THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT
[Matthew:25:31-40 [31] When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: [32] And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: [33] And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. [34] Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: [35] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: [36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. [37] Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? [38] When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? [39] Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? [40] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. ]; [1 Corinthians:15:19-23 [19] If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. [20] But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. [21] For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. [22] For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. [23] But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. ]; [Ephesians:5:23-32 [23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. [24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. [25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, [27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. [28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. [29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: [30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. [31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. [32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. ]; [1 Thessalonians:4:13-18 [13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words. ]; [Revelation:11:15-18 [15] And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. [16] And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, [17] Saying, We give thee thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. [18] And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. ]; [Revelation:12:10-11 [10] And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. [11] And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. ]; [Revelation:19:7-16 [7] Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. [8] And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. [9] And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. [10] And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. [11] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. [12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. [13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. [14] And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. [16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. ]; [Revelation:20:4-6 [4] And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. [5] But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. [6] Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. ]; [Revelation:21:1-7 [1] And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. [2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. [4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. [5] And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. [6] And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. [7] He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ].
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7).
I The Church Triumphant’s Glorious Anticipation
1. The hope of the resurrection is the basic and most important hope of the Church, [1 Corinthians:15:19-23 [19] If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
[20] But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
[21] For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
[22] For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
[23] But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
[1 Thessalonians:4:13-18 [13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
]; [John:6:39-40 [39] And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
[40] And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
]; [John:11:24-26 [24] Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
[25] Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
[26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
]; [Acts:24:14-16 [14] But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
[15] And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
[16] And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.
]; [1 Peter:1:3-5 [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
[4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
[5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
].
2. The purity and glory of the Church is shown in Scripture, [Ephesians:5:23-32 [23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. [24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. [25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, [27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. [28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. [29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: [30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. [31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. [32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. ].
3. The Church is to be gloriously rewarded for her faithfulness, [Matthew:25:20-23 [20] And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. [21] His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. [22] He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. [23] His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. ], [Matthew:25:31-40 [31] When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: [32] And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: [33] And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. [34] Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: [35] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: [36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. [37] Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? [38] When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? [39] Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? [40] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. ]; [Malachi:3:16-17 [16] Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. [17] And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. ].
4. The Church, as the Bride of Christ, will enjoy the Marriage Supper of the lamb, [Revelation:19:7-9 [7] Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. [8] And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. [9] And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. ]; [Matthew:25:10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. ]; [Luke:12:37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. ].
5. The Church Triumphant will be before the Throne of God during the time of this earth’s tribulation, [Revelation:4:10The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ]; [Revelation:5:8-10 [8] And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. [9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; [10] And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. ]; [Revelation:7:9-17 [9] After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. [11] And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, [12] Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. [13] And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? [14] And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. [15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. [16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. [17] For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. ]; [Revelation:15:1-4 [1] And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. [2] And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. [3] And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. [4] Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. ]; [Isaiah:26:20Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. ]; [Genesis:7:1And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. ], [Genesis:7:16And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. ].
6. The Church Triumphant will be revealed in her glory at the Revelation of Christ, [Revelation:19:11-16 [11] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. [12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. [13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. [14] And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. [16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. ]; [1 Thessalonians:4:14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. ].
7. Christ will rule on the earth, assisted by the Church Triumphant, [Revelation:2:26And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: ]; [Revelation:3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. ]; [Revelation:11:15-18 [15] And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. [16] And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, [17] Saying, We give thee thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. [18] And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. ]; [Revelation:12:10-11 [10] And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. [11] And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. ]; [Revelation:20:4-6 [4] And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. [5] But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. [6] Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. ].
8. The eternal state of the Church Triumphant will be one of unspeakable glories and pleasures, [Revelation:2:7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. ], [Revelation:2:11He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. ], [Revelation:2:17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. ]; [Revelation:21:1-7 [1] And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. [2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. [4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. [5] And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. [6] And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. [7] He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ]; [Revelation:22:1-5 [1] And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. [2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: [4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. [5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. ].
In past centuries, one of the great theologians of the church was being disciplined, by his superior because he dared take a stand for some principle, the superior had denied. In denouncing the saint, the church officer said, in substance, “I hereby separate you from the Church Militant.” Acting in real Christian grace the saint is said to have replied: “That you may feel you can do, but one thing is sure and certain, you can never separate me from the Church Triumphant.”
The Church Militant is a glorious entity. We see it as a group of called-out individuals who fight the good fight of faith and who are busily engaged in the work of the Kingdom. But we find that the Church Triumphant is even more glorious, for it is the victorious Church Militant -– the glorified body of believers who have washed their robes in the Blood of the Lamb, and who will, throughout all eternity, follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. But in order to be a member of the Church Triumphant one must first be a member of the Church Militant. There is no such thing possible as being:
“... carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas.”
