297. 1CO 13:12. HEAVENLY KNOWLEDGE
1Co_13:12. Heavenly Knowledge
"Then shall I know even as also I am known."’971Co_13:12.
Heaven is invariably represented as the blessed region of light and knowledge. There is no mental darkness, nor spiritual night. It is one region of glory, one world of unending day. "For there is no night there." The apostle is contrasting the imperfections of the present with the future state. And while here every thing is seen as through a glass darkly, there, every thing will be clear and manifest. We shall there see face to face, and I know even as also we are known."
Let us notice,
I. Some things connected with heavenly Knowledge.
1. In heaven we shall have perfect sight.
Now all things are obscure. Neither light nor dark. The twilight of our being. Then it will be meridian day, noontide splendor, &c.
2. In heaven we shall have perfect faculties.
Now in an enfeebled state. Frail at best. Connected with a body that clogs, and bears them down towards the earth. There they will be possessed of healthy vigor and power. That which is imperfect will then be done away.
3. In heaven we shall have perfect facilities.
No interruptions, no night, no darkness. Have glorious celestial instructors. Knowledge will not then be conveyed by painful research and study, but by intuition. Dwell in the midst of vision which will supply all our faculties, and fully illuminate our minds.
Let us,
II. Glance at some of the Subjects of heavenly Knowledge.
In heaven we shall have a more clear and full knowledge,
1. Of the blessed God.
Now the believer knows him, but very imperfectly. Then he shall "behold his glory." "Behold his face in righteousness." The pure in heart shall "see God." Live in his immediate presence and worship incessantly before him.
2. Of the glory of the Redeemer.
Then we "shall see Jesus as he is." It is his own prayer that his disciples "may behold his glory." Then we shall apprehend more fully of the glories of his nature, perfections, &c. "There we shall see his face," &c.
3. Of the works of creation.
Now we see enough to exclaim, "How marvellous are thy works!" &c. Now fresh wonders burst upon us, through the medium of the telescope, microscope, &c. Then, most likely, we shall become acquainted with the works of the universe in all their extent, variety, and glory.
4. Of the mysteries of providence.
What we "know not now, we shall know hereafter." Then the divine procedure will be vindicated, and the righteous character of God justified; while his wisdom, power, and goodness will be emblazoned before angels and men.
5. Of the wonders of redemption.
Better able to estimate the worth and dignity of Jesus. Better able to prize his precious blood. Better able to understand he evil of sin. Better able to contemplate the depths of hell from which we have been rescued. Better able to know the heights of glory and happiness to which we have been exalted. Know more and more, though never in all its extent, "the love of Christ which passeth knowledge."
6. Of the family of the glorified.
There we shall become acquainted with the first of our race, the father of mankind, and the mother of all living. There we shall know patriarchs, priests, prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, &c. There, also, we shall become intimate with angels, seraphim, cherubim, &c., &c.
"O what a glorious company
Where saints and angels join," &c.
Application
1. The subject should make us humble. How little and worthless is our present character! How short-sighted! How ignorant at best! The dust is our place. How foolish is pride, especially pride of intellect!
2. It should make us diligent. Let us thirst after knowledge. Labor for it. Dig for it. Seek it earnestly of God, &c.
3. Excite us to long for heaven. What a blessed world! What light, what glory will burst upon us there! Let us see to it, that our title is clear, and our meetness for it increasing every day.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS