This word of Christ turns our thoughts to heaven, the future state of the glorified ones. Heaven will consist not only in locality but also in character. It will be characterized in its essence by the full vision and fruition of God. Then our attention will not be on what are now vague and indefinite theories about the circumstances of future happiness, but instead will be on the contemplation of the purity of heart and surpassing glory of the Lord Himself (2 Cor. 3:10).

This emphasizes that in order to see and enjoy God, purity of heart must be cultivated. Have you attained any of this heart-purity and heart-preparation? Many have felt those happy moments of bliss when self was surrendered, and they were walking close to God, and their eye was directed to the glory of Jesus. What will heaven be but the surrender of the soul to Him without any hindrance or any fear of the corruption from within yielding to temptation from without! Then there will be nothing contrary to His mind. Then the whole being will be impregnated with holiness, all of the affections will be directed toward God, and there will be no competition for them. Every thought will be brought into captivity, and the heart will be a clear fountain, with no sediment to dim its purity. Like David, we can say, “I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness” (Ps. 17:15; cf. 1 Jn. 3:2).

Yes, this is heaven. Doubtless, there will be communion with saints and angels, readmission into the society of loved ones previously separated from us by death, but all will fade before the great central glory: “The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face” (Rev. 22:3–4).