We will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:17, NIV
It is worth taking a moment to ponder the word “forever.” Jonathan Edwards says we will grow in holiness and happiness in eternity.
As you move through this life, you add to your experiences and as you add to your experiences you add to your joys. When we are in heaven, we will never forget what has passed on earth. The sins we have been saved from, our new birth, the mercies of God in particular situations, and the grace of God in our lives. The joy of that will always be with us.
On top of that we will have the joys of heaven and they will go on adding up on top of all the joys of earth. We cannot suppose we will ever entirely forget everything that has happened on earth. And, we cannot suppose we will ever entirely forget everything that has happened in heaven. So, think about what that will be like when you have been in heaven for a million million ages.
Our knowledge will increase to eternity; and if our knowledge, our holiness; for as we increase in the knowledge of God, we will see more of his excellency (beauty), and the more we see of his excellency (beauty) the more we will love him, and the more we love God, the more delight and happiness we will have in him.
We will be with the Lord “forever.” That means we are talking about a joy that goes on increasing exponentially.
Take a moment to ponder what it would be like to grow in holiness and happiness for all eternity. Thank God for this hope-filled future that is yours in Christ.
