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“Beyond the Grave:  The Truth About Heaven”

2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10 Romans 8:18-25

2 Peter 3:1-14

Revelation 21:9-22:7

Longing for Something More . . .

• We do not lose confident hope in what’s to come because God is faithful to His promise.

“He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 5:5

“And this is the promise that He made to us—eternal life.” 1 John 2:25

“But according to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”  2 Peter 3:13

• Your groaning for Heaven will always be proportional to your understanding of what’s to come.

“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling . . .”  2 Corinthians 5:1-2

• The more you know about where you are going, and the more you are assured of its arrival, the more eager you are in your preparation. (Romans 8:18-25)
  • A desired future that is certain always affects your present

What Awaits Those Who Are His . . .  (Revelation 21:9-22:7)

• God’s presence.

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”  1 Corinthians 13:12

“They will see His face . . .”  Revelation 22:4

• The New Jerusalem
  • The dwelling place of God. (Revelation 21:3)
  • A radiant city (Revelation 21:9-14)
  • An incomparable (Revelation 21:15-27)
  • An everlasting (Revelation 22:5)

• The New Earth
  • A greater version of Eden.
    • Millennial reign foreshadows something even more perfect to come. (Isaiah 65:17-66:2; Amos 9:11-15; Luke 1:32-33; Zecheriah 8:3; Revelation 21:1-4)
  • God’s people

“ . . . and they will be His people . . .” Revelation 21:3

“But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”  Revelation 21:27

Living in Light of What’s to Come . . .

• In our waiting we should live with an eager anticipation of His coming and for His glory.
  • Live a life pursuing holiness.
  • Grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.
  • Make known the gospel and the coming of Christ.
    • We should live with a sense of urgency for the proclamation of the gospel. (Spurgeon quote)

Beyond the Grave . . .

What gives you hope beyond the grave?