Topical Encyclopedia The concept of beholding the face of God is a profound and deeply cherished promise found within the Christian Scriptures. It represents the ultimate reward for the saints, those who have been redeemed and sanctified through faith in Jesus Christ. This promise is woven throughout the biblical narrative, offering hope and assurance to believers of an eternal, intimate communion with their Creator.Biblical Foundation The desire to see God's face is rooted in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with divine favor and blessing. In the Aaronic blessing, the priests were instructed to say, "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you" (Numbers 6:24-25). Here, the shining of God's face symbolizes His presence and favor. In the Psalms, the longing to see God's face is expressed as a deep spiritual yearning. David writes, "As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence" (Psalm 17:15). This verse reflects the hope of a future vision of God, which brings ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment. New Testament Revelation The New Testament further develops this theme, particularly in the context of the eschatological hope of believers. Jesus, in the Beatitudes, promises, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8). This beatitude underscores the necessity of purity and holiness as prerequisites for beholding God's face. The Apostle Paul speaks of the transformative vision of God in 1 Corinthians 13:12: "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" . This passage highlights the partial understanding and experience of God in this life, contrasted with the complete and direct knowledge that will be granted in the life to come. Eschatological Fulfillment The culmination of the promise to see God's face is vividly depicted in the book of Revelation. In the New Jerusalem, the redeemed are granted the privilege of seeing God directly: "They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads" (Revelation 22:4). This vision signifies the ultimate intimacy and identification with God, as His name marks the saints as His own. The vision of God's face is not merely a passive experience but is accompanied by active worship and service. Revelation 22:3 states, "No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him" . The removal of the curse and the presence of God's throne indicate a restored creation where the saints live in perfect harmony with their Creator. Theological Implications The promise of beholding God's face carries profound theological implications. It signifies the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity, which was marred by sin. The vision of God is the ultimate fulfillment of the believer's spiritual journey, where faith becomes sight and hope is realized. Moreover, this promise emphasizes the holiness and purity required to stand in God's presence. The saints are those who have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and have pursued a life of holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The vision of God is both a gift and a reward, granted to those who have been faithful to the end. In summary, the reward of beholding the face of God is a central hope for the saints, encapsulating the ultimate joy and fulfillment of eternal life with God. It is a promise that inspires believers to live lives of purity and devotion, anticipating the day when they will see their Savior face to face. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 17:15As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with your likeness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:8 Revelation 22:4 Library Of the Beatific vision. Motives to the Oversight of the Flock God. A Believer's Privilege at Death Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded. Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death ... Hillis -- God the Unwearied Guide Question of the Contemplative Life A Homily on the Beatitudes, St. Matt. v. 9-Jan Christ. Resources What did Jesus mean when He said the first will be last and the last will be first? | GotQuestions.orgIs there anything I can do to guarantee myself a long life? | GotQuestions.org What is the purpose of there being rewards in heaven? | GotQuestions.org Reward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness The Reward of Saints is from God The Reward of Saints is Inestimable The Reward of Saints is of God's Good Pleasure The Reward of Saints is of Grace, Through Faith Alone The Reward of Saints is Satisfying The Reward of Saints: A City Which had Foundation The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Glory The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Life The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Righteousness The Reward of Saints: A House Eternal in the Heavens The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom Immovable The Reward of Saints: An Enduring Substance The Reward of Saints: An Eternal Weight of Glory The Reward of Saints: An Incorruptible Crown The Reward of Saints: As Servants of Christ The Reward of Saints: Be Careful not to Lose The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Face of God The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Glory of Christ The Reward of Saints: Being Glorified With Christ The Reward of Saints: Being With Christ The Reward of Saints: Entering Into the Joy of the Lord The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Life The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Light The Reward of Saints: Fulness of Joy The Reward of Saints: Hope of, a Cause of Rejoicing The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Eternal The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Incorruptible The Reward of Saints: Inheritance of all Things The Reward of Saints: Inheritance With Saints in Light The Reward of Saints: Joint Heirship With Christ The Reward of Saints: Not on Account of Their Merits The Reward of Saints: Prepared by Christ The Reward of Saints: Prepared by God The Reward of Saints: Present Afflictions not to be Compared With The Reward of Saints: Reigning for Ever and Ever The Reward of Saints: Reigning With Christ The Reward of Saints: Saints May Feel Confident of The Reward of Saints: Shall be Given at the Second Coming of Christ The Reward of Saints: Shining As the Stars The Reward of Saints: Sitting in Judgment With Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Diligence The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Enduring Suffering for Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Faithfulness to Death The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Pressing Forward The Reward of Saints: Treasure in Heaven Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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