175. HEB 11:16. HEAVEN A BETTER COUNTRY

Heb_11:16. Heaven a Better Country

"But now they desire a better country, that is, it heavenly."’97Heb_11:16.

The text refers to the believing patriarchs described in the former part of the chapter; but is equally applicable to all who count themselves strangers and pilgrims on the earth, and who are travelling in the way to the heavenly Zion. Observe,

I. The Country referred to.

"A better country, that is, a heavenly." Sometimes heaven is described as a city’97a kingdom’97a temple’97an inheritance. In the text it is called a country, doubtless in allusion to the country of Canaan, which was a striking type of the heavenly rest. This heavenly country is only partially revealed to us. Perhaps at present we are not capable of knowing much of its nature, &c. In the text it is however stated to be "a better country," better, infinitely better, than the present world. It is better, as,

1. It is a more exalted country.

The most glorious part of the creation. Where Jehovah of hosts has his palace’97throne’97court, &c. The heaven of heavens. Full of the rays of the Divine glory.

2. It is a more holy country.

Not polluted. No sin within its happy territories.

3. It is a more healthful country.

Sin cause of disease; therefore, as there is no sin, there is no curse. No bodily, no mental, no spiritual afflictions there. "Inhabitants never say that they are sick."

4. It is a more happy country.

Sources of disquietude, grief, and pain, unfeared and unknown. No weeds of bitterness’97no crosses’97open foes’97false friends’97imperfect brethren’97no poverty’97nor bereavements’97nor toil’97no fears’97no temptation’97no death.

5. A more abiding country.

Not to be pilgrims, but residents. Not visiters for a season, but inhabitants forever. That inheritance is incorruptible’97that crown fades not’97that kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.

6. It is a better country, as it is he region of perfection and of consummate glory.

Perfect capacities’97perfect enjoyments’97perfect security’97perfect employments’97Perfect day. Unclouded light. Meridian glory. Bliss unchanging and unchangeable.

II. Believers desire this better Country

And as such,

1. They have secured a title to it.

By faith in Christ Jesus they are accepted of God, are his children, and if children, then heirs, &c. "Begotten again to a lively hope," &c. Names written in heaven. As such,

2. They are laboring for a meetness to enjoy it.

That better country is a heavenly one. It is necessary, therefore, that they be heavenly. Born from above. Heavenly nature. Heavenly dispositions. Heavenly conversation, &c.

3. They labor and pray for it.

Express their desires to God. Seek grace to enable them to travel onwards until they appear perfect before the God of gods in Zion.

4. They converse of it, and live in the hope of its eternal enjoyment.

They seek the company of heavenbound travellers. Speak of the glories of that kingdom. And their souls glow with the hope of dwelling in it forever and ever.

"The thoughts of such amazing bliss

Do constant joys create."

Application

1. Encourage believers to go forwards diligently, with cheerfulness and delight, until an abundant entrance is administered unto them through the gates into the city. 2. Endeavor to. persuade the thoughtless children of this vain world to become interested in matters relative to their immortal welfare, and to seek this better country.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS