Last Day Events: The Judgment, Jesus's Second Coming

The Inheritance of the Saints

Chapter 20-The Inheritance of the Saints

[ The various views of heaven and the new earth presented to Ellen White were representations of eternal realities. She was shown heavenly things in terms of human concepts. Because of the limits of our human comprehension and language, we cannot fully know the actual appearance of the scenes depicted. "Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12). ]

A Gift From the Lord

Christ, only Christ and His righteousness, will obtain for us a passport into heaven.-Letter 6b, 1890. LDE 283.1

The proud heart strives to earn salvation, but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ.-The Desire of Ages, 300 (1898). LDE 283.2

That we might become members of the heavenly family, He became a member of the earthly family.-The Desire of Ages, 638 (1898). LDE 283.3

Better than a title to the noblest palace on earth is a title to the mansions our Lord has gone to prepare. And better than all the words of earthly praise, will be the Saviour's words to His faithful servants, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."-Christ's Object Lessons, 374 (1900). LDE 283.4

Why We Should Think About the Future World

Jesus has brought heaven to view, and presents its glory to our eyes in order that eternity may not be dropped out of our reckoning.-The Signs of the Times, April 4, 1895. LDE 284.1

With eternal realities in view we will habitually cultivate thoughts of the presence of God. This will be a shield against the incoming of the enemy; it will give strength and assurance, and lift the soul above fear. Breathing in the atmosphere of heaven, we will not be breathing the malaria of the world.... LDE 284.2

Jesus comes to present the advantages and beautiful imagery of the heavenly, that the attractions of heaven shall become familiar to the thoughts, and memory's hall be hung with pictures of celestial and eternal loveliness.... LDE 284.3

The great Teacher gives man a view of the future world. He brings it, with its attractive possessions, within the range of his vision.... If He can fasten the mind upon the future life and its blessedness, in comparison with the temporal concerns of this world, the striking contrast is deeply impressed upon the mind, absorbing the heart and soul and the whole being.-Our High Calling, 285, 286 (1890). LDE 284.4

The Christian's Motives

Motives stronger, and agencies more powerful, could never be brought into operation; the exceeding rewards for right-doing, the enjoyment of heaven, the society of the angels, the communion and love of God and His Son, the elevation and extension of all our powers throughout eternal ages-are these not mighty incentives and encouragements to urge us to give the heart's loving service to our Creator and Redeemer?-Steps to Christ, 21, 22 (1892). LDE 285.1

If we can meet Jesus in peace and be saved, forever saved, we shall be the happiest of beings. Oh, to be at home at last where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest!-Letter 113, 1886. LDE 285.2

I love to see everything that is beautiful in nature in this world. I think I would be perfectly satisfied with this earth, surrounded with the good things of God, if it were not blighted with the curse of sin. But we shall have new heavens and a new earth. John saw this in holy vision and said, "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" [Revelation 21:3]. Oh, blessed hope, glorious prospect!-Letter 62, 1886. LDE 285.3