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18 The Eternal State

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Summary

What is the purpose of the oceans and seas on the earth? If they are removed in heaven, then does that help understand their purpose here?

The sermon explores the Biblical concept of heaven as the eternal dwelling place of God, emphasizing its nature as a physical and spiritual reality where God’s presence is fully realized. Key themes include the fulfillment of God’s promises (“it is done”), the recreation of the universe free from sin, and the exclusion of all evil. The preacher references Revelation 21–22, John 14, and other scriptures to highlight heaven’s features: the New Jerusalem as a “dwelling place” for believers, the absence of suffering and death, and the invitation to salvation through Christ. The sermon underscores that heaven is not merely a metaphorical state but a tangible realm where God dwells with His people, secured by Christ’s redemptive work.

Test Your Knowledge

Scrolling down slowly will hide the answer until you can make your choice.

Multiple-Choice Questions

1.What does the preacher emphasize about the phrase “it is done” (Rev. 21:6)?

a) It refers only to Christ’s resurrection.

b) It signifies the completion of redemption and recreation.

c) It is a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment.

d) It predicts the end of the world.

Answer: b)

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2.According to the sermon, why does the New Jerusalem have a wall?

a) To protect residents from external threats.

b) As a symbol of exclusion of ungodly things.

c) To separate heaven from earth.

d) To display God’s artistic design.

Answer: b)

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3.What is the primary source of light in the New Jerusalem?

a) The sun and moon.

b) The glory of God and the Lamb.

c) Fire from the altar.

d) Reflective jewels.

Answer: b)

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4.Who are the “possessors” of heaven, according to Revelation 21:7?

a) All humans eventually.

b) Those who overcome through faith in Christ.

c) Angels and spiritual beings.

d) The nation of Israel exclusively.

Answer: b)

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5.What key idea does the preacher use to explain how to enter heaven?

a) Moral perfection in this life.

b) Knowing and loving Jesus Christ.

c) Performing miracles.

d) Inheriting wealth.

Answer: b)

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6.According to the preacher, what is a primary limitation when trying to understand heaven?

a) Lack of personal experience

b) The finite nature of human language

c) Conflicting theological interpretations

d) The absence of physical evidence

Answer: b)

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7.The preacher suggests that heaven is best understood as:

a) A state of spiritual enlightenment

b) A reward for good behavior

c) The full presence of the Trinitarian glory of God

d) An escape from earthly suffering

Answer: c)

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8.According to the preacher, what will happen to the current universe?

a) It will be gradually transformed into the new heaven and earth

b) It will be preserved as a historical record of God’s creation

c) It will be completely destroyed and replaced

d) It will be purified by fire and then restored to its original state

Answer: c)

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9.The preacher references Revelation 21 to provide:

a) A detailed map of the new Jerusalem

b) A symbolic glimpse of what heaven will be like

c) A timeline of events leading up to the creation of the new heaven and earth

d) A list of rules and regulations for inhabitants of heaven

Answer: b)

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10.What does the preacher say about the idea of “mansions” in heaven?

a) They are rewards based on earthly achievements.

b) They are literal, physical structures of great size and opulence.

c) The term should be understood as “dwelling places” or “apartments” in the Father’s house.

d) The Bible does not discuss where people will live in Heaven.

Answer: c)

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Listen & Read Along

See the full sermon and listen to this sermon here:

1337 Dec 2, 1973

Outline

I.Introduction to Heaven
A.Heaven as a place of God’s unveiled glory.
B.Human limitations in describing its magnificence.
II.Preparation of Heaven
A.Christ’s declaration: “It is done” (fulfillment of redemption and recreation).
B.The Father’s house: “Many dwelling places” (John 14:2–3).
III.Presence of God
A.The tabernacle of God with humanity (Rev. 21:3).
B.Elimination of sorrow, death, and pain (Rev. 21:4).
IV.Possessors of Heaven
A.Overcomers: Inheritors of all things (Rev. 21:7).
B.Exclusion of the ungodly (Rev. 21:8).
V.Paradise Described
A.The New Jerusalem: A cube-shaped diamond radiating God’s glory.
B.Symbolic elements (gates, walls, jewels) representing exclusion of evil and inclusion of the redeemed.
VI.Invitation to Salvation
A.“I am the way” (John 14:6): Salvation through Christ alone.
B.Eternal citizenship secured by faith (Phil. 3:20).