There are battles to be fought by us all during this life if we are going to march in the victorious grand review in the life that is to come.
The Christian’s Hope
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter tells us, that we are begotten “again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” [1 Peter:1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
]). He further describes our inheritance as “incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven” for us. The Apostle Paul, also, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has told us of the hope of a Christian and has said that the resurrection of Christ and the subsequent resurrection of the saints is the foundation and life of that hope.
There would be no joy if there were no resurrection of the dead. There would be no worship, no faith, no signs following the ministry of the Word of God, no salvation from sin, and no cleansing from the depravity of fallen nature, if there were no resurrection. Our faith would be vain and we would still be in our sins. Therefore, let us consider the fact and the glories of the resurrection and Rapture of the Church, for it is at the second coming of Christ that the Church Militant becomes the Church Triumphant.
The First Resurrection
Volumes have been written and countless sermons and lectures have been given both for and against the resurrection of the dead. Some of Christ’s opposers, in His days on earth, took bitter issue with Him on this subject. They dared speak disparagingly of the resurrection even to Him who is the resurrection and the life Himself! He who had power to lay down His life and to take it up again did so that we also might be raised from the dead and be able to stand before the Throne of God in glory unspeakable and in rapture beyond all comprehension.
Critics who deny the power of God and the truth of the Word of God deny this glorious truth also. But the fact remains firm and steadfast; the Rock upon which the Christian hope depends -– that there was a resurrection in which our Lord and Saviour came out of the grave and ascended on High to be our Advocate. And because He conquered death and the grave, we, too, someday will rise to met Him in the clouds of Heaven. Those who have gone on before and whose bodies are in their graves will be raised. Those who are living will be raptured from the earth and will join the resurrected saints. These all, together with those righteous dead who will be resurrected at the end of the Great Tribulation, will be members of the First Resurrection group, of which Christ is the firstfruits. We who meet Him at the Rapture can be called the main harvest, and those who are raised at the close of the Tribulation, the gleanings of the harvest [1 Corinthians:15:20-23 [20] But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. [21] For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. [22] For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. [23] But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. ]; [1 Thessalonians:4:13-18 [13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words. ]).
Think what it will mean to be a partaker of the First Resurrection! These bodies, which have known all forms of sickness and infirmity, will be glorified bodies. All pain will be gone. The limitations and frustrations of our physical existences will be gone. We will be like Christ, for we will see Him as He is. This purifying process is already going on in the hearts of God’s people. They are preparing themselves for the day when He will call them. But in that glorious day He will perfect all that is lacking in us and make us like unto Himself.
We will have perfect knowledge. We will not be subject to the limitations of time or space. We will never more see death. There will be no fear in our hearts or minds. Our eternal state will be sealed, and there will be no more need to strive against sin or temptation. We will be with Jesus, our Lord, Saviour, and Bridegroom, forever and forever. All these blessings -– and many more -– are assured the one who prepares himself to have part in the First Resurrection.
We may be suffering here. Our bodies may be mutilated and crippled, directly or indirectly through the results of the fall. We may know weaknesses in our physical beings and, because of that fact, be unable to serve in the work of the Lord, as we would like. But in that glorious resurrection day the power that brought forth Jesus from the dead will also quicken our mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in us; and we shall be free from every pain and weakness and be able to serve Him perfectly, forever and forever.
The Preparation for Triumph
As we have seen in the former lesson, on the Church Militant, we have many spiritual battles to fight here on earth, and a great preparation is necessary if we are going to be ready to meet our Lord and Saviour. Every man who has this hope in God purifies himself even as God is pure ([1 John:3:3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
]). Such a person will live “soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” [Titus:2:12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
]). He will be “holy and without blemish,” a member of the “glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing” [Ephesians:5:27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
]). All this preparation must take place during our lifetime, for the Rapture of the Church will take place suddenly and without warning and there will be no opportunity then for preparation. (Read [Matthew:24:17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
]; [Matthew:25:1-13 [1] Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
[2] And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
[3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
[4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
[5] While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
[6] And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
[7] Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
[8] And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
[9] But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
[10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
[11] Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
[12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
[13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
].) He, who “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men,” and, who, “humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” [Philippians:2:7-8 [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
[8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
]), did so that we might be made like Him. If it was necessary for Him to be made like us so that we could be made like Him, it is surely necessary for us to be like Him here so that we shall be like Him when we meet Him up there.
