WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.120 There we go. So look how the confession summarises the journey of a soul. 00:00:07.900 --> 00:00:14.120 ! The bodies of men and women, after death, return to dust and see corruption. 00:00:15.040 --> 00:00:20.960 ! But their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having an immortal subsistence, an immortal existence, 00:00:21.960 --> 00:00:24.600 immediately return to God who gave them. 00:00:25.280 --> 00:00:28.400 The souls of the righteous, being then made perfect in holiness, 00:00:28.399 --> 00:00:35.879 are received into the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God in light and glory, 00:00:36.479 --> 00:00:39.519 waiting for the full redemption of their bodies. 00:00:41.219 --> 00:00:44.079 Today, I want us to see why this is true. 00:00:44.899 --> 00:00:49.099 I want us to have the assurance and the confidence and the comfort, 00:00:49.859 --> 00:00:56.060 knowing that what the confession just said here, that this is what happens to a believer's soul after death. 00:00:56.060 --> 00:01:01.760 And so the first thing we need to see is this, and the first point today, there is a heaven. 00:01:02.440 --> 00:01:03.260 There is a heaven. 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:11.400 We often just kind of know and we just say that when a believer dies, they go to heaven. 00:01:12.159 --> 00:01:13.820 That's kind of our instinct to say that. 00:01:14.520 --> 00:01:19.820 So ask someone even on the street that's not in church today, ask them what happens after death. 00:01:19.819 --> 00:01:23.659 And the word heaven will probably be mentioned somewhere in there. 00:01:24.319 --> 00:01:26.399 And the confession says it too, doesn't it? 00:01:26.639 --> 00:01:31.239 The souls of the righteous are received into the highest heavens. 00:01:32.459 --> 00:01:33.759 But what is that? 00:01:34.500 --> 00:01:36.099 What is heaven? 00:01:37.060 --> 00:01:39.959 Well, firstly, heaven is in creation. 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:41.979 Heaven is in creation. 00:01:42.239 --> 00:01:43.439 How does the Bible begin? 00:01:43.500 --> 00:01:44.560 What's the first verse of the Bible? 00:01:44.560 --> 00:01:45.519 Genesis 1.1. 00:01:46.359 --> 00:01:50.740 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 00:01:52.480 --> 00:01:53.579 First there was nothing. 00:01:54.680 --> 00:01:58.939 Then out of nothing, God made all creation. 00:02:00.140 --> 00:02:02.900 So, this is why I'm so excited. 00:02:03.300 --> 00:02:03.980 I can do this. 00:02:05.079 --> 00:02:05.579 Here we go. 00:02:07.260 --> 00:02:08.219 There we go. 00:02:08.439 --> 00:02:11.159 Thank you, Chris Kitchen, for driving to pick this up. 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:12.379 There we go. 00:02:12.379 --> 00:02:13.060 Okay. 00:02:14.840 --> 00:02:18.039 So, first there was only God, no creation. 00:02:18.139 --> 00:02:24.019 Then out of nothing, Genesis 1.1, he created all things, the heavens and the earth. 00:02:24.539 --> 00:02:26.460 So, God created all things. 00:02:26.539 --> 00:02:27.280 This is all things. 00:02:27.340 --> 00:02:30.819 Anything that is not God himself is in this circle, right? 00:02:30.979 --> 00:02:31.979 All things. 00:02:32.460 --> 00:02:32.900 Creation. 00:02:34.659 --> 00:02:38.340 And in that creation, there are two realms. 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:41.979 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 00:02:43.199 --> 00:02:46.680 Now, heavens can have three meanings in the Bible. 00:02:46.939 --> 00:02:48.740 The word heaven can have three meanings in the Bible. 00:02:49.599 --> 00:02:54.879 First, heaven can mean the sky, the clouds, the earth's atmosphere. 00:02:55.439 --> 00:02:56.379 So, Isaiah 55. 00:02:57.379 --> 00:02:59.800 The rain and the snow come down from heaven. 00:03:00.519 --> 00:03:00.699 Okay. 00:03:00.719 --> 00:03:01.359 It's the sky. 00:03:01.360 --> 00:03:07.780 Or heaven can mean space, kind of like stars and the sun, moon, galaxies. 00:03:08.780 --> 00:03:13.480 So, Genesis 1.14, let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens. 00:03:13.479 --> 00:03:16.859 And then God created those lights, the sun, moon, and stars. 00:03:18.699 --> 00:03:24.519 Or, heaven can mean something not in this visible universe. 00:03:24.520 --> 00:03:28.060 So, you have the highest heaven. 00:03:28.780 --> 00:03:29.939 That's 2 Chronicles 2. 00:03:30.520 --> 00:03:33.740 You have the heaven of heavens in Deuteronomy. 00:03:33.740 --> 00:03:42.020 It is a heaven outside and beyond these other two heavens. 00:03:43.159 --> 00:03:46.840 That's why Paul calls it, in 2 Corinthians, he calls it the third heaven. 00:03:47.100 --> 00:03:51.219 When he's taken up into the third heaven, he's talking about heaven. 00:03:51.219 --> 00:03:55.219 So, you have the first heaven sky, the second heaven space. 00:03:55.800 --> 00:04:00.659 And then, kind of beyond that, not just kind of above that, but kind of beyond that, 00:04:01.319 --> 00:04:08.219 you have a special location called heaven, the heavens of heaven, the heaven of heavens. 00:04:09.400 --> 00:04:12.819 And so, when God made all creation, the heavens and the earth, 00:04:12.900 --> 00:04:16.660 he made the visible universe with those two heavens. 00:04:16.660 --> 00:04:24.340 And he also made a special location in creation, a place called heaven. 00:04:25.420 --> 00:04:28.080 So, this is all things, all creation. 00:04:29.040 --> 00:04:30.180 You have the universe here. 00:04:30.660 --> 00:04:32.020 That's what we can see. 00:04:32.120 --> 00:04:33.080 That's what we live in. 00:04:33.940 --> 00:04:38.960 But you also have a location called heaven. 00:04:40.940 --> 00:04:44.280 And it's not part of this visible universe. 00:04:44.279 --> 00:04:47.899 It's outside, beyond it. 00:04:48.879 --> 00:04:52.219 And so, you can't physically travel there by a spaceship. 00:04:53.299 --> 00:04:54.759 But it is real. 00:04:54.919 --> 00:04:55.939 It is a location. 00:04:57.359 --> 00:05:00.159 And so, without our minds going too sci-fi, 00:05:00.339 --> 00:05:03.359 so don't load this too much in your mind with sci-fi things, 00:05:03.619 --> 00:05:08.319 but heaven is a different dimension of creation. 00:05:08.459 --> 00:05:10.119 It's a different realm of creation. 00:05:11.279 --> 00:05:12.699 But what is heaven? 00:05:12.699 --> 00:05:15.379 Well, heaven is God's home. 00:05:15.519 --> 00:05:16.379 It's my next sub-point. 00:05:16.479 --> 00:05:17.399 Heaven is God's home. 00:05:18.839 --> 00:05:22.599 Heaven is a place where God specially dwells. 00:05:23.199 --> 00:05:25.180 He's specially present in heaven. 00:05:25.319 --> 00:05:26.800 So, look at 1 Kings 8. 00:05:27.779 --> 00:05:30.759 Listen in heaven, your dwelling place, God. 00:05:31.919 --> 00:05:32.819 And Isaiah 63. 00:05:33.039 --> 00:05:38.419 Look down from heaven and see from your holy and beautiful habitation. 