RPG Adults
THE PROMISE OF HEAVEN STANDS BY FAITH
LORD’S DAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Hebrews 11:1-20
Luke 16:23-31
“… They have Moses and the prophets;
let them hear them.”
THE PROMISE OF HEAVEN STANDS BY FAITH
The heroes of faith died not having received the promises knowing that they were “strangers and pilgrims” on earth. They knew that there was an eternal home that they were destined for. Peter used the same terms (cf. 1 Pet 2:11). Jesus also explicitly stated that He was going to prepare a place for His disciples. In Bible narratives there are also scenes that depict heaven, confirming that it is a definite place.
Abraham and all the patriarchs believed in that celestial home and they looked forward to it. His departure from the earth was a forward move. Both Abraham and Israel desired the better city that God had prepared for them. The Lord made the promises to Abraham that He would give a land; and to Israel He described it as a land flowing with milk and honey. In Bible history, Jerusalem became the capital of this land. Since then, it has become a symbol of heaven, so that in Revelation the holy city that descended from heaven is called the New Jerusalem. It is a better city and God is not ashamed to be called their God.
Faith in Christ was also possessed by these heroes, as the writer brought up the episode of the offering of Isaac. The promise of God was in Isaac and thus Christ descended from him. Abraham believed in the resurrection and he knew that God would be able to raise his son from death. In the end he did not have to offer him as God provided a substitute. Isaac lived, and Christ was born as one of his descendants. Christ testified that Abraham rejoiced to see His day and he saw it. Abraham believed in Christ by faith. He was saved the same way that Christians are saved today.
THOUGHT: Abraham went to heaven for he believed in God.
PRAYER: Father, may I look forward to that celestial city by faith.