THE FATHER’S HOUSE
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Jesus speaks just before the cross
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The disciples are troubled and uncertain
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Jesus gives them
certainty about their future -
The focus is not just heaven as a place
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The focus is
being with the Father
1. GOD’S DWELLING WITH MAN (PAST
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God desired to dwell with man
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Tabernacle
– Ex 25:8
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Israel rejected God’s presence
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Judgment on Jerusalem
– Mt 23:37–39, Mt 24:1–2 -
Jesus wept over the city
– Lk 19:41–46
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Temple was meant to be:
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A house of prayer
– Is 56:7
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Jesus called it:
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“My Father’s house”
– Lk 2:49, Jn 2:16
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Result of rejection:
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Presence departed
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Temple destroyed (70 A.D.)
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2. THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER’S HOUSE
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Jesus gives assurance:
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A prepared place
– Jn 14:2
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Heaven defined:
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Where God dwells
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A family home, not just a location
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Believers’ future:
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Heavenly city
– Heb 12:22–24 -
Eternal dwelling
– Ps 23 -
Eternal body
– 2 Cor 5:1, 5–8
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“Many mansions”:
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Permanent dwelling
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Prepared for every believer
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3. WHAT HEAVEN WILL BE LIKE
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New Jerusalem:
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Comes from God
– Rev 21:2
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God’s presence:
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Dwells with His people
– Rev 21:3
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No suffering:
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No death, sorrow, or pain
– Rev 21:4
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Eternal inheritance:
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For overcomers
– Rev 21:5–7
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Warning:
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Judgment for unbelievers
– Rev 21:8
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4. FINAL JUDGMENT AND THE SECOND DEATH
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Great white throne judgment
– Rev 20:11–15 -
Second death:
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Eternal separation from God
– Rev 2:11, Rev 20:6, 14, Rev 21:8
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Eternal punishment:
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Outer darkness and torment
– Mt 8:12, Rev 20:7–10
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5. DETAILS OF THE HEAVENLY CITY
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Structure:
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12 gates, 12 foundations
– Rev 21:12, 14 -
Cube-like city
– Rev 21:16
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Beauty:
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Gold, jasper, pearls
– Rev 21:18, 21
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No temple:
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God Himself is the temple
– Rev 21:22
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No sun needed:
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God is the light
– Rev 21:23, 1 Jn 1:5–7
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River of life:
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Flows from God
– Rev 22:1 -
Life and healing
– Rev 22:2
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No curse:
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Direct access to God
– Rev 22:3–5
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6. HOW HEAVEN WAS PREPARED
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Jesus prepares the way:
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Through death, resurrection, ascension
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Fulfillment of the Old Covenant:
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Entered heavenly sanctuary
– Heb 9:11–15 -
Blood required for remission
– Heb 9:16–22 -
One sacrifice forever
– Heb 10:12
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Foundation:
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Christ alone
– 1 Cor 3:11–15
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7. THE TIMING: HE WILL COME AGAIN
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Promise:
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Jesus will return
– Jn 14:3
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Ascension and return:
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Same manner
– Acts 1:9–11
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Gathering of believers:
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1 Thess 4:16–17
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Universal visibility:
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Every eye will see Him
– Rev 1:7
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8. WHY WE NEED TO BE MADE FIT FOR HEAVEN
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Problem:
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All have sinned
– Rom 3:23–24
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Solution:
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Must be born again
– Jn 3:3–6
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New life:
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Spirit dwells in us
– Rom 8:9–11
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Access to God:
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Through Christ’s blood
– Heb 10:19–22
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Transformation:
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New creation
– 2 Cor 5:17 -
New heart
and a new spirit – Ezek 36:25–27 -
Righteousness in Christ
– 2 Cor 5:21
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Final change:
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Glorified body
– 1 Cor 15:50–54
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Identity:
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Citizenship in heaven
– Phil 3:20–21
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9. THE WAY TO THE FATHER’S HOUSE
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Only one way:
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Jesus
– Jn 14:6
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Assurance:
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Names written in heaven
– Lk 10:20
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Final separation:
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Book of Life determines destiny
– Rev 20:11–15, Rev 21:27
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God remembers the faithful:
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Book of remembrance
– Mal 3:16–18
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10. KEY TRUTHS TO EMPHASIZE
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Heaven is:
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Not just a place
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It is
God’s presence
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The greatest promise:
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“That where I am, there you may be also”
– Jn 14:3
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The central question:
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Are you prepared for the place prepared for you?
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11. PRACTICAL CLASS QUESTIONS
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What does it mean that heaven is the Father’s house and not just a place?
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Are you preparing for heaven, or assuming you are ready?
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What evidence shows your nature has changed?
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Do your desires reflect a heavenly citizenship?
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Are you trusting in Christ alone as the way?
