In his sermon "Where the howlings of the dog of Hell are never heard!", C. H. Spurgeon addresses the profound hope of believers regarding their eternal destiny in heaven, emphasizing the transformative and euphoric nature of this promise. He articulates that this hope signifies not merely an escape from damnation, but an invitation to participate in the perfect holiness, security, and joy that heaven offers. Spurgeon highlights Colossians 1:5 and Revelation 22 to illustrate that the hope stored up for Christians includes a full restoration of our natures into Christlikeness, accompanied by an assurance of eternal safety free from all evil and sin. The practical significance of this doctrine lies in its capacity to inspire and fortify believers, urging them to anticipate a glorified existence with Christ, which engenders a deeper longing for holiness and an appreciation for God’s grace.
Key Quotes
“What a marvelous hope is this! We shall actually enter into heaven and see King Jesus in His beauty.”
“In glory we will have no sinful affections, no erring judgments, no straying passions, no hideous lusts.”
“Heaven is so peaceful that the storms of earth are unknown there, the lustings of the flesh are never felt, and the howlings of the dog of hell are never heard.”
“Oh, to be eternally at the right hand of God, where there are pleasures for evermore!”
The Bible describes hope in heaven as the assurance of eternal joy and fellowship with God.
The Bible speaks profoundly about the hope stored up for believers in heaven, particularly in Colossians 1:5, where it emphasizes that this hope is tied to the gospel—the word of truth. It describes a future where believers will be in the presence of King Jesus, experiencing unspeakable joy. This hope represents perfection, security, and everlasting enjoyment, freeing us from all sin and suffering. Such a glorious hope assures us that we will be transformed to reflect the holiness of Christ, enjoying eternal fellowship with Him in perfect peace.
Colossians 1:5, Revelation 22
Believers will be perfect in heaven because they will be conformed to the image of Christ, free from sin.
The certainty of believers' perfection in heaven rests on the transformative power of God's grace, as articulated in scriptures such as Romans 8:29, which states that believers are predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. In heaven, every sinful inclination will be removed, and we shall fully embody the matchless character of Jesus. This not only implies freedom from sin but also the perfection of love and holiness, allowing us to experience joy and desires that reflect God's own. This hope assures us that our relationship with God will be deeply intimate and fulfilling, beyond human comprehension.
Romans 8:29
Eternal security ensures that believers will be free from all dangers and sin forever.
Eternal security in heaven provides assurance to Christians that there will be no threats to their salvation or well-being. As Spurgeon highlights, in heaven, we will not face any form of evil, such as pain, sorrow, or spiritual attacks. Instead, believers can look forward to a place of peace, rest, and uninterrupted joy in God's presence. This truth encourages believers to live in holiness and provides comfort amid earthly hardships, knowing that their ultimate destiny is one of perfect safety and happiness eternally with God.
Colossians 1:5, Revelation 22
Christians will have deep, eternal fellowship with Jesus, experiencing His love and presence forever.
The fellowship that Christians will enjoy with Jesus in heaven is described as one of intimate communion and delight. Spurgeon reflects on the overwhelming joy of being with the Redeemer who sacrificed everything for our sake, emphasizing that the continuation of such fellowship will far exceed what we could imagine. In heaven, believers will see Jesus face-to-face, hear His voice, and never again grieve Him, allowing for an everlasting relationship characterized by love and participation in His glory. This promise of closeness offers profound hope and purpose to believers' lives and sustains their faith while on earth.
Revelation 22
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