Conclusion―Why are we doing all of these things?
( page 9 of 9 )
Another bible commentary quote below, about the reason why we are doing these seven (7) things.
Our Fitness for heaven--summary.pdf
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Every good deed done by the people of God as the fruit of their faith, will have its corresponding reward. As one star differeth from another star in glory, so will believers have their different spheres assigned them in the future life.[1]
This commentary said: that believers will have their different spheres assigned to them in the future life, according to your good deeds done by faith.
I looked up the word “spheres,” and there are a few different meanings, of what this means.
Webster’s Dictionary:
Spheres—a field or range of influence, normally a social order or rank, and broadly a planet.
Let me substitute the word “spheres” with the word “planet,” and see how it sounds.
Can you imagine that! Being entrusted with the responsibility, of governing over an entire planet in God’s universe!!
Even heathen monarchs, were in charge over the whole
then known world.
Dan 4 (v. 22) It is you Oh King,...for your greatness....reaches to the heavens, and your dominion [reaches] to the end of the earth. So basically, that worldly king was ruler over the whole world; What do you think that Christ will give to those who love Him?
Why would being in charge of an entire planet, be out of the question?
Heb 11 (v. 3) ....the worlds were framed by the word of God....
You are marching in faith, towards your final placement in heaven, that is in accordance with your assigned level of responsibilities.
Rev 22 (v. 12) And behold,...My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
These valuable traits of character may be exercised on objects as much higher and noble than worldly pursuits as the heavens are higher than the earth. Jesus presents a white robe, a crown of glory richer than any that ever decked the brow of a monarch, and titles above those of honored princes. The recompense for a life devoted to the service of Christ exceeds anything that the human imagination can grasp.[2]
I Cor 2 (v. 9) ....eye has not seen, nor ear heard,...the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
Do we have any influence over the level of riches that we may store up in heaven and to our final placement status in heaven?
The precious rewards of the future will be proportioned to the work of faith and labor of love in the present life. He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. We should be most grateful that now in probationary time through the infinite mercy of God we are permitted to sow the seed for our future harvest….Whether the crown of our eternal rejoicing shall be bright or dim depends upon our own course of action.[3]
Apparently, the more that you sow here on this Earth, means the more
that you will reap in Heaven.
The crown of life will be bright or dim, will glitter with many stars, or be lighted by few gems, in accordance with our own course of action.[4]
But, the good news is:
There will be no one saved in heaven with a starless crown. If you enter, there will be some soul in the courts of glory that has found an entrance there through your instrumentality.[5]
What about the christians who have back-slidden and gone the wrong way?
To those who have squandered His goods, Christ still gives opportunity to secure lasting riches. He says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you." "Provide yourselves….a treasure in the heavens that faileth not,…Then let your property go beforehand to heaven. Lay up your treasures beside the throne of God.[6]
So, we still have time to get started on this, even if we have been unfaithful!!
Matt 6 (v. 20) ....store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (v. 21) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Level_of_Responsibility_Illustration.pdf
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Why did I draw this picture illustration, and to have you focus on heavenly things so far away from this earth?
Why We Should Think About the Future World. Jesus has brought heaven to view, and presents its glory to our eyes in order that eternity may not be dropped out of our reckoning.[7]
With eternal realities in view we will habitually cultivate thoughts of the presence of God. This will be a shield against the incoming of the enemy; it will give strength and assurance, and lift the soul above fear….Jesus comes to present the advantages and beautiful imagery of the heavenly, that the attractions of heaven shall become familiar to the thoughts, and memory's hall be hung with pictures of celestial and eternal loveliness....[8]
The great Teacher gives man a view of the future world. He brings it, with its attractive possessions, within the range of his vision. . . . If He can fasten the mind upon the future life and its blessedness, in comparison with the temporal concerns of this world, the striking contrast is deeply impressed upon the mind, absorbing the heart and soul and the whole being.[9]
This is why, we need to stop worrying about our problems here on this earth, and to think more about the future life up there!!
References:
1. Testimonies to Ministers, p.428-429
2. The Review and Herald (25 Oct 1881), par.6
3. Welfare Ministry, p.316-317
4. Last Day Events, p.282, par.2
5. The Signs of the Times (6 Jun 1892).
6. Christ’s Object Lessons, p.374-375, par.4
7. The Signs of the Times (4 Apr 1895).
8. Last Day Events, p.284, par.1
9. Our High Calling, p.285-286
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