What do you think will be the best thing about heaven? Sinless souls — so that we will never again experience the shame of living in a sinful world? Renewed bodies — so that we will never again experience the pain of living in a fallen world? Reunion with loved ones — so that we will never again experience the grief of parting?
While those things will be undoubtedly wonderful, there is something even better. What makes heaven heaven can best be summed up in the words of the apostle John: ‘they will see his face’ (Revelation 22.4). We will see God’s face! Just imagine, all of us who have turned from our sins and trusted in the Saviour will see God’s face.
I was born in the Scottish town of St. Andrews. Buried there is the pastor and author Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) who wrote my favourite hymn: ‘The sands of time are sinking’ (see Praise! 909). In verse five, Rutherford captures the Christian’s hope like this: ‘The bride eyes not her garment, but her dear bridegroom’s face; I will not gaze at glory but on my king of grace’. We who know the Lord Jesus will one day see his face.