Outline 2

I.Introduction
A.The inadequacy of language to describe heaven
B.Heaven as a level of existence beyond human comprehension
II.Understanding Heaven
A.Heaven is the total perception of God.
B.Symbolic representations of heaven (Ezekiel, Revelation)
III.Key Aspects of Heaven
A.God’s presence fully manifested
B.Heaven as a physical place
C.Dwelling places in the Father’s house
D.Jesus taking us to Himself
IV.Heaven as Home
A.Everything we love is there
B.Our Father, Savior, and fellow believers are there
C.Our name, life, affections, treasure, and inheritance are there
D.Our citizenship is there
V.Revelation 21: A Glimpse of Heaven
A.Context: End of Christ’s kingdom and the great white throne judgment
B.The reward of the blessed: The eternal dwelling place
C.Five features of the eternal state
1.The preparation
2.The presence
3.The possessors
4.The paradise
5.The promise
VI.The Preparation for the Eternal Place (Revelation 21:1-2)
A.The destruction of the old heaven and earth

Study Guide

18-The-Eternal-State

In this lesson, the following questions will be addressed:

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Study Questions

1.How does the sermon connect Christ’s statement “it is done” (Rev. 21:6) to His cry of “it is finished” on the cross (John 19:30)?

The sermon connects Christ’s statement “it is done” (Rev. 21:6) to His cry of “it is finished” (John 19:30) by emphasizing their theological and eschatological relationship. While “it is finished” on the cross marks the completion of Christ’s redemptive work—securing salvation through His death—the declaration “it is done” in Revelation 21:6 signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God’s eternal plan. This includes not only redemption but also the recreation of the universe, the eradication of sin, and the establishment of the new heavens and earth. The sermon underscores that “it is done” expands on the cross’s victory, ensuring the finality of God’s promises and the irreversible transformation of all creation into a sinless, glorified state. Both statements reflect Christ’s authority over history, with the cross as the foundation and Revelation as the consummation of His redemptive purposes.

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2.Why does the preacher argue that heaven is not a “state of mind” but a physical place?

The preacher argues that heaven is a physical place, not a “state of mind,” based on several key points from Scripture and theological reasoning:

1.Jesus’ Glorified Body : The preacher emphasizes that Jesus ascended into heaven in a physical, resurrected body (Acts 1:11) and will return in the same glorified form. Since a physical body requires a physical location, heaven must be a tangible place where such a body can exist.
2.John 14:2–3 : Jesus’ promise to prepare a “place” in His Father’s house is interpreted literally. The preacher rejects metaphorical interpretations of “mansions” or “dwelling places,” insisting these refer to distinct, physical spaces within the Father’s house.
3.Revelation’s Description : The New Jerusalem in Revelation 21–22 is depicted as a physical city with measurable features (e.g., walls, gates, a river of life), symbolizing exclusion of evil and inclusion of the redeemed. This imagery underscores heaven’s concrete reality.
4.Divine Presence : While heaven transcends human comprehension, the preacher stresses that God’s full manifest glory will be experienced in a real location where believers dwell eternally. This contrasts with abstract concepts of a “state of mind,” which lack the Biblical emphasis on place and bodily resurrection.
5.Eschatological Continuity : The recreation of the universe (Isaiah 65:17, 2 Peter 3:13) implies a physical realm free from sin, where righteousness dwells. The preacher argues this new creation is not a metaphor but a restored, physical reality.

In essence, the sermon frames heaven as both a transcendent and physical reality, rooted in Christ’s resurrection, Biblical imagery, and the promise of a tangible eternal dwelling with God.

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3.What is the significance of the New Jerusalem’s wall and gates in Revelation 21:12–13?