00:05:38.420 --> 00:05:42.240 Heaven is always described as God's home. 00:05:43.300 --> 00:05:45.640 That's why we pray our Father in heaven. 00:05:46.840 --> 00:05:50.620 Now, that doesn't mean that God is only locked up in heaven. 00:05:51.319 --> 00:05:52.480 Look at 1 Kings 8. 00:05:52.540 --> 00:05:53.300 I've got it there for you. 00:05:53.780 --> 00:05:57.319 Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you. 00:05:58.460 --> 00:06:00.920 God exists outside of creation. 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:03.800 He exists everywhere in creation. 00:06:03.800 --> 00:06:08.020 So, Psalm 139 says, where can I run from you, God? 00:06:09.639 --> 00:06:16.439 But God has a special intensified presence in heaven. 00:06:17.300 --> 00:06:18.420 It's his home. 00:06:18.420 --> 00:06:23.680 Which is just like the tabernacle and the temple in the Old Testament. 00:06:24.439 --> 00:06:25.960 So, God is everywhere, isn't he? 00:06:26.040 --> 00:06:26.920 At all times. 00:06:27.720 --> 00:06:35.840 But he specially dwelt in an intensified way in the temple, in the Holy of Holies particularly. 00:06:35.839 --> 00:06:45.879 There was a location on earth where there was an intensified holiness and majesty and glory of God. 00:06:46.119 --> 00:06:51.500 Where you could particularly and more directly come into God's presence. 00:06:52.419 --> 00:06:55.120 And it was even dangerous to enter the temple, do you remember? 00:06:55.239 --> 00:06:57.539 Because his glory was so present there. 00:06:58.959 --> 00:07:00.139 Well, that is just like heaven. 00:07:00.299 --> 00:07:02.719 It's where God specially dwells. 00:07:02.720 --> 00:07:03.200 God's temple. 00:07:03.600 --> 00:07:08.200 Which is why heaven is also called God's temple. 00:07:09.200 --> 00:07:11.060 That's my third sub-point, C. 00:07:11.260 --> 00:07:12.240 Heaven is God's temple. 00:07:13.160 --> 00:07:14.300 So, look at Hebrews 8. 00:07:14.760 --> 00:07:15.700 I've got it written there for you. 00:07:15.880 --> 00:07:20.800 Look how Hebrews talks of heaven where Christ has gone to be our high priest. 00:07:22.020 --> 00:07:28.100 It says, Christ is seated at the right hand of the throne of the majesty in heaven. 00:07:28.100 --> 00:07:29.580 Heaven is the true temple. 00:07:29.580 --> 00:07:31.840 A minister in the holy places. 00:07:32.379 --> 00:07:35.700 In the true tent that the Lord set up. 00:07:35.980 --> 00:07:36.480 Not man. 00:07:37.900 --> 00:07:41.020 Heaven is the true holy of holies. 00:07:41.640 --> 00:07:44.740 The true temple where God dwells. 00:07:44.860 --> 00:07:47.200 Specially dwells in creation. 00:07:47.199 --> 00:07:52.839 And the earthly temple and the tabernacle that we read in the Old Testament. 00:07:53.219 --> 00:07:59.500 That's just a reflection, a miniature version of the true heaven temple. 00:08:01.240 --> 00:08:05.459 It's where God's glory is directly revealed in creation. 00:08:05.459 --> 00:08:15.739 So, where do you go to to experience the full weight and brightness of God's majesty and glory? 00:08:16.539 --> 00:08:17.879 You go to heaven. 00:08:18.699 --> 00:08:20.599 It's the ultimate temple. 00:08:22.299 --> 00:08:23.699 And what happens in temples? 00:08:25.099 --> 00:08:25.479 Worship. 00:08:27.179 --> 00:08:33.340 Which is why heaven is a place where angels dwell and worship God. 00:08:33.340 --> 00:08:36.060 So, look at Nehemiah 9. 00:08:37.519 --> 00:08:38.480 You are the Lord. 00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:39.139 You alone. 00:08:40.200 --> 00:08:41.160 You made heaven. 00:08:41.259 --> 00:08:42.360 The heaven of heavens. 00:08:42.840 --> 00:08:44.320 With all their host. 00:08:44.660 --> 00:08:45.759 That's referring to the angels. 00:08:45.960 --> 00:08:46.860 Armies of angels. 00:08:47.519 --> 00:08:48.320 Host means armies. 00:08:49.700 --> 00:08:51.580 And you made the earth and all that is on it. 00:08:51.820 --> 00:08:53.240 The seas and all that is in them. 00:08:53.420 --> 00:08:55.180 And you preserve all of them. 00:08:55.360 --> 00:08:58.440 And the host of heaven worships you. 00:08:58.440 --> 00:09:03.400 And in Revelation 4, we get a glimpse into heaven. 00:09:04.040 --> 00:09:05.400 Into God's intense presence. 00:09:05.580 --> 00:09:09.380 And we see angelic beings worshipping God. 00:09:09.720 --> 00:09:10.820 And they cry out, 00:09:11.100 --> 00:09:14.880 Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. 00:09:14.879 --> 00:09:19.980 And so, when God created the heavens and the earth, 00:09:20.600 --> 00:09:26.299 He created a special place full of armies of angels. 00:09:27.580 --> 00:09:29.639 And since the beginning of time, 00:09:30.179 --> 00:09:34.120 they have been worshipping and praising the triune God 00:09:34.120 --> 00:09:37.120 in His intensified presence. 00:09:37.120 --> 00:09:40.519 And this place is perfect. 00:09:41.700 --> 00:09:45.879 The Bible never mentions any stain of sin 00:09:45.879 --> 00:09:48.659 or any evil or any suffering in heaven. 00:09:49.100 --> 00:09:50.419 There's never any mention of it. 00:09:50.480 --> 00:09:54.320 Because there's nothing in heaven to diminish God's glory. 00:09:56.080 --> 00:10:00.060 And it's from heaven that God rules creation. 00:10:01.779 --> 00:10:04.639 Heaven is His home, but it's also His throne room. 00:10:04.639 --> 00:10:07.000 So, this is my next sub-point. 00:10:07.100 --> 00:10:08.399 Heaven is God's throne room. 00:10:09.639 --> 00:10:11.279 So, look at Psalm 103. 00:10:13.100 --> 00:10:17.059 The Lord has established His throne in the heavens. 00:10:17.840 --> 00:10:20.139 And His kingdom rules over all. 00:10:21.519 --> 00:10:22.360 Isaiah 66. 00:10:22.659 --> 00:10:24.199 Heaven is my throne. 00:10:25.360 --> 00:10:27.159 And the earth is my footstool. 00:10:28.759 --> 00:10:32.120 Heaven is where God's glory and His power 00:10:32.120 --> 00:10:33.919 is concentrated. 00:10:34.120 --> 00:10:36.379 And it's from heaven, from there, 00:10:36.440 --> 00:10:38.639 that He rules the rest of creation. 00:10:40.019 --> 00:10:45.279 Which is why, when Jesus is given all authority 00:10:45.279 --> 00:10:47.039 in heaven and on earth, 00:10:47.980 --> 00:10:50.659 that's why He then ascends to heaven. 00:10:51.820 --> 00:10:55.879 So, Paul preached that in Acts 1 a few weeks ago, didn't he? 00:10:55.879 --> 00:10:59.939 He said, Jesus went to heaven to be enthroned 00:10:59.939 --> 00:11:01.700 and to rule over everything. 00:11:02.559 --> 00:11:04.000 And that's what Hebrews 8 says. 00:11:04.360 --> 00:11:05.500 If you look back to Hebrews 8, 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:10.279 Jesus is seated at the right hand of the throne 00:11:10.279 --> 00:11:12.279 of the majesty in heaven. 00:11:14.120 --> 00:11:15.799 Sat just means enthroned. 00:11:15.799 --> 00:11:18.679 Jesus Christ of Nazareth, 00:11:19.399 --> 00:11:21.779 in the flesh, in His glorified body, 00:11:22.779 --> 00:11:26.899 He is enthroned, along with the Father, 00:11:27.639 --> 00:11:29.479 ruling over creation together, 00:11:30.139 --> 00:11:33.759 being worshipped by angels in all His glory. 