EB 11:5-7{Wherever ruin comes into that which God has entrusted to man, God never restores things just as they were. The illustration used in Heb. 11:55By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Hebrews 11:5) sets this forth. We, the Church, see now the mystery of godliness as described in 1 Tim. 3:1616And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Timothy 3:16). The complete circuit taken by the Lord Jesus coming from heaven and returning into the heavens, a Man, is set forth at least in part by Enoch. Enoch typifies a heavenly Man on earth who pleased God. There was the Man Jesus who fully pleased God, who entered the Father's house in the uncreated heavens. He went there because the earth cast Him out, and also because He glorified God on the earth, the place of sin, laying the foundation whereby sin might be taken away forever from the eye of God.
The subject of the heavens opens to us something entirely new. What a vista is before us! Be sure of this, that heaven will be no repetition of Eden (Gen. 3:2424So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. (Genesis 3:24)). There will be no possibility that we lose heaven. The Head of the new creation is not subject to failure or death. He not only has been tested for us, but He has gone into death and come forth as the Victor (John 10:17,1817Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (John 10:17‑18)). It is because He lives that we live. Then, again, the joys found in Eden were of a character that depended on the senses of a natural man. The heavenly joys are not even found in the natural senses, but only in the spirit (1 Cor. 2:9,109But 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. 10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9‑10)). The natural man in Adam could not long keep his eyes upon God because they naturally were drawn to visible things (Eccl. 3:1111He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)). It is only in spirit and in truth that we worship the Father (John 4:2424God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)).
This sphere, "the heavens," has aroused considerable research of late; and no wonder. Religious man knows that there are people who intend going there. The scoffer still is trying to do the same thing only in a different way. This will never be accomplished as hoped; and, although he has even set his foot on another planet, still that, or any other planet, has never been prepared for him, only the earth. To leave this earth with the intention of settling in the heavens is a blatant form of apostasy which will be judged. Christian, beware! It is sin (Psa. 115:1616The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. (Psalm 115:16)).
Christ has entered the heavens as Man, going there to prepare that place for men. If the preparation for a natural man must be physical, the preparation for a spiritual man must be spiritual (Luke 24:3939Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (Luke 24:39)). As the heavenly One, such the heavenly ones. Friend! Do you qualify for this? If not, your portion shall be in the place prepared for the devil and his angels. Man will never dwell in the heavens except with Christ (John 14:33And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:3)). We who are believers should carry the atmosphere of heaven with us continually, as the children of Israel wore a riband of blue on the border of their garment (Num. 15:38,3938Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: 39And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: (Numbers 15:38‑39)). Samson had a secret with God—his long hair. Keeping this secret gave him continual power in the midst of his enemies. In a careless moment he gave away his secret to the world and lost his power and sight (Judg. 16:1717That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. (Judges 16:17)). "Buy the truth, and sell it not." Prov. 23:2323Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (Proverbs 23:23).
Little does man realize that behind the scenes there is a mighty battle raging between good and evil. Ever since Adam in faith named his wife Eve (Gen. 3:2020And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. (Genesis 3:20)), there has been a conflict with the evil one. Although mostly hidden (Rev. 10:77But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. (Revelation 10:7)), sometimes the conflict comes out into the open. God has told us of the conflicts of the past and also the way in which the enemy attacks. He has succeeded many times against God's people, but soon there shall be a series of major changes in which Satan shall be overthrown completely and cast into the lake of fire forever (Rev. 20:1010And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)).
The first change that we as Christians are to expect is the rapture, which is a part of the first resurrection inasmuch as there will be a great many raised at that time (1 Thess. 4:13-1713But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:13‑17)). Only believers will be raised out from among the dead. The rest of the dead will not be raised until the close of the millennium, and then to be sentenced to the lake of fire forever (Rev. 20:55But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. (Revelation 20:5)). Before the thousand-year reign of Christ, then, all believers who have died shall be raised out from among the dead and shall be changed in body like unto the glorious body of our Lord Jesus Christ. There will be different families in heaven, such as the Old Testament saints, those as John the Baptist and the thief on the cross (who were here to see the Lord but who died before the day of Pentecost when believers were baptized into one body forming the Church), and the Church (Eph. 3:1515Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (Ephesians 3:15); Heb. 12:22-2422But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22‑24)). All the living saints will join with those who have died in faith to be caught up together to I meet the Lord in the air. Later the martyrs who will be slain by Jezebel during the tribulation, will be raised to be in the company who come out of an opened heaven with the Lamb to execute judgment upon the earth (Rev. 14:1313And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. (Revelation 14:13)). All these shall reign with Christ for a thousand years (Rev. 20:
Everything for us will be new in that heavenly creation.
