The Heavenly Congregation

The Heavenly Congregation

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

I Thessalonians 4:17

The Church of Jesus Christ is all of the redeemed of all ages. This is the Body of which Christ is the Head. These are the people for whom Christ lived, died, and rose again. They are the people who will occupy the New Jerusalem and are the kings and priests of the Heavenly Kingdom. They have never yet convened as a single congregation. According to our text, Christ is going to bring them together at His coming. This is a glorious prospect. It means that all the days of separation between the saints in heaven and the saints yet living on the earth will end. It means that all the people of God will enjoy complete sanctification in glorified bodies. It means that every illness, and every debilitating physical condition will be no more. It means that there will be no more persecution and no more persecutors. The most important prospect is, ‘thus we shall always be with the Lord.’ No other benefit of the Heavenly Kingdom supersedes this one. It is the Presence of Christ that makes heaven Heaven. It is His Presence that makes the Marriage Supper of the Lamb a feast indeed. We lift up our heads today because our redemption and our Redeemer draws near. ‘A few more rolling suns, at most, will land us safe on Heavens coast.’ This is the Promise of Christ Himself and the certain hope of the people of God. ‘And thus shall we always be with the Lord.’

High King of Heaven,
we rejoice at the prospect of seeing You Face to face
and of rejoicing together with all Your Blood-bought people.
We praise You that that day is not very far away.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush Burning