25 - Heaven's Reflection

Upon reaching heaven, we shall be transformed, coming to fully know as we have been fully known by God. Yet, even now, we are invited to grasp a vision of ourselves as holy, righteous, and pure—reflecting the eternal perspective that heaven offers. This vision isn't just a future hope but a present reality, encouraging us as Christians to see ourselves as we will one day be: fully reconciled and united with Christ.

In our daily lives, we are called to uplift and support one another, progressing together towards the fullness of truth until we all reach the complete measure of God's fullness. This journey involves understanding our identity in Christ, recognizing ourselves as recreated beings. This realization is akin to experiencing a foretaste of heaven on earth, particularly in our minds. Through the wisdom granted by God and the sacrifice of Christ, we grasp what has been wrought within us—an understanding that brings heavenly realities to our earthly experience.

While we await the ultimate joy of heaven, we have much to cherish and explore here and now. We only comprehend a fraction of what Christ's resurrection and ascension have accomplished in us. Yet, our goal should be to fully perceive and embody God's fullness. Such understanding enables us to walk more completely with God, allowing our wisdom and insight to flow outward, meeting the needs of a world in desperation.

We are not to wait for heaven to reveal our true selves in God's sight; instead, we should actively offer the world a glimpse of who we are—created in God’s image and new creations in Christ. The profound realization of our identity can transform our lives today, providing us with a deeper understanding of our divine purpose. It encourages us not just to catch a glimpse of what we will one day fully see in heaven but also to cherish this revelation as a blessing to both ourselves and others.

As new creations, we are uniquely positioned to comprehend and convey this understanding to the world. We possess a magnificent gift—a gift that is readily available for us to claim and share. There is no limit to the revelation available in Christ, allowing us to adopt an eternal perspective through the mind's eye, seeing ourselves as God sees us. This gift is ours for the taking if we so desire.

Indeed, it will be glorious to achieve complete understanding in heaven, but Christ has already bestowed upon us a profound gift in the here and now—one that we can begin to comprehend. Scripture reveals that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and understanding. We are encouraged to uncover and embrace this knowledge not only in our heavenly future but also in our present reality.

The Apostle Paul exhorts us to bring revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or instruction to one another, building up and encouraging each other. This practice is immensely beneficial for our spiritual growth. By contemplating the eternal truths Christ has revealed, and understanding the great sacrifice He made for us to see these truths, we gain immensely. Such contemplation not only prepares us for eternity but enriches our earthly lives with profound purpose and joy.