00:11:35.620 --> 00:11:37.779 A Scottish theologian called John Duncan, 00:11:38.299 --> 00:11:39.799 he put it well, he said this, 00:11:39.799 --> 00:11:42.199 the dust of the earth, 00:11:42.579 --> 00:11:45.179 now sits on the throne of the universe. 00:11:47.859 --> 00:11:50.459 And so heaven is where Jesus is now. 00:11:51.599 --> 00:11:52.879 It's a location, 00:11:53.539 --> 00:11:55.339 because Jesus is physically there, 00:11:55.479 --> 00:11:56.719 Jesus still has a body, 00:11:56.859 --> 00:11:57.979 and that's where He is. 00:11:58.639 --> 00:12:01.599 But heaven, it's not in the visible universe. 00:12:01.939 --> 00:12:04.559 It's another realm, a spiritual realm. 00:12:05.439 --> 00:12:07.059 And you can't fly there, 00:12:07.059 --> 00:12:10.079 but you can go there. 00:12:11.139 --> 00:12:12.979 God can take you there. 00:12:14.099 --> 00:12:16.919 And the Bible tells us it's here in heaven 00:12:16.919 --> 00:12:19.539 that believers go when they die. 00:12:20.859 --> 00:12:22.500 And this is my second big point today. 00:12:22.959 --> 00:12:26.039 After death, believers go to heaven. 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:30.679 It's important to see that after death, 00:12:31.219 --> 00:12:32.559 there is an afterlife. 00:12:34.619 --> 00:12:35.439 And just to say, 00:12:35.500 --> 00:12:36.959 I'm going to stop for questions at the end. 00:12:37.059 --> 00:12:38.379 So, if you've got any questions, 00:12:38.479 --> 00:12:39.079 write them down, 00:12:39.159 --> 00:12:40.239 and then we'll stop at the end. 00:12:41.839 --> 00:12:43.579 So it's important to see that after death, 00:12:43.679 --> 00:12:44.579 there is an afterlife. 00:12:44.739 --> 00:12:48.299 There is an existence immediately after death, 00:12:48.699 --> 00:12:49.879 and before the resurrection. 00:12:50.059 --> 00:12:53.500 So let's remind ourselves of this. 00:12:56.139 --> 00:12:56.939 This timeline. 00:12:58.559 --> 00:13:01.419 This timeline will make sense as the weeks go on. 00:13:02.319 --> 00:13:02.899 But here we are. 00:13:02.979 --> 00:13:03.899 The point of death, 00:13:04.359 --> 00:13:05.719 something happens. 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:10.940 That there is an existence. 00:13:10.940 --> 00:13:12.940 That there is an intermediate state. 00:13:13.840 --> 00:13:15.360 That's what we often call it. 00:13:16.460 --> 00:13:17.279 Line that up. 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:19.460 And for the believer, 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:20.940 what happens to us? 00:13:21.940 --> 00:13:24.120 We go to be with Christ. 00:13:25.279 --> 00:13:26.200 So look what Jesus, 00:13:26.360 --> 00:13:28.340 do you remember what Jesus says to the thief on the cross 00:13:28.340 --> 00:13:30.080 as they're both dying? 00:13:30.840 --> 00:13:31.860 Wonderful words. 00:13:31.860 --> 00:13:32.700 Luke 23. 00:13:34.100 --> 00:13:35.639 Truly I say to you, 00:13:36.379 --> 00:13:40.519 today you will be with me in paradise. 00:13:42.620 --> 00:13:44.720 And think of Stephen before he dies. 00:13:45.220 --> 00:13:45.980 In Acts 7. 00:13:46.779 --> 00:13:47.800 He cries out, 00:13:47.919 --> 00:13:48.840 Lord Jesus, 00:13:49.560 --> 00:13:51.000 receive my spirit. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:54.679 At the point of death, 00:13:55.940 --> 00:13:57.740 believers go to be with Christ. 00:13:59.100 --> 00:14:01.279 And where is Christ? 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:03.139 In heaven. 00:14:03.139 --> 00:14:06.759 Our bodies stay here on earth. 00:14:06.919 --> 00:14:09.279 Our souls are separated from them. 00:14:09.819 --> 00:14:12.860 And our souls go to be in that heavenly realm. 00:14:14.199 --> 00:14:16.139 And that's why we often say, 00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:18.139 when a Christian has died, 00:14:18.360 --> 00:14:19.059 we might say, 00:14:19.360 --> 00:14:20.159 that brother, 00:14:20.319 --> 00:14:20.980 that sister, 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:22.620 she's gone to glory. 00:14:24.240 --> 00:14:26.199 Heaven is the place of God's glory. 00:14:26.200 --> 00:14:29.420 And we go there to be with Christ. 00:14:31.180 --> 00:14:32.800 And believers in the Old Testament, 00:14:32.980 --> 00:14:33.940 they knew this too. 00:14:34.040 --> 00:14:36.680 They didn't have as clear a grasp on it 00:14:36.680 --> 00:14:38.900 as we do in the New Testament. 00:14:39.100 --> 00:14:39.640 It's kind of in, 00:14:40.080 --> 00:14:42.580 it's a little bit out of focus in the Old Testament, 00:14:42.680 --> 00:14:43.320 but it's there. 00:14:43.640 --> 00:14:45.780 This belief didn't just appear in the New Testament. 00:14:46.220 --> 00:14:47.340 Look at Psalm 73. 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:50.140 You guide me with your counsel, 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:53.180 and afterwards you will receive me to your glory. 00:14:53.179 --> 00:14:55.859 Or Ecclesiastes 12. 00:14:55.979 --> 00:14:58.039 The dust returns to the earth as it was, 00:14:58.599 --> 00:15:01.579 but the spirit returns to God who gave it. 00:15:03.399 --> 00:15:05.879 And who goes to heaven after death? 00:15:07.259 --> 00:15:08.739 Everyone who is in Christ. 00:15:10.120 --> 00:15:13.579 We are so united to Christ 00:15:13.579 --> 00:15:16.159 that we will always be with him. 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:19.199 Nothing can separate you from Christ 00:15:19.199 --> 00:15:21.139 so that in death you will, 00:15:21.299 --> 00:15:23.120 you must go to Christ. 00:15:24.179 --> 00:15:26.679 And this is the greatest thing about heaven. 00:15:27.559 --> 00:15:29.639 It's the greatest joy and the greatest comfort. 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:33.739 Just look how positively Paul talks about 00:15:33.739 --> 00:15:35.359 death for the Christian. 00:15:36.079 --> 00:15:36.739 Philippians 1. 00:15:38.519 --> 00:15:41.059 For to me, to live is Christ, 00:15:41.739 --> 00:15:43.979 and to die is gain. 00:15:45.339 --> 00:15:46.919 If I'm to live in the flesh, 00:15:46.959 --> 00:15:48.419 that means fruitful labour for me. 00:15:48.479 --> 00:15:51.000 Yes, I can do good things while I'm alive in this body. 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:53.059 Yet which shall I choose? 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:53.960 I cannot tell. 00:15:54.679 --> 00:15:56.879 I'm hard pressed between the two, 00:15:57.000 --> 00:15:58.039 between living and dying. 00:15:59.100 --> 00:16:02.340 My desire is to depart and be with Christ, 00:16:02.559 --> 00:16:04.659 for that is far better. 00:16:04.659 --> 00:16:07.719 When we die, 00:16:07.719 --> 00:16:09.799 Christ in his glorified body, 00:16:10.519 --> 00:16:12.579 he will welcome us into heaven. 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:14.879 And we will see him. 00:16:14.939 --> 00:16:17.079 We will actually be with him. 00:16:17.080 --> 00:16:19.960 And it will be a positive, 00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:21.620 conscious experience. 00:16:22.920 --> 00:16:26.080 Now, we won't have bodies, remember. 00:16:26.900 --> 00:16:28.240 We will be spirits. 00:16:28.240 --> 00:16:31.240 And so we don't know what this will look like 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:32.600 or how it will work. 00:16:33.460 --> 00:16:34.899 But we will be conscious. 00:16:35.919 --> 00:16:37.019 We will be aware. 00:16:37.960 --> 00:16:40.779 And somehow we will be able to see 00:16:40.779 --> 00:16:42.279 and interact in heaven. 00:16:43.299 --> 00:16:44.539 And it will be us. 00:16:44.720 --> 00:16:47.659 It will be consciously us in soul form 00:16:47.659 --> 00:16:49.039 with Christ, 00:16:49.940 --> 00:16:52.220 joining with the angels, 00:16:52.620 --> 00:16:53.320 worshipping him. 00:16:53.320 --> 00:16:56.980 And so two things to note here. 00:16:58.640 --> 00:17:00.700 Death is not deletion. 00:17:01.680 --> 00:17:03.680 Death is not being deleted. 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:06.440 We are not just atoms 00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:08.360 that, you know, when we die, 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:10.500 we just kind of experience nothing 00:17:10.500 --> 00:17:11.880 at the point of death. 00:17:12.460 --> 00:17:13.279 It's kind of like, 00:17:13.360 --> 00:17:14.460 it's not like, you know, 00:17:14.500 --> 00:17:15.880 the TV turns off 00:17:15.880 --> 00:17:16.779 and it's just nothing, 00:17:16.900 --> 00:17:17.700 not even static. 00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:22.980 No, it's not like our experience 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:24.200 just gets deleted 00:17:24.200 --> 00:17:25.420 and we finish. 00:17:26.360 --> 00:17:29.140 No, we are bodies and souls. 00:17:30.700 --> 00:17:32.640 And our souls continue to live. 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:34.180 They can never be deleted. 00:17:34.440 --> 00:17:35.759 Souls are immortal 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:38.140 in the sense of once they're created, 00:17:38.340 --> 00:17:39.860 they always exist. 00:17:41.180 --> 00:17:43.220 There is an existence after death. 00:17:43.860 --> 00:17:47.500 And that goes for the non-Christian too. 00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:48.839 And we'll see that in a few weeks. 00:17:50.440 --> 00:17:51.440 So that's the first thing. 00:17:51.519 --> 00:17:52.380 Death is not deletion, 00:17:52.480 --> 00:17:54.660 but also death is not soul sleep. 00:17:56.119 --> 00:17:57.599 Death is not just kind of 00:17:57.599 --> 00:18:00.180 an unconscious sleep period 00:18:00.180 --> 00:18:03.440 where we kind of shut our eyes 00:18:03.440 --> 00:18:05.319 and then time goes really fast, 00:18:05.460 --> 00:18:06.359 a bit like when you're sleeping. 00:18:07.160 --> 00:18:10.059 And then before we know it, 00:18:10.099 --> 00:18:10.880 we open our eyes 00:18:10.880 --> 00:18:12.099 and then it's the resurrection. 00:18:12.660 --> 00:18:14.339 It's not kind of like death 00:18:14.339 --> 00:18:15.299 and then we're just sleeping. 00:18:15.579 --> 00:18:16.519 Oh, didn't even realise, 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:17.440 boom, it's the resurrection. 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:18.819 It's not that. 00:18:19.920 --> 00:18:21.660 No, that there is a conscious 00:18:21.660 --> 00:18:23.319 intermediate state 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:24.579 between the two. 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:26.839 And for the Christian, 00:18:27.460 --> 00:18:29.119 this state 00:18:29.119 --> 00:18:31.119 will be a conscious, 00:18:32.059 --> 00:18:33.180 joyous experience 00:18:33.180 --> 00:18:34.059 with Christ in heaven. 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:37.079 It will be rest. 00:18:38.660 --> 00:18:39.680 And this is the next thing 00:18:39.680 --> 00:18:40.420 I want us to see. 00:18:40.660 --> 00:18:42.359 I want us to see what heaven is like. 00:18:43.319 --> 00:18:44.319 What is heaven like? 00:18:44.319 --> 00:18:45.579 Heaven is rest. 00:18:47.480 --> 00:18:50.259 Look what believers experience in heaven. 00:18:50.419 --> 00:18:51.359 Revelation 14. 00:18:52.859 --> 00:18:54.159 Blessed are the dead 00:18:54.159 --> 00:18:56.139 who die in the Lord from now on. 00:18:57.179 --> 00:18:58.039 Blessed indeed, 00:18:58.179 --> 00:18:58.899 says the Spirit, 00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:01.079 that they may rest 00:19:01.079 --> 00:19:02.700 from their labours 00:19:02.700 --> 00:19:04.939 for their deeds follow them. 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:09.660 we experience rest in heaven. 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:12.759 It is rest from pain 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:14.460 and disease 00:19:14.460 --> 00:19:15.759 and cancer 00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:16.940 and suffering 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:18.160 and trials 00:19:18.160 --> 00:19:19.519 and persecution 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:20.600 and anxiety. 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:23.199 it is true 00:19:23.199 --> 00:19:25.000 peaceful rest. 00:19:25.000 --> 00:19:28.059 And it's even rest 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:29.059 from our own sin 00:19:29.059 --> 00:19:30.359 because look what our souls 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:30.940 are like in heaven. 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:31.900 Look at Hebrews 12. 00:19:33.559 --> 00:19:34.460 The spirits 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:35.440 of the righteous 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:37.160 are made perfect. 00:19:38.299 --> 00:19:39.460 In Hebrews 12, 00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:39.940 it's talking about 00:19:39.940 --> 00:19:41.140 the heavenly Jerusalem here, 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:42.380 the spirits in heaven. 00:19:43.380 --> 00:19:44.420 The spirits of the righteous 00:19:44.420 --> 00:19:46.039 are made perfect. 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:49.720 death is the moment 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:51.319 that sin is stripped 00:19:51.319 --> 00:19:51.879 from us. 00:19:53.220 --> 00:19:54.220 It's the moment 00:19:54.220 --> 00:19:56.099 that pull of temptation 00:19:56.099 --> 00:19:57.619 that we feel every day, 00:19:58.039 --> 00:19:58.960 it's the moment 00:19:58.960 --> 00:20:00.579 that that temptation goes. 