The significance of the New Jerusalem’s wall and gates in Revelation 21:12–13 is multifaceted, blending symbolic imagery with theological truth:

1.Symbol of Exclusion (Wall):
The “great and high wall” signifies the absolute exclusion of evil from heaven. It represents God’s holiness, ensuring that “no ungodly thing” can enter (Rev. 21:27). The wall underscores the eternal separation between God’s redeemed people and all that is contrary to His nature.
2.Symbol of Inclusion (Gates):
The twelve gates , each named after the tribes of Israel and guarded by angels, highlight God’s covenant faithfulness. The number twelve symbolizes completeness (e.g., Israel’s twelve tribes, Christ’s twelve apostles), emphasizing universal access for God’s people. The gates being open to all four directions (east, north, south, west) signify that heaven is accessible to believers from every corner of creation.
3.Security and Permanence:
The gates, made of single pearls and never shut (Rev. 21:25), reflect eternal security and welcome . Unlike earthly cities, which close gates for protection, heaven’s gates remain open because no threat exists. This symbolizes God’s invitation to dwell with Him permanently.
4.Connection to Redemption:
The gates’ association with Israel’s tribes and the apostles’ foundations (Rev. 21:14) ties heaven to God’s redemptive plan across history—from Old Testament saints to the church. It affirms that all who overcome through faith in Christ inherit this eternal city (Rev. 21:7).

In essence, the wall and gates illustrate heaven’s holiness (excluding evil) and grace (welcoming the redeemed), framed by God’s eternal covenant and the completeness of His people.

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4.How does the sermon address the question of whether believers will mourn the absence of unsaved loved ones in heaven?

The sermon addresses the question of whether believers will mourn the absence of unsaved loved ones in heaven by emphasizing the complete eradication of sorrow and the transformation of believers’ emotional capacity in the eternal state . Key points from the sermon include:

1.Elimination of Sorrow :
• Revelation 21:4 is cited to highlight that God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more mourning, crying, or pain. The preacher stresses that heaven removes not only suffering but also the capacity for sorrow , including grief over lost relationships.
2.No Capacity for Sorrow :
• The sermon explicitly states that believers will lack the emotional framework to mourn: “God is going to eliminate silent sorrow, vocal sorrow, pain, death… the former things are passed away.” This includes sadness over unsaved loved ones, as such sorrow is tied to the “former things” of a fallen world.
3.Focus on God’s Presence :
• The sermon redirects attention to the joy of God’s unveiled presence and the fellowship of the redeemed. The preacher argues that heaven’s glory and the fulfillment of being with Christ, the Father, and the “church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23) will overshadow any sense of loss.
4.Analogy of “Home” :
• Using the metaphor of a home where “everything I love is there,” the preacher explains that believers’ joy in heaven stems from the fullness of relationship with God and the redeemed community, not from earthly attachments. This reorients the believer’s priorities away from absence and toward eternal communion with God.

In essence, the sermon teaches that mourning unsaved loved ones is incompatible with the transformed nature of believers in heaven, where God’s presence and the absence of sin render grief impossible. The focus shifts entirely to the “magnificence and glories of heaven” (as described in Scripture), leaving no room for sorrow over earthly losses.

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5.In what way does the preacher use John 14:2–3 to refute the idea of varying “mansions” in heaven?

The preacher refutes the idea of varying “mansions” in heaven by reinterpreting John 14:2–3 through a lens of equality and unity in Christ , countering the notion of hierarchical or merit-based rewards. Here’s how:

1.Correcting the Translation :
• The preacher clarifies that the Greek term translated as “dwelling places” (μοναί) does not imply grand, differing “mansions” but rather “abodes” or “rooms” within the same household. This emphasizes that heaven is a unified place where all believers share equal access to the Father’s house.
2.Rejecting Works-Based Hierarchy :
• The sermon dismisses the idea that heavenly rewards (like “mansions”) depend on earthly works (e.g., “wood, hay, stubble” theology). Instead, it stresses that salvation and eternal dwelling are gifts of grace through faith in Christ alone (Rev. 21:7; 1 John 5:5).
3.Emphasizing Christ’s Preparation :
• Jesus’ promise to “prepare a place” (John 14:2–3) is framed as a guarantee of security and belonging , not a reward system. The preacher argues that Christ’s preparation ensures every believer has a reserved place in the Father’s presence, not a variable status based on human effort.
4.Focus on Communal Fellowship :
• The “dwelling places” are likened to apartments in a shared home, symbolizing the church’s unity as the “bride of Christ” (Rev. 21:2). The emphasis is on communal joy in God’s presence, not individual accolades.
5.Theological Consistency :
• The sermon aligns John 14:2–3 with Revelation 21–22, where the New Jerusalem is a place of collective worship and equality. All believers inherit “all things” (Rev. 21:7) through faith, not differing rewards.

In essence, the preacher uses John 14:2–3 to dismantle merit-based interpretations, emphasizing that heaven’s “dwelling places” reflect God’s gracious provision for all who trust in Christ, not a hierarchy of earthly achievements.

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6.Aren’t hierarchical or merit-based rewards taught regarding the bema seat judgment of believers in the Bible?

The Bible does teach that believers will face an evaluation of their works at the Bema Seat judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10), where rewards are distributed based on faithfulness and service to Christ. For example:

• 1 Corinthians 3:12–15 describes believers’ works being tested by fire, with rewards given for enduring faithfulness.
• Revelation 22:12 emphasizes that Christ will “repay each person according to what they have done.”
• Parables like the talents (Matthew 25:14–30) and minas (Luke 19:11–27) illustrate rewards tied to stewardship.

However, the sermon’s emphasis on equality in Christ and rejection of “varying mansions” as a hierarchy of merit does not contradict this teaching. Instead, it highlights a key distinction:

1.Salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9), not works. All believers inherit eternal life equally as a gift.
2.Rewards , while real, are secondary to salvation and do not determine one’s status in heaven. The sermon focuses on the security and unity of believers in the Father’s house (John 14:2–3), not the specifics of reward structures.

The speaker’s point is that heaven is not a place of inequality or competition (e.g., “mansions” as symbols of status) but a realm of communion with God , where all who trust in Christ are equally welcomed. The Bema Seat judgment addresses rewards for service , not eternal destiny or hierarchical standing. Thus, the sermon and biblical teaching on rewards are complementary, not contradictory.

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7.Why is it so difficult to describe heaven adequately?

According to the provided sermon, it is difficult to adequately describe heaven primarily because of the limitations of human language and understanding. The preacher emphasizes that heaven represents a level of existence beyond our current comprehension, a dimension filled with the full presence of God. Our earthly experiences and three-dimensional thinking restrict our ability to grasp the true nature of heaven, necessitating the use of symbols and analogies to convey its magnificence, yet these remain kindergarten-level concepts compared to the reality.

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8.How does the preacher use personal anecdotes to illustrate the idea of heaven as “home”?

The preacher uses a personal anecdote about going to his family’s new house to illustrate the idea of heaven as “home.” He recounts that when his family moved while he was in college, he had never been to their new house. However, he was still excited to go there because everything he loved was there: his father, mother, sisters, and his own bed. He emphasizes that the place itself was not important, but the presence of his loved ones made it “home.” The preacher then draws a parallel to heaven, stating that even though he hasn’t been there, it doesn’t matter because everything he loves will be there – his Father, Savior, and fellow believers. This anecdote emphasizes the relational aspect of heaven, portraying it as a place where one belongs and is surrounded by love, rather than just a location.

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9.What does the preacher mean by the phrase “heaven is God’s presence fully manifested?”

Based on the provided sermon, when the preacher says “heaven is God’s presence fully manifested,” they mean that heaven is the place where the veil separating humans from God is removed. In our current earthly existence, we cannot fully perceive God’s glory (as stated in Exodus, “No man shall see me and live”). However, in heaven, with our glorified bodies, we will be able to experience God’s full, unveiled presence. The preacher indicates that this total perception of God in all His holiness and glory is a fundamental aspect of what heaven is like. It is being in the place where God is, in full manifest glory.

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10.According to the preacher, what is the significance of Revelation 21 in understanding the eternal state?

According to the preacher, Revelation 21 is significant in understanding the eternal state because it offers a glimpse into the reward of the blessed—the eternal dwelling place—after the great white throne judgment described in Revelation 20. While the ungodly are cast into the lake of fire, Revelation 21 begins the story of those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. The preacher identifies five key features in Revelation 21: the preparation for the eternal place, the presence (of God), the possessors (the believers), the paradise, and the promise. This chapter provides insights into what heaven will be like, apart from the knowledge that it is a place where God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit are present. In essence, Revelation 21 offers a concrete picture of the new heaven and new earth that God will create after the destruction of the old universe.

To see all the lessons in this series click on the 1973 Prophecy tag below.

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