Let me start this important section with a strong counsel from Ellen White: “Workers for God should not spend time speculating as to what conditions will prevail in the new earth. It is presumption to indulge in suppositions and theories regarding matters that the Lord has not revealed. He has made every provision for our happiness in the future life, and we are not to speculate regarding His plans for us. Neither are we to measure the conditions of the future life by the conditions of this life… But we are not to search into matters on which God has been silent… When questions arise upon which we are uncertain, let us ask, What saith the Scripture? And if the Scripture is silent upon the question at issue, let it not be made the subject of discussion” (GW, p. 314, 1915). Had she followed her own counsel? – is the question I would like you to keep in mind as you continue to read this.
1. Re-union of relationships
Ellen White (1827-1915): “…that we might come forth from the tomb to a glorious companionship with heavenly angels, to meet our loved ones and to recognize their faces, for the Christlikeness does not destroy their image, but transforms it into his glorious image. Every saint connected in family relationship here will know each other there” (3SM, p. 316).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “The saints are forever delivered from the interruptions of the wicked… and are admitted to the most intimate friendship with the holy angels… in many instances, the most beloved friends they knew on earth; parents will there meet their children, and husbands their wives, after a long and painful separation. Brothers and sisters will rush into each other’s arms…” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, pp. 437, 436, 1838).
2. Saints will unite with highest angels in heaven
Ellen White (1827-1915): “The teachers are to educate the youth to realize that if they receive Christ and believe in Him, they will be brought into close relationship with God,…to associate with the highest dignitaries in the kingdom of heaven, to unite with Gabriel, with cherubim and seraphim, with angels and the archangel.” (Spalding and Magan Collection, p. 52, 1985).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “There the least Christian calls Gabriel his brother, and is linked, as in one soul, with seraphim and cherubim” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, p. 299, 1838).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “No longer confined to the company of children, … They will be united in the strictest friendships with seraphim and cherubim, and be ennobled by intercourse with these highest orders of angels” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, p. 315, 1838).
3. Free from temptation
Ellen White (1827-1915): “No tempter is there, no possibility of wrong. Every character has withstood the testing of evil, and none are longer susceptible to its power” (ED, p. 301).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “They are forever delivered from the buffetings of Satan. The enemy that annoyed them so long is shut up in prison and can never approach them more. No longer can those temptations vex them” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, p. 440, 1838).
4. Bodies of the saints are not composed of the old material
Ellen White (1827-1915): “Our personal identity is preserved in the resurrection, though not the same particles of matter or material substance as went into the grave… The same form will come forth, but it will be free from disease and every defect…There is no law of God in nature which shows that God gives back the same identical particles of matter which composed the body before death. God shall give the righteous dead a body that will please Him” (6BC, p. 1093).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “But it is not for us to say that proper combinations of the elements wich now exist, may not form bodies as splendid and glorious as any which could be created: especially as we know that the glorified bodies of the saints will be formed of materials which now exist on the earth” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, p. 452, 1838).
5. Will cast their crowns at his feet
Ellen White (1827-1915): “There we shall behold with undimmed vision the beauties of Eden restored. Casting at the feet of the Redeemer the crowns that He has placed on our heads, and touching our golden harps, we shall fill all heaven with praise to Him that sitteth on the throne” (8T, p. 254, 1904).
Ellen White (1827-1915): “He looks about him, and beholds a multitude of his family redeemed, standing in the Paradise of God. Then he casts his glittering crown at the feet of Jesus, and, falling upon his breast, embraces the Redeemer. He touches the golden harp, and the vaults of Heaven echo the triumphant song, “Worthy, worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again!” The family of Adam take up the strain, and cast their crowns at the Saviour’s feet as they bow before him in adoration” (4SP, p. 466, 1884).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “It is to the feet of the enthroned Lamb. O how will the redeemed companies collect together on the banks of heaven and recount the wondrous story, with all the history of their deliverances. And then, as they look up and see the nail- prints, with what ineffable gratitude will they cast their crowns at his feet and say, “Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood…” (God and Creatures Humbled by the Gospel, A Sermon, May 30, 1830, p. 32).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “But who can conceive the gratitude which the redeemed will feel towards him who died for their lives?… when they discover the dignity and glory of the sufferer, and see in his hands and his side the prints of nails and the spear; with how much greater gratitude will they cast their crowns at his feet and ascribe to him all glory of their salvation” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, p. 476, 1838).
