No Continuing City

Hebrews 13:14: For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Believers are strangers and pilgrims in this world, therefore, here have we no continuing city or a permanent habitation. Though we live in the world, we are not of the world. We should constantly acknowledge our state as strangers and pilgrims, and should expect little or nothing from this world. We should hold lightly the things of the world and maintain a fresh vision of our heavenly country.

THE TRANSIENT WORLD

Heb. 13:14; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Rev. 21:1; 1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 Peter 2:11; Ecclesiastes 2:11; 5:10; Proverbs 23:5.

The world is not a permanent dwelling place for man. Its beauty, social systems, fashions and values are passing away; its riches are fleeting and its glory is temporal. Life on earth is also brief and uncertain. We are here on earth to prepare for our eternal habitation. We cannot continue here permanently because of death. Sins, sinners and tribulations will not also allow the saints to continue long on earth.

Besides, God, the Builder and Maker of that better country will not allow His saints to continue long in this world of wickedness. No true saint will ever be at home in this passing world. Rather, “we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven” (2 Corinthians 5:2).

The bible Christian is just a stranger here, his home is in heaven. His Father is there, his Saviour is there, his home is there, his life is there, his treasure is there, his affections are there, his inheritance is there, and his citizenship is there. The heavenly country is better than any country upon the earth; it is better situated, better stored with everything that is good and better secured from everything that is evil.

THE ETERNAL HOME

Hebrews 13:14; 11:8-10,13-16; 12:22; Revelation 3:12; 21:9-27; John 14:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:1.

Heaven is the everlasting home of the saints. It is a country, through which flows the river of the water of life (Revelation 22:1-5). It is an everlasting home and it has room for a great multitude. It is the eternal dwelling place for the saints of all ages (Isaiah 64:4; John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 2:9).

Heaven is a holy city (Revelation 21:2; 22:19) and there shall never enter it anything that defiles, that works abomination, or makes a lie (Revelation 21:27). The life in heaven is a life of fellowship with God (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 22:4), rest (Revelation 14:13), full knowledge (1 Corinthians 13:12), holiness (Revelation 21:27), joy (Revelation 21:4), service (Revelation 22:3), abundance (Revelation 21:6), glory (2 Corinthians 4:17; Colossians 3:4; John 17:24) and worship (Revelation 19:1; 7:9-12; 5:12). There in our heavenly country, God shall wipe away all tears (Revelation 21:4).

There will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more pains, and no more curse (Revelation 21:4; 22:3). All things are made new (Revelation 21:5) and we shall inherit all things. In contrast to the perfect and endless bliss of the saints in heaven, all sinners will spend their eternity in hell; a place of torment, sorrow, eternal punishment and damnation (Matthew 25:41,46; Luke 16:22-28; Revelation 20:13-15; 21:8).

PREPARATION FOR THE HEAVENLY COUNTRY

Hebrews 11:9-10,13-16; 12:14; Revelation 21:3; 20:15; Amos 4:12; 1 Peter 2:11-17; Luke 19:13; 1 John 3:1-3.

Heaven is prepared for all whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 21:27). No sinner will enter it. Holiness is required to enter the heavenly city (Hebrews 12:14). As strangers and pilgrims in this world, we must abstain from fleshly lusts, live honestly before men, honour all men, love the brotherhood and fear God (1 Peter 2:11-17). We must lay aside every weight and besetting sin and run the race before us with patience (Hebrews 12:1-2). We must strive to get to heaven.

Like a runner, we must strain every nerve and muscle, and exert every ounce of strength, to meet the goal. We must be prepared to meet Jesus Christ either by death or in rapture. Prepare your heart, prepare without fault, prepare your work, prepare the way of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3). Be not mindful of this earthly country; seek the better country (Philippians 3:20). Do not look back to Egypt. Esteem the heavenly kingdom far better than earthly things and seek for the heavenly city.

Remember, for here have we no continuing city. The blessedness of the heavenly state is inconceivable (1 Corinthians 2:9). Just be sure you get there, whatever it may cost you and you will discover it worth all the
sacrifice.

 

Visit our social pages

Facebook: Soul Rescuers Ministry

TikTok: Soul Rescuers Ministry

Instagram: soul_rescuers12