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:03.700 We stop being sinners 00:20:03.700 --> 00:20:04.180 in heaven 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:06.279 because no sin is allowed. 00:20:06.279 --> 00:20:08.559 it's too glorious 00:20:08.559 --> 00:20:09.119 in heaven. 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:11.279 But, 00:20:11.339 --> 00:20:11.660 but, 00:20:12.440 --> 00:20:13.099 heaven 00:20:13.099 --> 00:20:14.879 won't feel 00:20:14.879 --> 00:20:15.700 like this 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.779 weird 00:20:16.779 --> 00:20:18.019 foreign place 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:18.559 to us. 00:20:19.180 --> 00:20:19.799 I think sometimes 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:20.639 we can feel that 00:20:20.639 --> 00:20:21.579 about this 00:20:21.579 --> 00:20:23.379 this glorious place 00:20:23.379 --> 00:20:24.200 that we can't even 00:20:24.200 --> 00:20:24.899 really picture 00:20:24.899 --> 00:20:25.799 but we know 00:20:25.799 --> 00:20:26.839 that there's worship 00:20:26.839 --> 00:20:27.480 and angels 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.379 and God's presence. 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:30.440 We can know 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:30.940 it's glorious 00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:32.059 but sometimes 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:32.639 our instinct 00:20:32.639 --> 00:20:33.440 is to think 00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:34.059 that it's kind of 00:20:34.059 --> 00:20:35.240 a weird foreign place 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:35.460 to us. 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:35.899 A bit like 00:20:35.900 --> 00:20:36.400 you know, 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:37.040 if you walk 00:20:37.040 --> 00:20:37.900 into a cathedral 00:20:37.900 --> 00:20:39.420 like you know 00:20:39.420 --> 00:20:39.800 that wow 00:20:39.800 --> 00:20:40.759 this is glorious 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:42.600 but also 00:20:42.600 --> 00:20:43.500 you can feel 00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:44.060 a bit awkward 00:20:44.060 --> 00:20:44.480 in it. 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:45.560 Maybe a bit 00:20:45.560 --> 00:20:46.080 uncomfortable, 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:46.980 a bit nervous. 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:49.400 But no, 00:20:49.660 --> 00:20:50.800 heaven will feel 00:20:50.800 --> 00:20:51.600 like home. 00:20:53.040 --> 00:20:54.540 Look at 2 Corinthians 5. 00:20:56.300 --> 00:20:56.740 Yes, 00:20:56.840 --> 00:20:58.320 we are of good courage 00:20:58.320 --> 00:21:00.220 and we would rather 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.880 be away from the body 00:21:01.880 --> 00:21:03.540 that means death, 00:21:03.540 --> 00:21:04.500 being separated 00:21:04.500 --> 00:21:05.080 from the body 00:21:05.080 --> 00:21:05.540 and death 00:21:05.539 --> 00:21:07.879 and be at home 00:21:07.879 --> 00:21:08.759 with the Lord. 00:21:10.839 --> 00:21:11.379 You know 00:21:11.379 --> 00:21:11.819 when you've been 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:12.680 on a long journey, 00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:13.619 maybe you've been 00:21:13.619 --> 00:21:14.579 travelling for work, 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:15.259 maybe you've done 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:15.779 D of E, 00:21:16.440 --> 00:21:17.279 a big expedition, 00:21:18.159 --> 00:21:19.359 and it's been tiring 00:21:19.359 --> 00:21:20.659 and traumatic 00:21:20.659 --> 00:21:21.599 and you're just spent, 00:21:21.680 --> 00:21:22.639 you are just wiped 00:21:22.639 --> 00:21:23.819 out by the end of it. 00:21:24.799 --> 00:21:26.200 But after that long journey, 00:21:26.680 --> 00:21:27.319 finally, 00:21:27.559 --> 00:21:28.799 you get to your front door, 00:21:29.539 --> 00:21:30.559 you open it up 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:31.799 and you go into your house 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:32.720 and you just feel like, 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:33.619 oh, 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:34.819 I'm home. 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:36.879 And everything feels right, 00:21:36.940 --> 00:21:37.279 doesn't it? 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:39.519 Well, 00:21:39.539 --> 00:21:40.379 when we get to heaven 00:21:40.379 --> 00:21:42.099 and we get to be with Christ, 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:44.539 it will be a feeling of, 00:21:44.899 --> 00:21:45.779 oh, 00:21:45.899 --> 00:21:47.480 I'm home. 00:21:47.480 --> 00:21:50.819 the Christian has escaped 00:21:50.819 --> 00:21:53.380 the pains of this pilgrimage, 00:21:53.620 --> 00:21:55.019 this journey on earth 00:21:55.019 --> 00:21:58.180 and we get to just enjoy Christ. 00:21:59.700 --> 00:22:00.980 And that is why 00:22:00.980 --> 00:22:02.380 the Christians in heaven 00:22:02.380 --> 00:22:04.480 are sometimes referred to as 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:05.819 the church triumphant. 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.440 Have you ever heard that? 00:22:07.440 --> 00:22:10.259 And the church on earth below 00:22:10.259 --> 00:22:11.640 is sometimes called 00:22:11.640 --> 00:22:12.940 the church militant. 00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:14.820 And that's because 00:22:14.820 --> 00:22:15.720 here on earth, 00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:17.220 we are still fighting. 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:19.600 We're fighting against the world 00:22:19.600 --> 00:22:20.259 and the flesh 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:20.880 and the devil. 00:22:21.940 --> 00:22:23.259 We're not at rest 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:23.960 in this world, 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:24.420 are we? 00:22:25.080 --> 00:22:26.400 We have peace with God, 00:22:26.500 --> 00:22:27.299 our sins are forgiven, 00:22:27.420 --> 00:22:28.940 but we're not at rest. 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:32.299 But the church in heaven, 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:34.660 Christians in heaven, 00:22:34.759 --> 00:22:35.740 the church in heaven 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:37.859 has made it 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:38.460 to the end 00:22:38.460 --> 00:22:39.640 of this earthly journey 00:22:39.640 --> 00:22:42.120 and they have triumphed 00:22:42.120 --> 00:22:42.740 in their fight. 00:22:44.059 --> 00:22:44.640 And that's why 00:22:44.640 --> 00:22:45.079 they're called 00:22:45.079 --> 00:22:46.559 the church triumphant. 