In what ways can we prepare to see God's face as described here? The Joy Set Before Us “They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.” (Revelation 22:4) Why Seeing God’s Face Matters • Promises complete restoration of the fellowship forfeited in Eden (Genesis 3:8). • Fulfills the longing voiced by David: “When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?” (Psalm 42:2). • Guarantees perfect knowledge and unbroken communion: “Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Trusting Completely in the Saving Work of Christ • No one beholds the holy God apart from the Lamb’s atonement (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). • “Those who wash their robes…will have the right to the tree of life.” (Revelation 22:14). • Personal response required—repentance and faith (Acts 20:21). Pursuing Holiness Today • “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8). • “Pursue…holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14). Practical steps: – Daily surrender to the Spirit’s sanctifying work (Galatians 5:16). – Confession and cleansing through the Word (Ephesians 5:26). – Consistent obedience in ordinary decisions (James 1:22-25). Walking in Daily Fellowship with the Lord • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8). • Cultivate an open-handed schedule for prayer, praise, and Scripture meditation (Psalm 119:97). • Maintain gathered worship; foretaste of eternal communion (Hebrews 10:24-25). Guarding Our Hearts and Minds • Reject idols that dull spiritual vision (1 John 5:21). • Take thoughts captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Fill the mind with whatever is true, honorable, just, pure (Philippians 4:8). Living with Eager Expectation • “We eagerly await a Savior…who will transform our lowly bodies.” (Philippians 3:20-21). • Hope purifies: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3). • Set priorities in light of eternity (2 Peter 3:11-14). Encouraging One Another Toward Readiness • Speak often of His appearing (Malachi 3:16). • Model faithfulness, inviting others to imitate (1 Corinthians 11:1). • Bear one another’s burdens, helping saints persevere (Galatians 6:2). Assurance for the Journey • God Himself seals His people: “Having believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 1:13). • He will finish what He began (Philippians 1:6). • Therefore, “stand firm…your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58). By resting fully in Christ, pursuing holiness, and keeping our eyes fixed on the coming glory, we actively prepare for that breathtaking moment when we will see His face. |
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