“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:16-17)
“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am…” (John 17:24)
There is nothing like HOME. Yet, the Christian is said to be looking for a home where he has not yet been. We have read about Heaven in God’s word. We may smile, (or sigh) at the thought of being there with Christ who has done all that was necessary for our eternal enjoyment of His Presence and glory there.
Yet, we are not immediately taken to Heaven when we are given eternal life through that mystical union with Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. The life, walk, and triumph of faith glorifies God and conforms us to the image of Christ.
We are Christ’s and He is glorified through our carrying out His purpose in obedience and love for Him. And, He is preparing a place for us; and our life of faith increases our yearning for that true home, and our eternal enjoyment of Him.
“To go to Heaven fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here.” (Jonathan Edwards)
“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” (C.S. Lewis)
“Sanctification… is absolutely necessary in order to train and prepare us for heaven. Most men hope to go to heaven when they die; but few, it may be feared, take the trouble to consider whether they would enjoy heaven if they got there. Heaven is essentially a holy place; its inhabitants are all holy; its occupations are all holy. To be really happy in heaven, it is clear and plain that we must be somewhat trained and made ready for heaven while we are on earth…No man can possibly be happy in a place where he is not in his element and where all around him is not congenial to his tastes, habits and character. When an eagle is happy in an iron cage, when a sheep is happy in the water, when an owl is happy in the blaze of noonday sun, when a fish is happy on the dry land—then, and not until then, will I admit that the unsanctified man could be happy in heaven.” (J.C. Ryle)