Fresh as the morning's glistening dew,
The Lord of life makes all things new.
The heavens He'll change, the earth make right,
With everything pleasant for thought or sight.
The sun in the heaven? 'Twill not be so!
The Lamb is the Light wherever we go.
Who raises a new song of the Savior's worth?
Only the redeemed who come from earth.
My name here is worn and covered with shame;
He'll make it new with glory and fame.
He has given me here a new white stone;
I'll sit with Him there on a glorious new throne.
Do you think that this world with its gifts and renown Could compare for a moment with my wonderful crown?
Why tarry you longer? The night cometh fast.
Embrace now my Savior and reach home at last.
Wherever I look, I am sure it is true, All that I'll see will be better and new.
The turtle dove's mourning, the heart's longing cry Will soon have its answer when we meet in the sky.
We should try to become acquainted here with our future surroundings. By reading the gospels and epistles prayerfully we are brought into God's presence and acquire more of heavenly things. The more knowledge we acquire of material things, such as music, art, and industry, the more danger there is that we might be hindered from the things which make for the enjoyment of eternal life (1 Tim. 6:1919Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:19)). The pursuit of these things makes for leanness of soul; they contribute nothing to the new man (1 Tim. 6:66But godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6)).
If we are waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ, our Deliverer from the coming wrath, should we not now be enjoying His company? The Spirit, the other Comforter, is here for that very purpose and also to lead us into all the truth (John 16:1313Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. (John 16:13)).
Soon after the snatching away of the heavenly saints, Satan shall be cast out of heaven. This will precipitate the great tribulation for Israel (Rev. 12:99And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)). At the same time there will be a time of trial for the western nations as well. This will be the time of the trumpets and vials.
Satan's being cast out of heaven will be the first step, or the cleansing of the heavens. Heaven will then rejoice; no longer will the accuser roar there (Rev. 12:99And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)). Toward the close of the time of tribulation and trial for earth, the entire heavens or the universe of created things shall be changed as to administration, power being transferred from angels to men. It will then be said of the angels that they are "His angels" (2 Thess. 1:77And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, (2 Thessalonians 1:7)), servants to the Son of man. The general assembly of angels, "myriads," will be called in to have the administration transferred to Christ and the Church enregistered in heaven (Heb. 12:22,2322But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:22‑23)). This begins the DAY OF THE LORD. As He comes out of heaven, riding on "a white horse," He is accompanied by the Church (Rev. 19). The Old Testament saints and martyrs who have already been raised will reign with Him as well. All who die shall have a heavenly portion if they have their names written in the Lamb's book of life. With "peace in heaven," blessing follows for earth. From that moment on, through the millennial day, Christ as Man shall command the angels as servants, sending them to cleanse the earth of all things that offend and removing those that do iniquity (Matt. 13:4141The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; (Matthew 13:41)). The setting up of the earthly kingdom will follow immediately, as the Spirit is poured out on Judah (Joel 2:2828And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (Joel 2:28)).
The throne set in heaven has twenty-four elders, composed of the Church and Old Testament saints, immediately around it, the angels having taken a place in the outer circle (Rev. 5:1111And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; (Revelation 5:11)). Angels are seen as willing doorkeepers of the heavenly city, the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1212And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: (Revelation 21:12)).
After the earth is cleansed by judgment, the saints will reign with Christ over it as He sets up the throne of His glory on the earth for government. The final sentence of the creatures, men, or angels will not be determined by men. Christ and He alone is the Judge (John 5:22,2722For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: (John 5:22)
27And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. (John 5:27)). In maintaining righteousness and advancing blessing in the earth, the Church with the heavenly saints will surely have their part (1 Cor. 6:2,32Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:2‑3)), though generally unseen, working much as the angels at this present time. Israel, of course, will be the direct visible agents on earth (Mic. 5:7,87And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men. 8And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver. (Micah 5:7‑8)).
"The wife hath made herself ready" may include the preparation at the judgment seat of Christ, in which all of the principles of righteousness shall be brought to light (Rev. 19:77Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7)).
