Ephesians 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, Notice, first, the members of the heavenly family; secondly, the unity of this family; thirdly, the glorious characteristics of this family. I. THE MEMBERS OF THIS FAMILY. In this place, "not made with hands," there is — 1. The Head of the family. The glory of God will be conspicuous there — it will shine through every part of the wide-spread heaven. 2. There is an innumerable company of angels. These are called "morning stars," "sons of God," "Jehovah's hosts," His "ministering servants." 3. The whole body of collected believers will be there. Heaven is not a place of solitary, but of social joy. The inhabitants will hold sweet converse with each other. II. OBSERVE THE UNITY OF THIS FAMILY: "The whole family." 1. There is one family house. This cannot be on earth. Diversity of sentiment and worship renders it desirable that in separate companies we should go up to the heavenly Zion. Besides, no house on earth could hold the congregation of the faithful. But there is "a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," where all will assemble. All the descriptions given to us in the Bible go to prove that heaven is not only a state, but a place — a material place where the bodies of the saints will dwell forever. 2. All this family have the same employment. They worship God and the Lamb. "His servants shall serve Him." 3. All have the same enjoyment. They see God, enjoy God; the Lamb leads them to "living fountains of water, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." But let us inquire more particularly in what the happiness of heaven consists. (1) The happiness of the redeemed will be derived from increased and perfect knowledge. (2) The happiness of the redeemed is derived from increased holiness. (3) The happiness of heaven will be derived from its employment. Heaven is a rest, but not a rest of idleness and sloth, but one of activity. (4) This happiness will be perfect in its nature. It will be free from every imperfection which mingles and destroys our happiness here. (5) This happiness will be various in its degrees. All will be happy; but all not equally so. "As one star differeth from another star in glory," so is it in heaven. (6) Their happiness is progressive and eternal. The increase of happiness arises from the continued new discoveries the redeemed will make in heaven. III. THE GLORIOUS CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS FAMILY. We have already trespassed upon this part of our subject, and need therefore only mention that — 1. They are absolutely pure — no spot or infirmity there; not one envious, or angry member. 2. They are perfectly blessed. Nothing that disturbs or grieves will be there. 3. There will be glorious permanency. Immutability is engraven upon the walls and pavements of the celestial city; there can be no change. (Dr. Jarbo.) Parallel Verses KJV: Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,WEB: from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, |
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