Monday, March 1, 2004 (6)HEAVEN, THE DOMICILE OF THE LORD. Heaven is not a mystical place but is very real. Much more so than the earth on which we dwell. Heaven is eternal, everlasting and will never cease to exist. It will eventually be located on a new celestial body. It is spiritual and therefore will never pass away. 2 Pet. 3:11 The universe and earth are temporal and are destined to be destroyed. Heaven is a real site. The Lord Jesus promised that He would prepare a place [Topos-a location, space or home]. Our word topography is is derived from this Greek word. In other words, it shows the reality of heaven. The spiritual world is far more authentic than the natural for it is the Lord’s dwelling place and we are invited to share it with Him. John 14:3. The goal of Abraham was this country, this eternal homeland, with its prepared city. Though he had not achieved his objective. He died in faith. Those born of the man of faith received the same promises and vision and were filled with the same expectation. Anticipating a better country, that is, the heavenly with its eternal city. They looked forward to the real thing. Heb. 11:14
HIS THRONE. Heaven is His throne, not merely the place of His throne but the whole of heaven is His throne. Mt. 5:34 The earth is His footstool. He is omnipresent, filing both heaven and earth. Of what need or necessity is a building to Him? Acts 7:49 Although He manifest Himself in the Tabernacle and the Temple He has absolutely no interest in such today. The building of His delight and concern is the spirit nature of the redeemed. Ye are the temple of God. 1 Cor. 3:16 There is no secret hiding place where one might go to escape Him. He fills all of heaven and all of earth. Jer. 23:24 The throne of God is the throne of Christ. The Lord Jesus was explicitly formed and chosen of the Lord to sit upon the throne of the Lord. Acts 2:30 His exaltation to the throne is evidence of both His Deity and His acceptance as an occupant of that glorious, eternal throne. Heb. 1:8 It is Christ who will build the true temple of the Lord. He will reign, clothed in the majestic robes of the Lord. He is enthroned not only as a King but also as a Priest. One who is touched by the feeling of our infirmities. Zach. 6:13 It is a throne which is most approachable. We need not fear rejection, only acceptance, for it is the throne of the grace of the Lord. Heb. 4:16 The peace of the Lord is to be found by approaching this glorious throne. 1 Kings 2:33 This is the throne of love and faithfulness, that which may not be found elsewhere is lavishly granted to those of this wondrous kingdom. Isa. 16:5 Full occupancy of the throne is assured by receiving the overcomer and privileging them to sit on the throne. To accommodate all who will be accepted for a place on the throne it will have to be one huge throne. Rev. 3:1 This throne is the source of the manifest glory of the Lord. All the majestic, the glorious effulgency and shining forth of the glory of the Lord and of the throne is to be bestowed upon the Lord Jesus. The Father is exceedingly pleased with the Son of His good pleasure. So much so, that when Jesus returns He will not only come in glory but will sit upon His throne of heavenly glory. Mt. 25:31