In Plato’s Republic, that ancient philosopher had a dream of a utopian society in which everyone would be useful, everything would be controlled, and “heaven on earth” would rule.
Dreamers have, since the time of Plato, tried to revive his ancient paradise. The political system known as “communism” started out as the dream of an idealist, fashioned upon the principles propounded by Plato. But the machinations of social planners have turned out to be nightmares, not utopias!
Looking for that perfect city? Well, in case you have not yet discovered it, our town cannot come close to qualifying—nor can yours! All cities, to a lesser or greater degree, are plagued with severe problems of spiritual pollution.
New York City (soon to have a “utopian” mayor, it appears, as of the time of this writing!), London, Rome, Paris, Copenhagen, and any other city on the face of this present planet—all are reeling from the effects of the curse of sin.
We read in God’s Word of some men who looked for the perfect city, though, men who had their sights adjusted to realms above: Abraham looked for a city “whose builder and maker is God.” Paul, in Galatians 4:6, spoke of “the Jerusalem which is above—free, which is the mother of us all.” Perhaps Paul had gotten a glimpse of this when, as he relates in II Cor. 12:1-5, he was “caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” Jesus, in Rev. 3:12, promised to the overcomers in the Philadelphian church that He would write upon them the name of God and the name of the city of God which is Jerusalem, which cometh down from God.
We need to look no further for the perfect city! It’s already in existence; and, if you’ve been bought by the blood, you already own a one-way ticket to that grand place! My Travel Agent, the Holy Spirit, has taken care of all the arrangements for me; there will be no cancelled or overbooked flights; and the Pilot of Salvation’s ship, the Lord Jesus, has made the trip before me. He will lead me safely there. I look forward to going Home to Heaven to be with Him. I want to show you what our home on high is going to be like:
- The Persons of Heaven: God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit, Rev. 21:1-22. Then also, men and women, raptured members of the Church, (Rev. 21:9b), the Redeemed of all ages, out of every tribe, kindred, tongue, people, and nation (Rev. 5:9); Israel, the elect of God, (Rev. 21:12); Gentiles who were “grafted in” to His body—all (Rev. 21:24a,26) will be in that Holy City! Interestingly, God specifies who will not be there: “The fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars.” (Rev. 21:8)
- The Place of Heaven: It is a great city, (Rev. 21:10) a city of pure gold, a city the foundations of which are precious stones, and the gates of pearl. (Rev. 21:10-21) More than that, even, it is a city of spiritual grandeur where the glory of God is, the presence of Christ, and the absence of evil. There will be, in that city, no death, no sorrow, no crying, no pain—all things will be new! (Rev. 21:11-27)
- The Provision of Heaven: Comfort, satisfaction, light, safety, healing, holiness! It will take some time getting used to heaven, it might seem! There will be fruits without specks; orchestras without discord, violins without broken strings; harps all in tune; no more property or income taxes, no grey hairs, no gas shortages or inflation; no riots or lawlessness; no more slanted news reports, no wars, no world-wide sports, no church splits, no heartburn, no cancers, NO heart-ache…and need I say more?
Once, a radio minister announced that he would speak on heaven the following Sunday. During that week, he received a beautiful letter from an old man who was very ill. It read:
“Next Sunday you are to talk about Heaven. I am interested in that land because I have held a clear title to a bit of property there for over 50 years. I did not buy it; it was given to me ‘without money and without price.’ But the Donor purchased it for me at a tremendous sacrifice. I am not holding it for speculation, since the title is not transferable. It is not a vacant lot. For more than half a century I have been sending materials out of which the great Architect and Builder of the universe has been building a home for me, a home which will never need to be remodeled nor repaired, because it will suit me perfectly, individually, and will never grow old. Termites can never undermine its foundations, for they rest upon the Rock of Ages. Fire cannot destroy it; floods cannot wash it away. No locks or bolts will ever be placed on its doors, for no vicious person can ever enter that Land where my dwelling stands, now almost completed and almost ready for me to enter into and abide in peace, without fear of being ejected.
There is a Valley of Deep Shadows between the place where I live now in California, and that to which I shall journey in a very short time. I cannot reach my home in that city of God without passing through this dark valley of shadows. But, I am not afraid because the best Friend I ever had went through the same valley long, long ago, and drove away all its gloom. He has stuck by me through thick and thin since we first became acquainted 50 years ago. And, I hold His promise in printed form, never to forsake me or leave me alone. He will be with me as I walk through the Valley of Shadows, and I shall not lose my way. I hope to hear your sermon next Sunday, but I have no assurance that I shall be able to do so. My ticket to Heaven has no date marked for the journey; no return coupon and no permit for baggage. Yes, I am all ready to go, and I may not be here when you are talking next Sunday evening, but I shall meet you over there…someday!”
And so it is! Fanny Crosby, the blind gospel hymn writer, put it this way: “When my life’s work is ended and I cross the swelling tide; When the bright and glorious morning I shall see; I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side, And His smile shall be the first to welcome me.”
How about it, dear reader: Do you have that hope of seeing Him? If not, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31) “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9, 10, 13) When the last station is the next stop for you, you will be ready…for Heaven!
“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” (John 1:12)
YOU and GOD 