00:22:47.900 --> 00:22:48.359 So actually, 00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:49.960 you can think of it like this. 00:22:51.660 --> 00:22:53.240 So this timeline 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.640 still keeps going, 00:22:54.799 --> 00:22:55.500 but there are still, 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:57.160 there's still the church 00:22:57.160 --> 00:22:57.519 on earth, 00:22:57.579 --> 00:22:58.720 the church militant. 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:04.140 And in heaven, 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:05.019 it's the church 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:07.339 triumphant. 00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:16.059 And this means 00:23:16.059 --> 00:23:18.339 something amazing 00:23:18.339 --> 00:23:19.000 for us now. 00:23:19.960 --> 00:23:21.319 All this means 00:23:21.319 --> 00:23:21.900 that heaven 00:23:21.900 --> 00:23:23.700 is a real comfort 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:24.379 for us now. 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:26.119 And this is my 00:23:26.119 --> 00:23:27.799 second sub-point, 00:23:27.940 --> 00:23:29.359 heaven is our comfort now. 00:23:29.359 --> 00:23:29.819 death is now. 00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:33.479 If you are in Christ, 00:23:34.099 --> 00:23:36.479 death is now 00:23:36.479 --> 00:23:37.819 completely transformed 00:23:38.379 --> 00:23:38.819 for you. 00:23:40.099 --> 00:23:41.859 Death is not 00:23:41.859 --> 00:23:42.679 an unknown 00:23:42.679 --> 00:23:43.299 for us. 00:23:44.419 --> 00:23:45.399 Death is not 00:23:45.399 --> 00:23:47.139 a scary experience 00:23:47.139 --> 00:23:48.619 stepping into darkness. 00:23:49.779 --> 00:23:51.119 Death is not punishment. 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:52.679 No, 00:23:52.879 --> 00:23:54.699 death is coming home. 00:23:54.700 --> 00:23:57.700 we go to be 00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:58.380 welcomed, 00:23:58.580 --> 00:23:59.880 actually welcomed 00:23:59.880 --> 00:24:00.720 by Christ. 00:24:02.220 --> 00:24:03.340 Heaven is 00:24:03.340 --> 00:24:04.240 far better. 00:24:04.360 --> 00:24:05.519 To be with Christ 00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:06.940 is far better 00:24:06.940 --> 00:24:08.000 than even 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:09.360 your best memory 00:24:09.360 --> 00:24:10.519 here on earth. 00:24:11.840 --> 00:24:13.140 Death is to gain 00:24:13.140 --> 00:24:13.799 everything. 00:24:15.400 --> 00:24:16.180 Peter Pan, 00:24:16.299 --> 00:24:17.279 the great theologian, 00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:19.160 he said it best. 00:24:20.559 --> 00:24:21.379 To die 00:24:21.379 --> 00:24:22.180 would be 00:24:22.180 --> 00:24:22.740 an awfully 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.379 big adventure. 00:24:25.059 --> 00:24:26.079 That lost boy 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:26.759 has nailed it. 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:28.680 To be with 00:24:28.680 --> 00:24:29.700 Christ in glory, 00:24:30.379 --> 00:24:31.099 that is 00:24:31.099 --> 00:24:31.899 an adventure. 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:34.779 And so, 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:35.920 we can have 00:24:35.920 --> 00:24:36.680 immense 00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:37.399 and real 00:24:37.399 --> 00:24:37.980 comfort 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:38.740 knowing that 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:39.139 there are 00:24:39.139 --> 00:24:40.200 loved ones 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:41.339 who die 00:24:41.339 --> 00:24:42.039 in Christ, 00:24:42.039 --> 00:24:43.720 they are 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:44.279 with Christ 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:44.659 in heaven. 00:24:45.899 --> 00:24:46.899 We don't need 00:24:46.899 --> 00:24:47.359 to worry 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:47.920 about them. 00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:49.579 We don't need 00:24:49.579 --> 00:24:50.539 to be scared 00:24:50.539 --> 00:24:52.659 because where 00:24:52.659 --> 00:24:53.159 are they 00:24:53.159 --> 00:24:53.720 right now? 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:55.559 They are 00:24:55.559 --> 00:24:56.659 at rest 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:59.039 with no pain, 00:24:59.180 --> 00:25:00.200 no sadness, 00:25:01.399 --> 00:25:02.059 joyfully 00:25:02.059 --> 00:25:02.819 in the presence 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:03.460 of Christ, 00:25:04.579 --> 00:25:05.339 worshipping him, 00:25:05.619 --> 00:25:06.899 seeing his glory. 00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:08.899 And he is 00:25:08.899 --> 00:25:09.619 looking after them 00:25:09.619 --> 00:25:10.240 better than we 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:10.779 ever could 00:25:10.779 --> 00:25:11.379 here on earth. 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:14.659 Now, 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:15.059 at this point, 00:25:15.159 --> 00:25:15.799 I want us to 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:16.839 address a really 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:17.579 important question. 00:25:18.899 --> 00:25:19.659 What about 00:25:19.659 --> 00:25:20.259 our children? 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:23.000 What about 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:25.019 infant children 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:25.639 of believers 00:25:25.639 --> 00:25:27.539 who died 00:25:27.539 --> 00:25:28.879 maybe before 00:25:28.879 --> 00:25:29.740 they could talk 00:25:29.740 --> 00:25:30.960 or maybe 00:25:30.960 --> 00:25:32.700 before we think 00:25:32.700 --> 00:25:33.099 that they could 00:25:33.099 --> 00:25:33.700 understand the 00:25:33.700 --> 00:25:34.000 gospel? 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:35.920 Or maybe 00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:37.279 if they were 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:37.779 still in the 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:38.099 womb, 00:25:38.920 --> 00:25:39.659 what about 00:25:39.659 --> 00:25:39.980 them? 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:42.460 Well, 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:42.899 I want us 00:25:42.899 --> 00:25:43.440 to just 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:43.960 look how 00:25:43.960 --> 00:25:44.779 King David 00:25:44.779 --> 00:25:45.460 responds 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:46.500 when his 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:47.119 young son 00:25:47.119 --> 00:25:47.599 dies 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:48.940 to Samuel 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:49.399 12. 