“We can discern his love to us in giving us all these things in nature. We can see it in the lovely flowers in the valleys and on the surface of the lake. Anywhere, everywhere, we may read expressions of God’s love in the opening buds and blooming flowers. As God has given us these things of beauty and purity how much more will he delight to give us an eternal inheritance. He wants you to come into that position where he may grant you the gift of immortality. He has given you the gift of his Son, the greatest gift that Heaven could bestow; and now if you connect with God, if you connect with heaven, you may, in the name and strength of Jesus develop symmetrical characters; characters that are spotless as the pure lily that opens its blossom on the bosom of the lake. I invite you to take hold of heaven’s blessings and then you can have a right hold upon the earth. I invite you to look up through nature to nature’s God. Let these things teach you the love of God, and the care that he has for those formed in his image.” _ Signs of The Times, February 7, 1878 ” . . . God delights to give. He is full of compassion, and He longs to grant the requests of those who come unto Him in faith. He gives to us that we may minister to others and thus become like Himself.” _ Christ’s Object Lessons, p.141

Part 1: An Eternal Saviour

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Heb 7:25)

God is not pleased with out sinful state. His law still stands unchangeable with the penalty of death being the consequence of disobedience. However, when God gave His Son to be our sacrifice and subsequently, our High Priest, He made an eternal provision to meet the needs of repentant sinners. As long as we desire salvation and seek mercy and help from God, Jesus will always be available to us, our Substitute and Mediator, One who represents us before the throne of God. We may be confident that “he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6)

What assurance may the Christian face as he encounters numerous temptations and is often buffetted by trials? (Heb 4:15; 2 Tim 1:12)

“Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore.” Rev. 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. “The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.” Isa. 54:10. _ The Desire of Ages, p.483

In what way will the memory of Christ’s great sacrifice be always remembered in the years eternity? (Habakkuk 3:4)

“. . . . Our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon His side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel work that sin has wrought. . . . That pierced side whence flowed the crimson stream that reconciled man to God–there is the Saviour’s glory, there “the hiding of His power.” “Mighty to save,” through the sacrifice of redemption, He was therefore strong to execute justice upon them that despised God’s mercy. And the tokens of His humiliation are His highest honor; through the eternal ages the wounds of Calvary will show forth His praise and declare His power.” _ The Great Controversy, p. 674

Key Thought

God has given Christ to us. We have a brother at the throne of God. We may be confident that if we place ourselves in His hand, He will do the work in us.                       

Part 2: Eternal Life

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:23)

“Christ calls upon every one to consider. Make an honest reckoning. Put into one scale Jesus, which means eternal treasure, life, truth, heaven, and the joy of Christ in souls redeemed; put into the other every attraction the world can offer. Into one scale put the loss of your own soul, and the souls of those whom you might have been instrumental in saving; into the other, for yourself and for them, a life that measures with the life of God. Weigh for time and for eternity. While you are thus engaged, Christ speaks: “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36. _ Christ Object Lessons, p.374

Christians often complain that it is difficult or impossible for them to serve God properly because of the influence of unconverted persons in their lives. Is this claim one that can be justified? (John 10:27-28)

“. . . . if those who engaged in this race here upon the earth for a temporal crown, could be temperate in all things, cannot we, who have in view an incorruptible crown, an eternal weight of glory, and a life which measures with the life of God? When we have this great inducement before us, cannot we “run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith”? Hebrews 12:1, 2. He has pointed out the way for us and marked it all along by His own footsteps. It is the path that He traveled, and we may, with Him, experience the self-denial and the suffering, and walk in this pathway imprinted by His own blood.” _ Counsels on Health, p.48

Though eternal life is “the gift of God” (Rom. 6:23), in what way should we respond to God’s assurance that this gift is available (1 Tim 6:12; Rom 2:7)

No one should cherish the false idea that because eternal life is a gift, this means that Christians need to make no earnest effort to obtain it. We can never afford to become lax and careless in fighting the fight of faith. constant vigilance is required. It is true that we cannot obtain this life by our works. There is no saving merit in our deeds. At the same time we may be assured that eternal life is not for those who are spiritually lazy, and who treat salvation as a light matter. ” Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Phil 2:12)                   

Key Thought                                                                         

Eternal life is not just a span of time. It is also a quality of life which we may begin to experience now, as we enter into union with Christ. (1 John 5:11)                     

Part 3: Eternal Peace

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)

“In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called “a country” (Heb. 11:16). There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God’s people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home.” _ God’s Amazing Grace, p.363

What promise does God make to those who keep their minds fixed upon Him? (Isa 26:3; Phil 4:7; Col 3:15)

George Muller once said, “where anxiety begins, faith ends; where faith begins anxiety ends.” Muller knew what he was talking about. After his conversion in his early twenties he set out to live a life of total dependence on God and at the end of his life he had recorded more than 52,000 instances in which God had definitely and specifically answered prayer and supplied his need. George Muller’s experience may belong to all of us. It is when we live in this kind of total trust and dependence upon God that we may know the peace which passeth understanding which will be the heritage of the redeemed.

What certainty may every Christian have in the midst of a world plagued by problems? (Phil 4:19; 1 Cor 10:13)

“Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ, becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace. There is no other ground of peace than this. The grace of Christ, received into the heart, subdues enmity; it allays strife and fills the soul with love. He who is at peace with God and his fellow men cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmising will find no room there; hatred cannot exist. The heart that is in harmony with God is a partaker of the peace of heaven and will diffuse its blessed influence on all around. The spirit of peace will rest like dew upon hearts weary and troubled with worldly strife.” _ Heavenly Places, p.35

Why is it that men’s efforts to achieve peace on earth will always come to failure. (Isaiah 57:20-21)

Key Thought

Lack of peace in the life of a Christian is an evidence that he is not walking closely with God.                        

Part 4: Kings and priests

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Rev 1:6)

“. . . . Upon the heads of the overcomers, Jesus with his own right hand places the crown of glory. For each there is a crown, bearing his own “new name,” [REV. 2:17.] and the inscription, “Holiness to the Lord.” In every hand are placed the victor’s palm and the shining harp. Then, as the commanding angels strike the note, every hand sweeps the harp strings with skillful touch, awaking sweet music in rich, melodious strains. Rapture unutterable thrills every heart, and each voice is raised in grateful praise . . . . “Before the ransomed throng is the holy city. Jesus opens wide the pearly gates, and the nations that have kept the truth enter in. There they behold the Paradise of God, the home of Adam in his innocency. Then that voice, richer than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, is heard, saying, “Your conflict is ended.” “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” _ The Great Controversy, p.646

What purpose of God for Israel, proclaimed to Moses was fulfilled in the New Testament Church? Exodus 19:6

God’s purpose was that as the children of Israel learned more about Him and were drawn into closer fellowship with Him, all of them would enjoy the privilege of being kings and priests. The privilege of personal intimacy with God would be not just for the priests, but for all. The privileges of royalty would not be just for the king of Israel and his family, but for all who were a part of the people of God. “. . . . Those who are willing to share in this life the humiliation of the Saviour, will share with Him in His glory. Those who choose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, will be given a place with Christ on His throne.” _ Signs of The Times, November 14, 1900

What is one of the primary obligations of all who have been granted the privilege of being kings and priests unto God? 1 Pet 2:9

“. . . . We may become the sons of God, the heirs of an eternal inheritance, partakers of the divine nature, kings and priests unto God. The most exalted privileges are offered to the obedient. Shall we turn away in rebellion and unbelief, and propose to go back to Egypt? Never! Our march should be onward, toward the heavenly Canaan. Every step should be from faith to a greater faith, from obedience to a more perfect obedience, from light to a brighter light; for “the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” _ Signs of The Times, January 6, 1888                  

Key Thought

Though we may not yet be experiencing the privileges of kings, yet it is our privilege to bear ourselves with the dignity and nobility of royalty.                       

