 
Illustration. The Eternal Home. "They shall build houses, and inhabit them.... Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands." Isa. 65:21, 22. 1. What will finally be the privilege of God's children? “And they shall see His face.” Rev. 22:4. 2. How perfect will be their knowledge of God? “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 1 Cor. 13:12. 3. Whom will they be like? “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2. 4. From what ills will the saints be forever delivered? “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.” Rev. 21:4. 5. How completely will the pains and sorrows of the former world pass away? “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Isa. 65:17. Margin, “Come upon the heart;” i.e. to be desired. [pg 786]6. Who will dwell with the redeemed? “He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Rev. 21:3. 7. What will it mean to dwell in God's presence? “In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” Ps. 16:11. 8. What peaceful condition will prevail in the earth made new? “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Isa. 11:9. 9. How will the ransomed of the Lord return to Zion? “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isa. 35:10. 10. How enduring will be their pleasures? “For as the days of a tree are the days of My people, and Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” Isa. 65:22. 11. How long will they possess the future kingdom? “But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” Dan. 7:18. 12. How long will they reign? “And they shall reign forever and ever.” Rev. 22:5. I am longing for the home land, And its rest from sin and strife; I am yearning for the welcome, With its warmth of light and life; And the days seem long and weary, Mid earth scenes so dark and dreary, While I wait for my Redeemer To come in clouds for me. O the home land, blessed home land, With its bliss beyond compare! How our ardent souls are yearning For the joys that wait us there! And we haste to barge our treasure On the river of Thy pleasure, In the home where life eternal Awaits the ransomed throng. Worthie Harris Holden. |
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