00:25:51.159 --> 00:25:52.000 But now 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:52.740 he is dead. 00:25:53.879 --> 00:25:54.960 Why should I 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:55.519 fast? 00:25:55.519 --> 00:25:57.099 Can I bring 00:25:57.099 --> 00:25:57.519 him back 00:25:57.519 --> 00:25:57.879 again? 00:25:58.720 --> 00:25:59.799 I shall 00:25:59.799 --> 00:26:00.839 go to him. 00:26:02.039 --> 00:26:02.720 He will not 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.399 return to me. 00:26:04.599 --> 00:26:05.200 Then David 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:05.960 comforted his 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:06.319 wife. 00:26:06.319 --> 00:26:09.700 David knows 00:26:09.700 --> 00:26:11.700 he is sure 00:26:11.700 --> 00:26:12.659 that after 00:26:12.659 --> 00:26:13.359 death he 00:26:13.359 --> 00:26:14.200 himself will 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:14.599 go to 00:26:14.599 --> 00:26:16.359 glory and 00:26:16.359 --> 00:26:17.240 he knows 00:26:17.240 --> 00:26:18.299 that he 00:26:18.299 --> 00:26:19.039 will see 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:19.779 his son 00:26:19.779 --> 00:26:20.500 there again 00:26:20.500 --> 00:26:21.799 in the 00:26:21.799 --> 00:26:22.299 glory of 00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:22.559 heaven. 00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:24.839 And that 00:26:24.839 --> 00:26:25.599 is a reality 00:26:25.599 --> 00:26:27.119 that comforts 00:26:27.119 --> 00:26:27.539 him and his 00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:27.819 wife. 00:26:29.559 --> 00:26:30.919 But why 00:26:30.919 --> 00:26:31.539 does David 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:31.939 have that 00:26:31.939 --> 00:26:32.299 assurance? 00:26:32.299 --> 00:26:34.460 Well, 00:26:34.500 --> 00:26:34.899 let's ask 00:26:34.899 --> 00:26:35.240 ourselves, 00:26:35.799 --> 00:26:37.139 who is 00:26:37.139 --> 00:26:38.119 the promise 00:26:38.119 --> 00:26:38.639 of heaven 00:26:38.639 --> 00:26:39.180 for? 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:41.659 The promise 00:26:41.659 --> 00:26:42.079 of the 00:26:42.079 --> 00:26:42.399 covenant 00:26:42.399 --> 00:26:43.899 and salvation 00:26:43.899 --> 00:26:44.659 and heaven, 00:26:45.399 --> 00:26:46.440 who is that 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:47.460 promise for? 00:26:48.799 --> 00:26:49.379 Well, 00:26:49.419 --> 00:26:49.859 we need to 00:26:49.859 --> 00:26:50.519 really remember 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:51.099 these words. 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:51.700 Take the 00:26:51.700 --> 00:26:52.039 words of 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:52.519 Acts 2 00:26:52.519 --> 00:26:52.740 in. 00:26:54.019 --> 00:26:54.519 For the 00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:55.460 promise is 00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:56.319 for you 00:26:56.319 --> 00:26:57.799 and for 00:26:57.799 --> 00:26:58.740 your children. 00:26:58.740 --> 00:27:01.579 the promise 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:02.200 of heaven 00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:02.839 is for 00:27:02.839 --> 00:27:03.120 our 00:27:03.120 --> 00:27:03.500 children. 00:27:05.059 --> 00:27:05.900 How does 00:27:05.900 --> 00:27:06.720 God view 00:27:06.720 --> 00:27:07.299 the children 00:27:07.299 --> 00:27:07.940 of believers? 00:27:08.700 --> 00:27:09.339 Whether that's 00:27:09.339 --> 00:27:10.099 one parent 00:27:10.099 --> 00:27:10.759 is a believer 00:27:10.759 --> 00:27:11.200 or both 00:27:11.200 --> 00:27:11.740 parents. 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:13.180 Well, 00:27:13.220 --> 00:27:13.779 Paul calls 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:14.740 them holy. 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:17.539 Our 00:27:17.539 --> 00:27:18.059 children are 00:27:18.059 --> 00:27:18.460 holy, 00:27:18.579 --> 00:27:19.420 they are set 00:27:19.420 --> 00:27:20.380 apart by 00:27:20.380 --> 00:27:20.759 God. 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:23.240 They belong 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:23.700 in the 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:24.240 covenant of 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:24.640 grace. 00:27:25.500 --> 00:27:25.819 And so 00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:26.819 to them 00:27:26.819 --> 00:27:27.779 belongs 00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:28.940 the promise 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:29.399 of heaven. 00:27:31.299 --> 00:27:31.799 And so 00:27:31.799 --> 00:27:33.160 our default 00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:33.859 position 00:27:33.859 --> 00:27:35.720 when thinking 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:36.099 about our 00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:36.639 children is 00:27:36.639 --> 00:27:37.180 not to 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:37.859 worry 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:39.299 if they 00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:40.119 were saved. 00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:41.819 But actually 00:27:41.819 --> 00:27:42.519 our default 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:43.220 position 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:44.559 should always 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:45.899 be to be 00:27:45.899 --> 00:27:46.500 assured that 00:27:46.500 --> 00:27:47.099 they are. 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:49.859 The 00:27:49.859 --> 00:27:50.379 Canons of 00:27:50.379 --> 00:27:50.660 Dort, 00:27:50.799 --> 00:27:51.160 which is a 00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:51.420 bit like 00:27:51.420 --> 00:27:51.960 the Westminster 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:52.700 Confession of 00:27:52.700 --> 00:27:53.019 Faith, 00:27:53.960 --> 00:27:54.480 it says it 00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:55.099 really well. 00:27:55.940 --> 00:27:56.240 Canons of 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:57.019 Dort 1.7 00:27:57.019 --> 00:27:57.700 says this. 