Part 5: Eternal fellowship

And 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.        (Rev 21:3)

“Those who take no pleasure in thinking and talking of God in this life, will not enjoy the life that is to come, where God is ever present, dwelling among His people. But those who love to think of God will be in their element, breathing in the atmosphere of heaven. Those who on earth love the thought of heaven will be happy in its holy associations and pleasures. . . . “And 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: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads” (Rev. 22:3, 4). _ In Heavenly Places, p.370

What special privilege will the 144,000 enjoy? (Rev 14:4; Rev 7:15)

“Only by looking to Jesus, the Lamb of God, and following in His steps, can you prepare to meet God. Follow Him, and you will one day walk the golden streets of the city of God. You will see Him who laid aside His royal garments and His kingly crown, and disguising Himself with humanity, came to our world and bore our sins, that He might lift us up and give us a revelation of His glory and majesty. We shall see Him face to face if we now give ourselves up to be molded and fashioned by Him and prepared for a place in the kingdom of God.” _ That I May Know Him, p.364

What promise made by Jesus reveals His longing to have unbroken fellowship with His people? (John 14:3)

“To His faithful followers Christ has been a daily companion, a familiar friend. They have lived in close, constant communion with God. Upon them the glory of the Lord has risen. In them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ has been reflected. Now they rejoice in the undimmed rays of the brightness and glory of the King in His majesty. They are prepared for the communion of heaven, for they have heaven in their hearts. “With uplifted heads, with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining upon them, with rejoicing that their redemption draweth nigh, they go forth to meet the Bridegroom, saying, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.” … “The time of tarrying is almost ended. The pilgrims and strangers who have so long been seeking a better country are almost home.” _ Our High Calling, p.367                   

Key Thought                                                                         

Only those who love to have fellowship with God and His Son here, can look forward to greater fellowship with them in the life to come.             

Part 6: Heirs of God

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Rev 21:7)

“. . . . One of the lessons that we are to learn in the school of Christ is that the Lord’s love for us is far greater than that of our earthly parents. We are to have unquestioning faith and perfect confidence in Him. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.” Verses 16, 17. _ Testimonies for The Church, Vol. 8, p.126

Among what kind of people will we find those who will inherit the kingdom of God? (James 2:5)

“. . . . Those who have faith in Christ as a personal Saviour, even though they may occupy a humble place in the world, are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance. They have an insurance policy to eternal life. ” _ The Upward Look, p. 45

“The members of the heavenly family are heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ–heirs to the treasures of heaven. They will not follow the ambition and madness of this world, to heap up treasures here below, at the loss of a Christian character that would insure them a life that measures with the life of God–a life free from sin, sickness, sorrow, and death. ” _ The Upward Look, p. 105

“Those who will be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ to the immortal inheritance, will be peculiar. Yes, so peculiar that God places a mark upon them as His, wholly His. Think ye that God will receive, honor, and acknowledge a people so mixed up with the world that they differ from them only in name? Read again Titus 2:13-15. It is soon to be known who is on the Lord’s side, who will not be ashamed of Jesus. Those who have not moral courage to conscientiously take their position in the face of unbelievers, leave the fashions of the world, and imitate the self-denying life of Christ, are ashamed of Him, and do not love His example.” _ Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p.287

What wonderful facts will always be unknown to us as long as we remain in this life? (1 Cor 2:9)

Let all that is beautiful in our earthly home remind us of the crystal river and green fields, the waving trees and the living fountains, the shining city and the white-robed singers, of our heavenly home–that world of beauty which no artist can picture, no mortal tongue describe. “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.” _ The Adventist Home, p.545                

Key Thought

We do not know what wonders we shall experience and enjoy in the life to come, but we do know that all that belongs to Christ, will belong to us.