John 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.… I. THE DEATH OF A BELIEVER IS CHRIST'S COMING. At death their Saviour comes to fetch them away from this strange land; and thus — 1. To rescue them from its numerous snares. 2. To deliver them from its multiplied sorrows. These are often owing — (1) To the conduct of its inhabitants. By far the greater part live in open rebellion against God. (2) To the influence of worldly things on the mind. (3) To the strength of sin that dwelleth in us. (4) The temptations of Satan. 3. And He will thus show — (1) The strength of His affection. (2) The tenderness of His sympathy. II. HOW TO REGARD THE FUTURE BLESSEDNESS OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS. It is for them to be with Christ. (John 17:24). In that blessed land will the Saviour have all His followers dwell, because — 1. They are united to Him (Hebrews 2:14, 15). 2. They bear His image. They now seek and pray to resemble Him. (1) In humility and meekness. (2) In purity of heart and life. (3) In uprightness and sincerity. 3. They delight in fellowship with Him. And as they are formed to this heavenly temper, now so in glory they will be received to this unspeakable felicity. They will there enjoy it — (1) Without suspicion. How often, through the strength of unbelief, does this find an entrance into the pious mind! (2) Without interruption. Here it is indeed enjoyed, but how transient the season of enjoyment. (3) Without end. There bliss will be no longer measured, as here, by days, or months, or years. 4. They may then be made perfect — (1) As a body. The Church is the body of Christ. It is a whole body, and not one of its members will be lost or overlooked in the great assembly of the whole. (2) As a family. (J. Dorrington.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.WEB: "Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. |
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