What happens when believers leave this world? What is their state and condition between death and the resurrection? What are their employments? Where are these men and women who have fallen asleep in the arms of the Lord Jesus? What are they doing? These are matters of interest to me. Soon I too will leave my body to rot in the grave. Perhaps I will leave this world before I leave my bed tomorrow. Perhaps you will too. What will happen to us? What will become of us, when our souls are separated from our bodies for a while?
I realize that there is much about heaven that we do not yet know. In fact we know very little, in comparison with what we do not know. But God has graciously revealed everything to us about it as we need to know and everything that is useful for us to know. "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. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit" – (I Cor. 2:9-10). That which is hidden, we are content to leave hidden until we reach the other side. But that which is revealed shall be the subject of our mediation tonight.
Proposition:As soon as the believer leaves this temporal world of woe, he enters into an eternal world of heavenly bliss.
In my mind's eye I see a pilgrim, wearied from a long and trying journey, passing through the valley of the shadow of death. He has waded the deep, chilly waters of Jordan. And he is ascending the other shore. There, I see him entering through the gates into the city whose Builder and Maker is God. What will happen to that man when he enters the city prepared for him from the foundation of the world?
I. That Pilgrim Is Coming Out Of Great Tribulation – (v. 14).All who enter the kingdom of God come out of great tribulation. The language here does not refer to one specific period of time when great persecution shall arise. It refers to the general oppression and affliction which all of God's people have to endure in this world. The great tribulation here refers to that great conflict of the ages, which began in the Garden of Eden. It is the endless, perpetual persecution of the seed of the woman by the seed of the serpent.
A. As long as you live in this world, you will have tribulation on every side.
B. In all your tribulations, the Lord will be with you to sustain you, preserve you, and deliver you.
C. If you are God's, you will endure the tribulation and pass through it – Believer, your earthly troubles are only temporary! Soon the tribulation will be over.
II. That Pilgrim I See Entering The City Is Arrayed In A Spotless, Glistening White Robe – (v. 13).
What is this robe? Why is it white? Of course, the whole picture is symbolical. This man has left his body in the grave. He is a spirit. And a spirit does not literally wear a robe.
The white robe represents 5 things. A. Immaculate PurityHe is not kept waiting outside the gate. He is not put through quarantine. He is not sent to purgatory. But as soon as he leaves this world of tribulation he is received into the immediate presence of God – (II Cor. 5:1-9).
IV. Now the Pilgrim Is At Home – There He Serves God Unceasingly, Night And Day In His Temple – (v. 15).
V. Not only is he in the immediate, eternal presence of God, But The Lord God Perpetually Dwells With Him.
God in Christ eternally dwells with those who are in heaven! This is the bliss and glory of heaven. "The Lord is there!"
VI. And as soon as that pilgrim lifted his foot out of the chilly waters of Jordan, He Entered Into Immediate, Eternal Happiness And Satisfaction (vv. 16-17).
A. All The Hunger And Thirst Of His Heart Is Fully Satisfied.
B. All His Trials, Temptations, Persecutions, and Labors Are Ended Forever.
C. Christ Himself Shall Feed His Sheep Forever, Personally.
D. Christ Will Perpetually Lead His Sheep To The Living Fountains Of The Waters Of Grace That Flow From The Throne of God.
"A broad river to swim in" – Gill.
E. And God Shall Wipe Away All Tears From The Eyes Of His Beloved Child – (Rev. 22:4).
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