Dear COA Family,
In the Scriptures, I find more of a connection between what takes place
in heaven and what is happening or has happened on earth.
And according to theologians, this is the “continuity” between heaven
and earth.
An example can be found in the letter to the Hebrews. The author tells
us that the structure and contents of the temple follow closely that
which is already in heaven: “See to it that you make everything
according to the pattern shown you on the mountain” (Heb 8:5).
This tells us that the temple we see on earth is not of a random design
but full of meaning and purpose in God’s sight, shaped after what is
already present in heaven.
Another example is found in Revelation. Jesus the Lamb is presented
before God and all of the citizens in heaven as “having been slain” (Rev 5:6).
The Greek tense of the word is in the perfect participle form – meaning that
Jesus was slain in the past, and the marks or effect of His slaying remains.
This is similar to Him as the risen Christ showing his scars to Thomas his
disciple (John 20:27).
Here is the wonder: Jesus has ascended to heaven, but He has not erased
His scars gotten on earth. He carries them still, not as signs of defeat but
as eternal badges of victory. The perfect participle in the Greek tells us that
His death is not a distant memory but an ongoing reality with lasting power.
The Lamb was slain but His sacrifice for our salvation continues forever.
Why is this important? It helps us to be fully assured that
- Our salvation is secure.
- The forgiveness of our sins is sure.
- Our future hope of the redemption of our body is true.
Our Lord’s wounds stand forever before the throne of God, declaring that our
debt has been paid in full.
This also means that our experiences on earth – even the difficult ones – work
out for God’s glory in heaven! They are no longer painful but reminders of the
goodness and power of God in our lives. Our ministry for His kingdom’s sake
also brings about rewards that will never fade away in heaven. What happens
here on earth is closely connected to heaven!
Beloved, may we always live our lives conscious that what we do has impact
and implications for eternity. This will lead us to sow daily for His kingdom in
people’s lives!
God bless,
Revd Ian