But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job23.10
Christ has told us that the pure in heart will see God. One disciple of Christ has commented, "It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to."
It is because God desires this, that we are put to the test. Like gold refined in the furnace, so trial exposes and if we cooperate with it, trial removes all that is impure. It does this because the heart trained by trial experiences the removal of the dross, the distractions of all that could never satisfy the longings of our heart. Uninterrupted fellowship with God is the only thing that will satisfy hearts made in His image. For that we must be pure as gold.
Though we will not experience complete purity here in this place, this is the end to which all who come to Christ are ultimately being led. It seems that we are in transit headed toward perfection and purity. We are encouraged to cooperate with the Spirit's work in us. "And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
What is accomplished here in this place will certainly follow us there. The question in my mind, still unanswered, is to what degree will unlearned lessons here affect my transition, once I have arrived in the eternal state? I read with great interest the healing said to still be going on in Rev.22 and underlined below. And I am sure ultimately of this, that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, and that in my flesh we will see God. 3/2/07 ts
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