The Rewards
Many passages of Scripture are devoted to the rewards that will be meted out to the Church Triumphant when they stand before the Throne of God. We will “shine as the brightness of the firmament” and “as the stars for ever and ever” [Daniel:12:3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
]). God will set us on high [Psalms:91:14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
]), with the Son of God, on thrones of glory and authority. God will regard us as His own precious jewels and will cause us to enjoy the unspeakable glories of the new Heaven and the new earth during the countless ages of eternity. The Millennium will be a period of service to our Lord, to whom we owe so much in love and devotion. We will administer justice then and be able to enjoy fully the privileges of that glorious time.
There will be no terrors of judgement upon us. Only the wicked dead will be resurrected to stand before the Great White Throne, to be judged for their evil deeds while on earth. The appearance of fiery indignation will be all that the wicked will see of God, but that attitude of indescribable terror will not be manifested toward the Church Triumphant for even a moment. To them, their God will be nothing but infinite love, goodness, mercy, and kindness. They will see His face and behold the light of His countenance. Not one look of displeasure will ever come to the Church Triumphant from the infinitely pure and holy God. The Church will have an eternal existence of bliss and joy that is incomparable.
The Church will assist in the judgement of sinners and will even judge angels. The assignment of their duties will be determined by the manner in which they have availed themselves of their opportunities to serve God here on earth. Theirs will not be a life of idleness or of purposeless existence, but one of joyful activity and satisfying enterprises all through eternity. They will eat of the tree of life and drink of the water of life. There will be no season in which that fruit and that purest of water cannot be had. The inconveniences of our modern, scientific conveniences will be gone. No lights will be needed because the Lamb of God is the Light. There will be no thieves, liars, profane persons, defiling influences, threatening powers, or uncertainties of the future. All will be at rest and glory forever and forever.
The Revelation
During the time of this present distress the Church is in her time of tribulation. She is going through her trials and testings. She is in her time of preparation. But there is coming a time when she will be revealed in all her glory.
The Lord has called His people to this life of holiness that they may be to Him a peculiar people, a chosen people, and a precious people. But they are not recognised as such by the world. Satan does not value the godly virtues in the people of God. Rather, he opposes the Christian and tries to destroy him. And Satan’s servants are like their master, as the servants of Christ are like their Lord and Saviour. This world is no friend to grace and the friends of the world are vigorous enemies of the servants of the Cross.
Christian virtues and graces are but lightly esteemed by the world. In a world where pride, conceit, arrogance, and human accomplishments determine the respect and recognition, which men receive, what consideration is given to the meek and humble of heart? What can a lover of his enemies expect from the world of haters of all that is good? The spirit of this age is directly adverse to long-suffering, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, love, temperance, and virtue. The world has but little honour or respect for anyone who has such virtues or who orders his life wholly according to the divine precepts.
But there is a day of glory coming for the followers of God. These dark days of oppression and strivings against sin and evil will soon be over. The day of liberation is near. We who are living in the generation that is seeing the signs take place which show the end is near must lift up our heads, for our redemption is drawing near.
The Lord will come as a thief in the night. There will be a shout, but it will not be heard by the world at large. The ears of the world of sinners are not tuned to the vibrations of the heavenly trumpet call. Sinners hear only the wishes of their master, Satan, who is bending them to do his will and to follow his wishes as he attempts to overthrow the kingdom of Heaven and take for himself the Throne of Christ. The Church Militant alone will hear the call. Each and every member, no matter how illiterate, how humble or poor, how afflicted, or how oppressed he may be – or may have been if he has already laid down his armour at his life’s end – will hear the voice of God and feel the vital overpowering force that will sweep him away from the world of sorrow to the realm of eternal glory and bliss.
The Glories of Heaven
We are not told a great deal about the glories of Heaven. Paul, the Apostle, was caught up into the glory of Heaven itself, and he said he saw things that his tongue could not express and which he could not describe. But John the Beloved has given us a picture of some of the scenes of indescribable beauty that he saw -– settings for the events which will take place on or before the Throne of God during the time of the Great Tribulation here on earth. Since the Bible has given us a somewhat detailed description of this particular Throne that John saw, the beauty of its surroundings, and the events that take place from and on it, we can well consider these things and thereby see a little of the over-all beauties and overwhelming glories that we someday will see and enjoy for ourselves.
Isaiah has told us that the Throne of God was “high and lifted up” [Isaiah:6:1In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. ]), to which is added elsewhere in Scripture the thought that it is pure in its whiteness and dazzling beauty. It is well that these descriptions be kept in mind and added to the picture which John the Beloved gives us through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
John the Beloved has told us that he saw One sitting on the Throne and we know that One to be none other than the Eternal God in His Triune Being. The only words John could find to describe the appearance of this mighty Godhead were vastly inadequate, but even they in their limited scope give us a picture that is beyond our imagination.