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.420 Since we 00:27:59.420 --> 00:27:59.700 are to 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:01.099 judge of 00:28:01.099 --> 00:28:01.359 the will 00:28:01.359 --> 00:28:01.839 of God 00:28:01.839 --> 00:28:02.779 from his 00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:03.440 words, 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:04.559 which testifies 00:28:04.559 --> 00:28:05.759 that the 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:06.359 children of 00:28:06.359 --> 00:28:06.920 believers are 00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:07.480 holy, 00:28:08.039 --> 00:28:08.740 not by 00:28:08.740 --> 00:28:09.180 nature, 00:28:09.279 --> 00:28:09.619 not because 00:28:09.619 --> 00:28:09.859 they're 00:28:09.859 --> 00:28:10.379 sinless, 00:28:10.879 --> 00:28:11.940 but in 00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:12.480 virtue of 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:13.019 the covenant 00:28:13.019 --> 00:28:13.519 of grace, 00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:14.240 because of 00:28:14.240 --> 00:28:14.799 the promises 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.420 God has 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:15.920 made them, 00:28:16.920 --> 00:28:17.599 in which 00:28:17.599 --> 00:28:18.000 they, 00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:18.920 together with 00:28:18.920 --> 00:28:19.639 their parents, 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:20.319 are comprehended, 00:28:20.420 --> 00:28:20.960 they're all in 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:21.279 the covenant 00:28:21.279 --> 00:28:21.819 of grace. 00:28:21.819 --> 00:28:24.019 because of 00:28:24.019 --> 00:28:24.240 that, 00:28:24.439 --> 00:28:25.599 godly parents 00:28:25.599 --> 00:28:26.700 have no 00:28:26.700 --> 00:28:27.480 reason to 00:28:27.480 --> 00:28:28.679 doubt of 00:28:28.679 --> 00:28:29.259 the election 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:30.059 and salvation 00:28:30.059 --> 00:28:30.480 of their 00:28:30.480 --> 00:28:30.980 children, 00:28:31.659 --> 00:28:32.039 whom it 00:28:32.039 --> 00:28:32.779 pleases God 00:28:32.779 --> 00:28:33.480 to call out 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:33.799 of this 00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:34.240 life in 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:34.759 their infancy. 00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:37.519 this is the 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:38.039 comfort we 00:28:38.039 --> 00:28:38.400 have. 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:40.220 Our 00:28:40.220 --> 00:28:41.200 children belong 00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:42.000 to Christ. 00:28:42.619 --> 00:28:43.559 For us 00:28:43.559 --> 00:28:44.099 and for 00:28:44.099 --> 00:28:44.599 them, 00:28:45.119 --> 00:28:45.680 Christ has 00:28:45.680 --> 00:28:46.220 prepared a 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:46.579 place in 00:28:46.579 --> 00:28:46.779 heaven. 00:28:46.779 --> 00:28:48.399 and so 00:28:48.399 --> 00:28:48.859 when they 00:28:48.859 --> 00:28:49.319 die, 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:50.920 they do 00:28:50.920 --> 00:28:51.299 go to 00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:51.599 be with 00:28:51.599 --> 00:28:51.779 him. 00:28:53.480 --> 00:28:53.980 Christ 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:54.700 welcomes 00:28:54.700 --> 00:28:55.039 them, 00:28:56.359 --> 00:28:56.660 and so 00:28:56.660 --> 00:28:57.779 we have 00:28:57.779 --> 00:28:58.799 no reason 00:28:58.799 --> 00:28:59.379 to doubt 00:28:59.379 --> 00:29:00.680 the salvation 00:29:00.680 --> 00:29:00.980 of our 00:29:00.980 --> 00:29:01.299 children, 00:29:02.359 --> 00:29:02.839 that there's 00:29:02.839 --> 00:29:03.500 nothing to 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:04.000 worry about, 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:05.359 that they 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:06.019 are cared 00:29:06.019 --> 00:29:07.139 for and 00:29:07.139 --> 00:29:07.759 happy and 00:29:07.759 --> 00:29:08.139 they are 00:29:08.139 --> 00:29:09.759 safe with 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:09.960 their 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:10.379 saviour in 00:29:10.379 --> 00:29:10.579 heaven. 00:29:12.279 --> 00:29:12.980 And that 00:29:12.980 --> 00:29:13.279 goes for 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:13.799 everyone in 00:29:13.799 --> 00:29:14.119 Christ. 00:29:14.119 --> 00:29:17.019 we cannot 00:29:17.019 --> 00:29:18.239 be separated 00:29:18.239 --> 00:29:18.719 from him. 00:29:18.819 --> 00:29:19.479 We are 00:29:19.479 --> 00:29:20.139 going to 00:29:20.139 --> 00:29:20.519 heaven when 00:29:20.519 --> 00:29:20.899 we die. 00:29:22.199 --> 00:29:22.500 And so 00:29:22.500 --> 00:29:22.919 for us, 00:29:23.379 --> 00:29:24.259 to die, 00:29:24.399 --> 00:29:24.759 it's to 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:25.079 gain 00:29:25.079 --> 00:29:25.479 everything. 00:29:28.079 --> 00:29:28.839 But it's 00:29:28.839 --> 00:29:29.199 not the 00:29:29.199 --> 00:29:29.579 end. 00:29:31.079 --> 00:29:32.019 Heaven is 00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:32.719 rest, it's 00:29:32.719 --> 00:29:33.199 true, 00:29:33.399 --> 00:29:33.699 peaceful 00:29:33.699 --> 00:29:34.859 rest, but 00:29:34.859 --> 00:29:35.319 it's not 00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:36.759 final rest. 00:29:38.079 --> 00:29:39.159 The souls 00:29:39.159 --> 00:29:39.979 in heaven 00:29:39.979 --> 00:29:41.679 still need 00:29:41.679 --> 00:29:42.099 to be 00:29:42.099 --> 00:29:43.000 reunited with 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:43.419 their bodies 00:29:43.419 --> 00:29:43.739 here on 00:29:43.739 --> 00:29:44.079 earth. 00:29:45.119 --> 00:29:45.639 And so 00:29:45.639 --> 00:29:46.019 the end 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:46.379 is not 00:29:46.379 --> 00:29:46.879 heaven, 00:29:47.599 --> 00:29:48.459 the end 00:29:48.459 --> 00:29:48.619 is 00:29:48.619 --> 00:29:49.219 resurrection. 00:29:50.879 --> 00:29:51.419 And we're 00:29:51.419 --> 00:29:51.519 going to 00:29:51.519 --> 00:29:51.779 see that 00:29:51.779 --> 00:29:52.259 next week. 00:29:53.539 --> 00:29:54.099 I'll stop 00:29:54.099 --> 00:29:54.599 there, we 00:29:54.599 --> 00:29:55.479 can ask 00:29:55.479 --> 00:29:56.000 some questions. 00:29:56.419 --> 00:29:56.779 We might 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:57.079 need to 00:29:57.079 --> 00:29:57.699 stop a 00:29:57.699 --> 00:29:58.019 little bit 00:29:58.019 --> 00:29:59.179 early because 00:29:59.179 --> 00:29:59.879 it's 00:29:59.879 --> 00:30:00.519 Remembrance 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:00.739 Sunday. 00:30:00.839 --> 00:30:01.119 Oh no, we're 00:30:01.119 --> 00:30:01.379 doing well 00:30:01.379 --> 00:30:01.679 for time. 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:01.939 Yeah, we've 00:30:01.939 --> 00:30:02.199 got time 00:30:02.199 --> 00:30:02.579 for questions.