Ephesians 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, I. THE FIRST CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CELESTIAL FAMILY IS HOLINESS. Now, we would not insinuate the absence of genuine uprightness from the hearts and the homes of men on earth. But we would broadly assert the infinite inferiority of the holiness which even here commands the homage of the sinful to the holiness which shall reign in glory — its superiority in respect of beauty and perfection. For, no worldly temptations, no fleshly lusts, no wiles of the seducer shall mar the purity of the Paradise of God. II. THE SECOND CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CELESTIAL FAMILY IS LOVE. Now love is of two kinds, general and special. General love extends to every member of the household of God. Special love is limited to certain individuals in the same. 1. With regard to the former, it is evident that where there is true love to God, there will be true love to all His children. For(1) the Divine image recognized on the soul, will excite love. (2) The objects of faith and hope are alike to all, and therefore mutual affection must spring up and flourish. (3) The perils of the present evil world, and the daily trials of the Christian life are common to the faithful — and these will generate a common sympathy and love. (4) Regard to the new commandment of the Lord Jesus, will necessarily be the predominant feeling in the breast of every disciple. 2. But the love of the heavenly world will be special and individual. The happy company of the saints at rest is described as a "family." Surely then, there will be mutual recognition among the several members, especially among those who were known and endeared on earth. Let us endeavour to make good this thought — so full of consolation to the sorrowing. (1) First of all, then, we appeal to the testimony of Holy Scripture. When our Lord was transfigured on Tabor, "Peter and they that were with Him saw His glory, and the two men that were with Him. And it came to pass, as they departed from Him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles, one for Thee, one for Moses, and one for Elias." Now we regard this vision of glory as a specimen of that which is to be revealed at the second coming of the Lord. Further, the future and final home gathering of the scattered family of God. St. Paul continually regards and represents as the reward of all his sufferings and toils. "What," saith he, writing to the Thessalonians, "What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy." Words vain and meaningless if they who know Him now in the flesh, shall know Him no more forever. (2) The theory of recognition accords with the whole constitution of our nature — mental and emotional. You cannot utterly destroy a single molecule of matter. In the history of the physical world we have no ascertained instance of annihilation. In like manner it is impossible to destroy a single principle of the human mind. And therefore it is against the whole constitution and course of nature, to suppose that in a future state, any power of our mental being shall be lost. (J. C. Innes, Ph. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,WEB: from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, |
    |