Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with your likeness. I. THERE IS SUCH A PLACE AS HEAVEN. Some imagine that heaven is a state rather than a place; but it is not easy to conceive of this distinction. The idea of locality attends all our ideas of created objects, whether spiritual or corporeal. The idea of place accompanies our idea of angels. Whatever changes pass upon glorified bodies, they must still be material, and have a local existence. II. GOD MANIFESTS HIS PECULIAR PRESENCE IN HEAVEN. David expected to behold the face of God in some peculiar manner when he should awake in the world of light. In some unusual manner God manifests His presence in heaven. III. WHEN THE SAINTS ARRIVE IN HEAVEN THEY WILL BE COMPLETELY SATISFIED AND HAPPY THERE. They will enjoy all that felicity which David anticipated. If there be perfect happiness anywhere in the universe it is to he expected in heaven, where God is, and Christ is, and where all the holy beings are collected, and united in their views and affections. Consider the various species of happiness in heaven — 1. They will enjoy all the happiness which can flow from the free and full exercise of all their intellectual powers and faculties. 2. They will enjoy the pleasures of the heart, as well as those of the understanding. These are the most refined pleasures of the soul. 3. They shall enjoy the pleasures of the heart in the richest variety. 4. They will enjoy the pleasures of society, as well as of devotion. 5. They will have ineffable pleasure from the expressions of the peculiar love and approbation of God. 6. That which will carry celestial blessedness to the highest degree of perfection is the pleasure of anticipation — the prospect of appearing before God, and beholding His face in righteousness. All the redeemed will joyfully anticipate their perpetual felicity, and rising glory to all eternity. (N. Emmons, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. |
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