." And here the Paradise of God is presented as the final realization of the promise, the fullness of joy of eternal life for the church, the New Jerusalem.
So the three things to juggle.. paradise in Sheol, paradise now in heaven where our loved ones who trusted the Lord Jesus are gone now, and, after the tribulation and the millenial reign of Christ on earth, after the Great white throne Judgement, Paradise in the new heavens and new earth where we will live forever.
The terms described here remind us of the Garden of Eden, paradise.
Consider the beauties of earth.. beautiful waterfalls as Ebor falls, beautiful regions like Nelson Bay, beautiful places like the deserts of central Australia, the beauty of the barrier reef, .. if God could create that in 7 days what could He have done in 2000 years?
The universe so far out so beautiful, yet there is more and more beyond.
What is the purpose of it? He ahs created it all for His enjoyments and for the enjoyment of those who will be with Him forever. You’ll never run out of interesting adventuresome new learning experiences, and you’ll never get tired doing it. Heaven will be more fun than you’ve ever had anytime.
II. The Assurance of Heaven “… if it were not so, I would have told you.” Twas the Master Himself who said it to the sorrowful little band
Facing an hour of darkness That they could not understand.
The light of their lives was fading, their eyes with tears were dim,
The rugged men were shaken At the thought of losing Him.
‘Let not your heat be troubled!’ Never was voice so sweet,
Never was look more kindly Nor assurance more complete.
‘Let not your heart be troubled!’ You believe in God most high?
And One with God the father, Equal with Him am I.
Vs. 2b “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Jn. 20:31
BELIEVERS ARE WITH CHRIST IMMEDIATELY AFTER DEATH: 2 Cor. 5:8. "We are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord."
Phil. 1:23. "But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better."
UNBELIEVERS CONTINUE TO EXIST AFTER DEATH: Matt. 25:46. "And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life." Luke 12:47-48. "And that servant, who knew his lord's will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes." Rev. 14:11. "And the smoke of their torment goeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, they that worship the beast and his image, and whoso receiveth the mark of his name."
III. The Accommodations in Heaven “I am going there to prepare a place for you…” Vs. 2c
· Redeemed Creation See Rom. 8:18-21 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. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
· Renovated Construction “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away and there was no longer any sea.” Rev. 21:1
· Royal City “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Rev. 21:2
· Resplendent Condition “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.” Rev. 21:10-11
· Remarkable Capacity See Rev. 21:15-16 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
IV. The Transportation to Paradise “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me…” Vs. 3a
Dr. RW Dale lay dying, a deep horror of darkness came over him. Happily, he lived long enough to conquer and to tell the story of his victory.
The house was quiet. Soon after midnight I awoke in great pain, and a terrible distress came over me. I was full of fear. .. I lay silently struggling against the indescribable terror of an unknown dread. When the conflict reached its worst, it seemed as though Christ Himself came and was standing close beside me said ‘:et not your heart be troubled. You believe God, believe me also.” That steadied me and I felt safe and strong in the arms of Christ.
Sometimes there is the horrible darkness that meets as we meet death, but always for believers there is the the Lord who meets us to take us home.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Vs. 6
The glories of heaven are incomparable
The most important thing about heaven is the lamb, and His glories
Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
Rev 22:1 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. 22:3 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:
The sands of time are sinking, the dawn of Heaven breaks;
The summer morn I’ve sighed for—the fair, sweet morn awakes:
Dark, dark hath been the midnight, but dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
O Christ, He is the fountain, the deep, sweet well of love!
The streams of earth I’ve tasted more deep I’ll drink above:
There to an ocean fullness His mercy doth expand,
And glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
There the Red Rose of Sharon unfolds its heartsome bloom
And fills the air of heaven with ravishing perfume:
Oh! To behold it blossom, while by its fragrance fanned
Where glory—glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
The King there in His beauty, without a veil is seen:
It were a well spent journey, though seven deaths lay between:
The Lamb with His fair army, doth on Mount Zion stand,
And glory—glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
O I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved’s mine!
He brings a poor vile sinner into His “house of wine.”
I stand upon His merit—I know no other stand,
Not even where glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
I shall sleep sound in Jesus, filled with His likeness rise,
To love and to adore Him, to see Him with these eyes:
’Tween me and resurrection but Paradise doth stand;
Then—then for glory dwelling in Immanuel’s land.
The Bride eyes not her garment, but her dear Bridegroom’s face;
I will not gaze at glory but on my King of grace.
Not at the crown He giveth but on His pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory of Immanuel’s land.
I asked Emlyn what would be the most important thing about heaven for him. "Meeting my Saviour."
V. The Splendor of Paradise “… that you also may be where I am.” Vs. 3b
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things was passed away.” Rev. 21:4
“No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him.” Rev. 22:3
The benefits Of Heaven are Inexhaustible rev 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.
There will be no sepulcher no death.
No need for casket or tomb.
The “deceased”, no your mum,. Your dad, etc.
A reminder that you too must face death. But there is no more sepulcher in heaven.
There will be no more sorrow.
No more suffering
Dreams no more crushed.
Rev 21 :23 No more searching 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.
Learning for all eternity.. but no longer sorrowfully, no more grievous searching..
Rev 21:27 no more sinning there 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.
I get more perturbed at me than you.
I cry out with Paul rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
No more scourge Rev 22:3 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:
John Atchison
I have read of a beautiful city, Far away in the kingdom of God; I have read how its walls are of jasper,
How its streets are all golden and broad; In the midst of the street is life’s river,
Clear as crystal and pure to behold; But not half of that city’s bright glory To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of bright mansions in Heaven, Which the Savior has gone to prepare;
And the saints who on earth have been faithful, Rest forever with Christ over there;
There no sin ever enters, nor sorrow, The inhabitants never grow old;
But not half of the wonderful story To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of white robes for the righteous, Of bright crowns which the glorified wear,
When our Father shall bid them, “Come, enter, And My glory eternally share”;
How the righteous are evermore blessed As they walk through the streets of pure gold;
But not half of the wonderful story To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of a Christ so forgiving, That vile sinners may ask and receive
Peace and pardon for every transgression, If when asking they only believe.
I have read how He’ll guide and protect us, If for safety we enter His fold;
But not half of His goodness and mercy To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of bright mansions in heaven There no sin never enters nor sorrow
I have read of white robes of the righteous..
Not half has been told not half of the cities bright glories has ever been told
Not half has ever been told; Not half has ever been told;
Not half of that city’s bright glory To mortals has ever been told.
# posted by Groseys messages @ 3:21 PM 
