(John Newton, “The Present and Future Rest of True Believers“) LISTEN to audio! Download audio
(abbreviated, for full version, listen to audio)
Who can describe or conceive the happiness of Heaven? It will be as unlike as possible, to this wilderness of sin and sorrow where we are now confined. Here on earth we are in a warfare, but then we shall enter into perfect rest. We now cry out, “O that I had wings like a dove! For then would I flee away and be at REST!” (Psalm 55:6)
PERFECT REST
Heaven will be a rest from all SIN. No ‘unclean thing’ shall ever defile or disturb us forever! We shall be free from all indwelling sin. …
And those who are most spiritual are most deeply affected with shame, humiliation, and grief, on account of their sins–because they have the clearest views . . .
of the holiness of God,
spirituality of His law,
the love of Christ, and
of the deceitfulness of their own hearts!
Therefore the Apostle Paul, though perhaps in grace and talents, was distinguished above all saints–accounted himself the ‘chief of sinners,’ (1 Timothy 1:15). ‘less than the least of all saints,’ (Ephesians 3:8). And cried out: “O wretched man that I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin!” (Romans 7:24)
But we shall not carry this burden of sin beyond the grave. The hour of death shall free us from our inbred enemies which now trouble us, and we shall see them no more forever!
Heaven will also be a rest from all outward AFFLICTIONS, which, though necessary, and, under the influence of Divine grace, are profitable–yet they are grievous to bear. …Then, “God will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever!” (Revelation 21:4)
Heaven will also be a rest from SATAN’S TEMPTATIONS. … The moment of their departure out of the body, shall place them beyond his reach forever!
Because Heaven will also be a rest from UNSATISFIED DESIRES. … In Heaven, our highest wishes shall be crowned and exceeded! We shall rest in full communion with Him whom we love, and shall no more complain of interruptions and imperfections, and a careless heart.
Here on earth–we obtain a little glimpse of His presence when He brings us into His banqueting-house, and spreads His banner of love over us! … But these pleasing and holy seasons are quickly ended. They often give place to some unexpected trial, which robs us of all sweetness in which we rejoiced. But when we ascend the holy hill of God above–we shall never again ‘come down’! We shall be forever with the Lord, never offend Him, and never be separated from Him again! “I will see Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be fully satisfied with Your presence!” (Psalm 17:15)
Here on earth, we find a mixture of evil in our most holy moments! … But when we shall see Jesus as He is–we shall be fully transformed into His image, and be perfectly like Him!
“Yes, dear friends, we are already God’s children, and we can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when He comes–we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is!” 1 John 3:2
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined–what God has prepared for those who love Him!” 1 Corinthians 2:9
~ ~ ~ ~
For more go to: https://abbeyjahath.com/devotionals