Heaven! # 3

Heaven! # 3

We are taught in revelation to believe there is a threefold distinction in the Godhead, which, under the economy of redemption, is denominated the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. We learn from Scripture to contemplate Jehovah in a threefold relationship to man: as the Father sending His only begotten Son, as the Son acting the part of the mediator between us and our offended Maker, as the Spirit sanctifying the hearts of His people. Though these special offices have an especial bearing on the present state of things, the personal distinction in the Deity must be considered as essential and eternal.

We therefore conclude that in the manifestation of the Divine glory hereafter, this mysterious distinction will be maintained. That the mediatorial office of Jesus Christ as now exercised, will not continue after the resurrection - that His peculiar government as now carried on will expire, we are taught by the apostle Paul, in his Epistle to the Corinthians: "Then comes the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father."

The Saviour now, as the High Priest, within the veil, making intercession for His people, is the object of contemplation to the saints in a separate state. In the actual description of such an office, we are led to believe He will not appear to the view of the redeemed after the resurrection. His work will be complete. No mediator between sinners and an offended Maker will be any longer necessary; the glories of Jehovah will shine with a fatherly luster on the hearts of the redeemed and "God shall be all in all."

But still we are warranted to expect that, in the display of the Divine glory, Immanuel, as the great agent of redemption, as the Saviour of His people, will be distinctly presented to their view. They will "see Jesus." For this He prayed in the days of the flesh: "Father, I will that those who You have given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which You have given Me: for You loved Me before the foundation of the world."

The chief vision of Deity, perhaps, will ever be the vision of the glory of Christ; upon Him, as the Redeemer of the lost, the saints will love to meditate. All their happiness, they will ascribe to Him. As they gaze on the glories of their eternal habitation, and eat of the fruit of life, and drink of the streams which make glad the city of God, as they enjoy converse with angels, and each other, as they advance in knowledge, and purity, and joy, and become more and more assimilated to the Divine image - they will attribute all to the blood of the Lamb.

The greatness of the work of redemption, its suitableness to display the Divine character and glory, its bearings on other ranks of beings beside men, its consequences flowing through the ages of eternity - will, no doubt, be unfolded to the minds of the redeemed. Fresh accessions of knowledge on this vast and interesting subject will perpetually be gained.

As an object of contemplation it will never tire, but shine fresh and ever-varying aspects of beauty. As a theme of praise, it will never lose its interest, but call forth forever the energy of perfect intellect, and the admiration of perfect love. But in thinking of Christ, let us never forget that, amidst all His Diving glory, He will ever be regarded, admired, and loved as our Divine Friend. Our Friend here - our Friend in Heaven - our Friend forevermore.

It is said of the intermediate life, "present with the Lord;" of the resurrection, "so shall we be ever with the Lord." Nothing helps us to think of Heaven, as does this revelation of the person, society, and friendship of Jesus there. We have many friends on earth - but none like Jesus. We will have many friends in Heaven - but none like Jesus. And we should say that there will be no other there, who will attract such reverent curiosity; to whom we shall be so irresistibly drawn, around whom we shall so eagerly gather, from whom we shall derive such knowledge, whose smile will give such joy.

~John Stoughton~

(continued with # 4)