Inheritance Factor Part 7 Series

“The Reward & Inheritance Factor” Pt 7

(The Fatherhood of God Message 21)

X. The Reward and Inheritance Factor

A. PRESENT AND FUTURE REWARD

B. FUTURE INHERITANCE

C. INTERMEDIATE HOME

D. RENEWED HEAVEN AND EARTH

1. The physical aspects of life on the new earth

2. The social and personal aspects of life on the new earth

3. Spiritual aspects of life on the new earth

Present earth seems more physical with some spiritual aspects. Present heaven seems more spiritual with some physical aspects. On the New Earth, the physical world and the spiritual world will be perfectly integrated. Paul wrote of the “the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” Ephesians 1:10

Our perceptions will include both the physical world and the spirit world. What some only caught momentary glimpses of, we will see as a matter of course. Like a blind person aware of but unable to see the world around Him, we are unable to see the spiritual realities surrounding us. On the new earth, our eyes will be opened to see and experience both worlds equally.

a) Sinless existence

We will no longer struggle with the flesh. We will no longer make sinful choices.

We will continually exhibit the character of Christ. We will be like Him.

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 1 John 3:2

No distractions. Evil thoughts won’t interfere with praise and conversation with God. Never will we be irritated or bored or tired. Selfishness and evil motives will not hamper any of our relationships. Our God-given desire for pleasure, possessions and prominence with be continually satisfied as God intended.

b) Significant yet growing knowledge of God

All the inhabitants of earth will possess a remarkable knowledge of God.

The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Hab 2:14

They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the LORD, "for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” Jeremiah 31:34

No creature is omniscient. No one will know everything. We will all have a significant knowledge base of God to build on through eternity. “Knowing” conveys intimate relationship.

Directly following Peter’s description of the New Heaven and Earth he urged his readers to be on guard against error that would disturb their spiritual stability. Then he urged them to continually increase in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

We will know and increase our knowledge of God through the ages.

c) The physical presence of Christ

As glorious as the environment of heaven and the new earth will be, the central point will be the glorified Jesus. Heaven without Jesus would not be heaven. Heaven without Jesus would be like going to the honeymoon without the groom. The central focus will be the relationship with Jesus. The glorious environment will seem as incidental to being with Jesus as the place settings on the table at a dinner with the King. John saw many things in his visions of heave but his most descriptive is his vision of Jesus.

Jesus promised His presence would always be with the disciples.

…I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20

Jesus promised that even though He would be physically absent for a time, they would be together again.

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3

There are obviously two different meanings to “with” in these two verses. The resurrected Christ interfaced with Paul on at least a couple occasions. He was aware of His spiritual presence throughout his ministry.

And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city." Acts 18:9-10

Yet Paul longed to be physically with Christ.

But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; Philippians 1:23