“Like a jasper and a sardine stone” is what John has said of the appearance of the Mighty One. From that we can see that there was a brilliance emanating from the Throne that can be approximated only by the purest of these precious gems, polished to the extreme. We can visualise only a little of what John saw: a pure, purple, fiery, red, and crystalline flashing brilliance, upon a “high and lifted up” Throne that was pure in whiteness and dazzling beauty and which was encircled by a perfect green rainbow and set upon a sea of glass like unto crystal.
When Moses and the elders of Israel were in the Mount they saw “the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness” [Exodus:24:10-11 [10] And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. [11] And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink. ]). Ezekiel has written that the place where the Throne of God was set, in the vision he saw, was “the likeness of the firmament... as the colour of the terrible crystal” [Ezekiel:1:22And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. ]). This sea of glass, like unto crystal, that John saw was, no doubt, the colour of the purest of azure and was radiant in its brilliance and transparent in its purity -– an indescribable setting for the Throne of the immaculate Godhead in all His incomparable glory.
The Glories of the Revealed Church
But this scene of absolute purity and beauty that defies the analysis or description of the best human eloquence or intellect -– to say nothing of defying the powers of our minds to comprehend that limited and inadequate description that has been given -– is not remote or separated from those who will also take part in the universe-shaking events that will proceed from it.
Before the Throne and round about the Throne John saw living creatures and elders who, we know by the songs they sing and the praise they give, are bands or throngs of redeemed ones. The Apostle did not know their exact number, for he has said that it was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands. Their voices are to be raised in unison in hymns of praise for their redemption and for their deliverance from the judgements due them because of their sin. But all these form only a part of the scene that John saw, for to them is to be added still another group which no man could number who are to come out of great tribulation, to wash their robes in the Blood of the Lamb and serve God before His Throne forever [Revelation:7:9-17 [9] After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. [11] And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, [12] Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. [13] And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? [14] And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. [15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. [16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. [17] For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. ]).
Picture, if you can, even for a minute, this scene of eternal glory and beauty. Visualise, if you can, even for one single minute, the glories that await the true believer. Then multiply those which you have pictured and visualised by the number of minutes in eternity! Incomprehensible? Yes! Indescribable? Yes!
Impossible of attainment? No! Emphatically, and absolutely, No! The Blood of Jesus is sufficient and the pardon of God is adequate to thoroughly prepare everyone so that all who desire to do so may look on these glories. The efficacy of the perfect Sacrifice is sufficient to make everyone a member of that innumerable throng of purified ones who will fall down before the Throne and cast their crowns on that azure crystalline sea and sing:
"Thou art worthy ... for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation"[Revelation:5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; ]).
Consider also the further glories that will be revealed to this group of redeemed ones. As though the scenes so far described were not enough, God gives that redeemed band the privilege of riding upon white horses, being clothed in fine linen, white and clean, and of coming back to this earth with their conquering Lord and Saviour at the end of the Tribulation. (Read [Revelation:19:11-16 [11] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. [12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. [13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. [14] And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. [16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. ] and [Jude:1:14And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, ].)
Then think of the privileges given to each one during the Millennial Reign of Christ on this earth [Revelation:20:4-6 [4] And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. [5] But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. [6] Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. ]). Add to this the final consummation of all things, when the Heaven and earth that now exist will be destroyed and replaced by a new Heaven and a new earth that will never be tainted with sin or uncleanness. After you have pictured all this, stop and meditate a while on it and then add to all that you contemplate the realisation that in the midst of all these glories, near to the God who has redeemed His people and who has brought them to this place of eternal glory, will be that glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle -– a grand, victorious army -– The Church Triumphant!
1. What is necessary for membership in the Church Triumphant?
2. When does the Church change from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant?
3. What is a “full overcomer”?
4. Name some of the rewards to be given the Church.
5. What will Jesus do for the Church at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?
6. What official place will the Church have in the plan of eternal and millennial judgements?
7. When will the inhabitants of the earth get their first view of the Church Triumphant in her eternal glory? Describe the scene.
8. What is to be the eternal state of the Church?
9. Memorise [Ephesians:5:23-32 [23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
[29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
[30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
[31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
[32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
].
10. Memorise the substance of [Matthew:25:31-40 [31] When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
[32] And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
[33] And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
[34] Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
[35] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
[36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
[37] Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
[38] When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
[39] Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
[40] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
].
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