The Lord Jesus will be Melchisedec Priest and King in that day (Heb. 7:1-31For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:1‑3)).
The heavenly saints will have a very happy work to do then besides government. There will be souls who need to hear about the King in Zion. We know that during the one thousand years' reign of Christ the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. This most pleasant task the saints will have when it will be said, "His servants shall serve Him" (Rev. 22:33And 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: (Revelation 22:3)). The bride, the helpmeet, will simply continue the same joyous work which we have been privileged to carry on down here, only in a richer and fuller way (Matt. 25:2121His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:21)). Of course, Israel again will be the direct agents as they will be in government, the Church being hidden (Mic. 5:77And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men. (Micah 5:7)). The varied colors in the stones of Rev. 21 suggest to us the way that the glory of Christ as King shall be spread.
Since Enoch was translated by faith, he must have known that he would be translated before it took place. This suggests to us what is clearly taught in the New Testament—that those who are the heavenly ones on earth have already the mind of heaven (Eph. 1:8,98Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: (Ephesians 1:8‑9)). Enoch walked with God down here and was taken up to walk with God there. The heavenly man seeks to maintain a heavenly character down here because it is the permanent character up there. Intelligence in the mind of heaven gives us to know about coming events (John 15:1515Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:15)).
We have spoken of outward things. What about the private life of the heavenly man when he finally reaches his home? As Christ has gone to the Father, so we also will go to the Father (John 14:2,32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3)). There are many abodes. In Luke 11 The Lord Jesus invites us to Him as a Friend, suggesting personal communion. Worship will be the part of those whom Jesus has befriended. In the Father's house there will be servants to wait upon the children (Luke 15:2222But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (Luke 15:22)). Jesus Himself has promised to wait upon His own as He always has loved to do (Luke 12:3737Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. (Luke 12:37)). We shall be clothed, to leave not the slightest room for embarrassment on our part, even to the eye of God Himself. We shall be thoroughly clean, refreshed, comfortable, and deeply happy. We shall feed daily with the Father on the fatted calf, (no joy like this). We shall drink abundantly as well. Joy and gladness will be our part then, the "harp" tuned forever.
"To set before the Father's ears No other name but Thine."
Being aware that all things are ours, we shall look down upon the inheritance and look up to behold the glory of God. We shall see Christ face to face (Rev. 22:44And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. (Revelation 22:4)). He will remain a Man with His bride forever, as God is All in All (1 Cor. 15:24-2824Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:24‑28)). The changed incorruptible bodies will be "as it hath pleased Him" (1 Cor. 15:3838But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. (1 Corinthians 15:38)). What glad surprises as the old order passes away to be replaced with all things new. What eternal weights of glory to replace the present sufferings which are only for a moment (2 Cor. 4:1717For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (2 Corinthians 4:17)).
Paul heard words impossible for man to utter, as he was carried into the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:44How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (2 Corinthians 12:4)). In the new heavens where dwelleth righteousness we shall share that long eternal day with the Lord Jesus our Savior, as members of His body, His flesh, His bones (Eph. 5:3030For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (Ephesians 5:30)). We shall be like Him when we see Him as He is. As we eat of the tree of life, sitting with Him on His throne, He as the Bridegroom will have written upon us His new name (Rev. 22:44And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. (Revelation 22:4)).
What will it be to eat of the tree of life? The first man was driven out of the paradise on earth so that he could not eat of the tree of life and live forever (Gen. 3:2424So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. (Genesis 3:24)). In Christ, the last Adam, we "shall eat of the tree of life in the midst of the paradise of God" (Rev. 2:77He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7)). If the new Jerusalem sets forth the eternal dwelling place of heavenly saints in general, the Father's house is the special home of the Church. We shall live in heaven always; we, as Christ, are heavenly ones.
From heaven the Church will have contact with the new earth to share mutual joys. What a vast change from a world of sin! As the new heaven and earth merge into eternal blessedness, the tabernacle of God will be with men on earth, all pain and sorrow gone forever (Rev. 21:1-81And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And 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. 5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:1‑8)).
Friend! Do you have a new nature and life which delights in this prospect? Perhaps you wish it were so, but you know it is not true. There is time now to drink of the water of life (Rev. 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)). Receive Christ as Savior now. Put your whole trust in His precious blood and you shall be saved.