6. The Redeemed contemplate on the mystery of redemption and witness to other worlds
Ellen White (1827-1915): “All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God’s redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar – worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through the ages upon ages in contemplation of God’s handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation – suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator’s name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed” (Adventist Home, p. 548, 1952; GC, p. 677, 1911).
Ellen White (1827-1915): “The themes of redemption will employ the hearts and minds and tongues of the redeemed through the everlasting ages” (COL, p. 134, 1900).
Ellen White (1827-1915): “There are mysteries in the plan of redemption–the humiliation of the Son of God, that He might be found in fashion as a man, the wonderful love and condescension of the Father in yielding up His Son–that are to the heavenly angels subjects of continual amazement. The apostle Peter, speaking of the revelations given to the prophets of “the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow,” says that these are things which “the angels desire to look into.” And these will be the study of the redeemed through eternal ages. As they contemplate the work of God in creation and redemption, new truth will continually unfold to the wondering and delighted mind. As they learn more and more of the wisdom, the love, and the power of God, their minds will be constantly expanding, and their joy will continually increase” (5T, p. 702, 1889).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “What amazing views of God and the Lamb, what amazing views of the mysteries of redemption, what amazing views of the wonders of creation… of the boundless reach of mercy, of the whole history of God’s administration in all worlds: and still to pursue the high and glorious study without end” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, pp. 443, 1838).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “The employment of heaven is delightful. Saints are delivered from all the cares and toils of this life… to serve and praise God, to go on his errands to different worlds, to study into the mysteries of his nature and the wonders of his works, and converse with their brethren on these high and exhaustless themes. Every faculty has attained its full employment – the understanding in grasping the great truths of God and declaring the glories of his nature; the memory in going over his past dispensations and collecting materials for an everlasting monument of praise… We will tell all heaven of his love. If ever new inhabitants should come in from other worlds, they shall hear the story of calvary. If commissioned in remote ages of eternity to visit other planets, we will carry to them the amazing tidings. We will tell the story to all we meet. We will erect monuments of the wonderful facts on every plain of heaven, and inscribe them all over with the story of the manger, the garden and the Cross” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, pp. 437, 479, 1838).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “Yes, they [other worlds] shall hear of Calvary. The wonderful report will travel from world to world, until it reaches the utmost bounds of Creation, and will hold in perpetual astonishment and transport the whole family of God” (God Exalted and Creatures Humbled by the gospel, p. 30, 1830).
7. Knowledge shall be perfect
Ellen White (1827-1915): “In imagination I gathered with the saints around the wide-spreading tree of life. Friends and dear home relatives who had been separated from us by death were gathered there… I seemed to be there, where all was peace, where no stormy conflicts of earth could ever come… There are no dark errors to cloud the intellect. Truth and knowledge, clear, strong, and perfect, have chased every doubt away, and no gloom of doubt… casts its baleful shadow upon its happy inhabitants. No voices of contention mar the sweet and perfect peace of heaven… My imagination saw the “pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” On either side of this river was the tree of life” (9 MR, pp. 104, 105, 1990).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “In that world they have attained to the perfection of all the powers; not to that perfection which excludes progress, but to that which fits them for the highest action and employment their capabilities admit. They are delivered from… all the passions and prejudices… Their memories are strengthened to recall the leading actions of the times and the principle dealings of god with them… They have attained to the perfection of knowledge; not that perfection, I say again, which excludes progress, but which prevents error” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, p. 438, 1838).
8. Knowledge increases progressively
Ellen White (1827-1915): “Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind or exhaust the energies… As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character” (GC, pp. 677, 678, 1911).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “They will eternally grow in capacity, knowledge, holiness and happiness” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, p. 443, 1838).
9. The redeemed visit other planets
Ellen White (1827-1915): “Then the angel said, “You must go back, and if you are faithful, you, with the 144,000, shall have the privilege of visiting all the worlds and viewing the handiwork of God” (EW, p. 40, 1882).
Ellen White (1827-1915): “Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar–worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe, and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. . . . With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation–suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator’s name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed” (GC, pp. 677, 678, 1911).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “The angels who minister to the church, do at present often visit our earth; and doubtless they visit other worlds, where they have opportunities to learn the wisdom and goodness of God by examining his works. Some such ends, and others now known to us, may probably be answered by the excursions which the saints will make to the new heavens and new earth” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, p. 460, 1838).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “A passage from world to world, which will doubtless be performed with incomparably more ease than journeys now are from country to country, will instruct and delight them: and it may reasonably be supposed that all the worlds which they inhabit, will in the way they travel, seem to them as much as one kingdom as the American states seem to us one commonwealth” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, p. 470, 1838).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “Besides the light directly shed upon them, in the excursions which they make through the universe they have glorious opportunity to study God in his works and dispensations” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, p. 438, 1838).
John Harris (1802-1856): “The power which had replenished the universe, with worlds and beings…” (The Great Teacher, p. 142, 1835).
John Harris (1802-1856): “As well might the sun… in the dispensation of light…sufficient to with radiance ten thousand worlds like ours” (The great Teacher, p. 208, 1835).
John Harris (1802-1856): “He thus reminds us, that the end for which there is any judgment at all, is best secured by having it held in the presence of all worlds” (The Great teacher, p.273, 1835).
10. Redeemed spend much of their time in other worlds
Ellen White (1827-1915): “Many seem to have the idea that this world and the heavenly mansions constitute the universe of God. Not so. The redeemed throng will range from world to world, and much of their time will be employed in searching out the mysteries of redemption. And throughout the whole stretch of eternity, this subject will be continually opening to their minds. The privileges of those who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony are beyond comprehension” (RH, March 9, 1886).
Edward Griffin (1770-1837): “Should it be so ordered that all the saints shall have an inheritance in the highest heaven, but occasionally visit and reside in theses lower worlds… shall shortly make easy excursions from star to star and from world to world. With a band of glorious and happy spirits, ye shall walk abroad on a summer’s day to visit other worlds, to touch at distant constellations, to revisit this little globe, and here sit and remember the days of other years, and mark where your enemies died and rose and went to hell” (Sermons By The Late Rev. Edward Griffin, Vol. 2, pp. 458, 464, 1838).
11. Time of His coming announced to the saints
Ellen White (1827-1915): “Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming” (EW, p. 15, 1882).
Ellen White (1827-1915): “The voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming” (GC, p. 640, 1911).
Ellen White (1827-1915): “The wicked hear, but understand not the words of the voice of God. They fear and tremble, while the saints rejoice…” (1T, p. 354, 1868).
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): “God in his own eternal counsels fixed time, but now it is kept secret… but when the time comes, God’s eternal counsels concerning it shall be made known; the joyful tidings shall be proclaimed through all heaven, that all may prepare to attend the Lord Jesus Christ in his descent to the earth… The first notice shall be given of this descent shall be in heaven, but soon after there shall be notice of it on earth…it will fill the hearts of the godly as full of joy as it will the wicked with terror and amazement” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, A.M.: With an Essay on His Genius and Writings, Volume 2, p. 894, 1839. [From the sermon: The Portion of the Righteous, 1740]).
12. Their faces shine
Ellen White (1827-1915): “When God spake the time, he poured on us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God as Moses’ did when he came down from Mount Sinai” (ExV, pp. 10, 11, 1851).
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): “Moses’s face shone when he had been conversing with God in the mount; much more may it be expected that the bodies of the saints shall shine…” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, A.M.: With an Essay on His Genius and Writings, Volume 2, p. 894, 1839. [From the sermon: The Portion of the Righteous, 1740]).
13. The redeemed are set free
Ellen White (1827-1915): “I looked upon this company, who, a short time before, were in such distress and bondage. Their captivity was turned. A glorious light shone upon them. How beautiful they then looked!” (1T, p. 184, 1868).
Ellen White (1827-1915): “The captivity of the righteous is turned, and with sweet and solemn whisperings they say to one another: “We are delivered. It is the voice of God” (1T, 354,, 1868).
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): “…that the time when Christ is coming shall be a time when wickedness shall exceedingly abound, and the saints shall be greatly persecuted. But this shall set them at liberty; then they may lift up their heads out of prisons and dungeons, and many out of galleys, and mines, and shall see their Redeemer drawing nigh. This sight will drive away their persecutors, it will put an end to all their cruelties, and set God’s people at liberty” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, A.M.: With an Essay on His Genius and Writings, Volume 2, p. 894, 1839. [From the sermon: The Portion of the Righteous, 1740]).
14. Redeemed are given wings
Ellen White (1827-1915): “In a moment we were winging our way upward, and entering in; here we saw good old father Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Noah, Daniel, and many like them” (WLF, p. 16, 1847).
Ellen White (1827-1915): “Then the saints used their wings and mounted to the top of the wall of the City” (The Present Truth, November 1, 1850).
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): “Then all the saints shall mount up, as with wings, to meet the Lord in the air” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, A.M.: With an Essay on His Genius and Writings, Volume 2, p. 895, 1839. [From the sermon: The Portion of the Righteous, 1740]).
15. Prefect harmony and union among the redeemed
Ellen White (1827-1915): “By this time the 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united” (WLF, p. 14, 1847).
Ellen White (1827-1915): “God desires that heaven’s plan shall be carried out, and heaven’s divine order and harmony prevail,… The peace and harmony of the heavenly courts will not be marred by the presence of one who is rough or unkind” (8T, p. 140, 1904).
Ellen White (1827-1915): “All seek the interest and happiness of others. No one devotes himself to looking out and caring for self. It is the chief joy of all holy beings to witness the joy and happiness of those around them” (2T, p. 239, 1871).
Ellen White (1827-1915): “…the voices were blended in perfect harmony… I seemed to be there, where all was peace, where no stormy conflicts of earth could ever come… Their voices were in perfect harmony. They never do each other wrong… seeking the happiness and joy of each other…The greatest there is least in self-esteem, and the least is greatest in his gratitude and wealth of love… All is in perfect harmony, in perfect order and perfect bliss… Love reigns there. There are no jarring elements, no discord or contentions or war of words” (9MR, pp. 104, 105, 1990).
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): “They shall have great delight in the society and enjoyment of one another… but doubtless it will be far more perfect than any we have now. The saints in heaven shall all be one society, they shall be united together without any schism, there shall be a sweet harmony, and a perfect union. There the saints shall see and converse with Noah and Abraham, and Moses and David, and Isaiah, and Paul; and the holy martyrs; … and there shall be no jars or contentions, nor breaking out among them… Each one shall love every other wit most endeared and strong affection… This blessed family being united in one body… shall subserve and contribute to each other’s happiness… those that are lowest in glory will have the greatest love to those that are highest in happiness, because they will see most of the image of god in them… The saints in heaven are more humble than the saints on earth, and still the higher we go among them the greater humility there is” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, A.M.: With an Essay on His Genius and Writings, Volume 2, pp. 898, 902, 1839).
16. Open communion with the father and the Son
Ellen White (1827-1915): “The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son” (GC, p. 676, 1911).
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): “… there they shall see and converse with God and Christ, and with angels and glorious spirits, and shall contemplate the wonderful love of God to men in sending his only Son… The saints in heaven shall see and converse with Christ” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, A.M.: With an Essay on His Genius and Writings, Volume 2, pp. 893, 899, 1839).
17. All will be satisfied with their reward
Ellen White (1827-1915): “Some of them had very bright crowns, others not so bright. Some crowns appeared heavy with stars, while others had but few. All were perfectly satisfied with their crowns” (CET, p. 59, 1922; WLF, p. 15, 1847).
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): “There are different degrees of happiness and glory in heaven… The glory of the saints above will be in some proportion to their efficiency in holiness and good works here. Christ will reward according to their works… It will be no damp to the happiness of those who have lower degree of happiness and glory, that there are others advanced in glory above them. For all shall be perfectly happy, every one shall be perfectly satisfied” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, A.M.: With an Essay on His Genius and Writings, Volume 2, p. 902, 1839).
18. The saints seek each other’s happiness
Ellen White (1827-1915): “Princes of heaven, the potentates of this mighty realm, are rivals only in good, seeking the happiness and joy of each other. The greatest there is least in self-esteem, and the least is greatest in his gratitude and wealth of love” (9MR, p. 104, 1990).
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): “There are different degrees of happiness in heaven. As there are degrees among the angels, viz. thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers… Those who are not so high in glory as others will not envy those who are higher… [But] they will rejoice in their superior happiness… instead of having a damp to their own happiness, it will add to it… The saints in heaven are more humble than the saints on earth, and still the higher we go among them the greater humility there is… The exaltation of some in heaven above the rest will be so far from diminishing the perfect happiness and joy of the rest who are inferior, that they will be happier for it… they will be partakers of each other’s happiness” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, A.M.: With an Essay on His Genius and Writings, Volume 2, p. 902, 1839).
19. Saints judge the evil angels and the wicked
Ellen White (1827-1915): “Then I saw thrones, and Jesus and the redeemed saints sat upon them; and the saints reigned as kings and priests unto God. Christ, in union with His people, judged the wicked dead…Satan also and his angels were judged by Jesus and the saints” (EW, pp. 290, 291, 1882).
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): “The saints shall sit on thrones with Christ, to judge wicked men and devils… They shall judge kings and princes who were their persecutors, and the devils who were their tempters” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, A.M.: With an Essay on His Genius and Writings, Volume 2, p. 895, 1839).
20. Grapes from heavenly Canaan
Ellen White (1827-1915): “But our light afflictions, which are but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory—while we look not at the things which are seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. I have tried to bring back a good report, and a few grapes from the heavenly Canaan, for which many would stone me” (WLF, p. 14, 1847). Emphasis added.
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): “… but there is an excellent, transcendent, soul-satisfying sweetness that sometimes fills the soul in the apprehension of the excellency of God. The soul dwells upon the thought, fixes on it, and takes complacence in God as the greatest good, the most delightful object of its contemplation. This pleasure is the sweetest pleasure that a Christian ever feels, and is the foretaste of the pleasures of heaven itself. Herein sometimes the saints do boast of the clusters of Canaan” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, A.M.: With an Essay on His Genius and Writings, Volume 2, p. 890, 1839 [1740]). Emphasis added.
21. Heaven is worth
Ellen White (1827-1915): “The glory of the eternal world has been opened before me. I want to tell you that Heaven is worth winning” (ST, Apr 8, 1889).
Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892): “Surely hell is worth escaping; surely heaven is worth winning” (Spiritual Warfare in a Believer’s Life, p. 136, 1993).
22. Sinners cannot have companionship with heavenly beings
Ellen White (1827-1915): “The sinner could not be happy in God’s presence; he would shrink from the companionship of holy beings. Could he be permitted to enter heaven, it would have no joy for him. The spirit of unselfish love that reigns there – every heart responding to the heart of Infinite Love – would touch no answering chord in his soul. His thoughts, his interests, his motives, would be alien to those that actuate the sinless dwellers there. He would be a discordant note in the melody of heaven. Heaven would be to him a place of torture; he would long to be hidden from Him who is its light, and the center of its joy. It is no arbitrary decree on the part of God that excludes the wicked from heaven; they are shut out by their own unfitness for its companionship” (SC, pp. 17, 18, 1892).
J. C. Ryle (1816-1900): “Suppose for a moment that you were allowed to enter heaven without holiness. What would you do? What possible enjoyment could you feel there? To which of the saints would you join yourself, and by whose side would sit down? Their pleasures are not your pleasures, their tastes are not yours, their character not your character. How could you possibly be happy, if you had not been holy on earth?…you rather avoid them. You have no delight in their society. There will be no other company in heaven…. The inhabitants thereof rest not day or night, saying ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord god Almighty,’ and singing praises of the Lamb. How could an unholy man find pleasure in occupation such as this?… He could feel a stranger in a land he knew not, a black sheep amid Christ’s holy flock” (Holiness, pp. 42, 43, 1879 [2011]).