And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3.
Everyone in this world is a student. As often happens in schools, there are motivated and talented students and there are lazy and indifferent ones.
This world is just the first school course of study throughout eternity.
Heaven is a school; its field of study, the universe; its teacher, the Infinite One. A branch of this school was established in Eden; and, the plan of redemption accomplished, education will again be taken up in the Eden school.*
But unlike Adam and Eve in Eden, we have not had the opportunity to see our teacher face to face. We have not had the privilege to hear His voice, to have a better understanding of His power. Sin has severely limited our capabilities but soon all will change.
They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:4.
Restored to His presence, man will again, as at the beginning, be taught of God:*
Therefore My people shall know My name; therefore they shall know in that day that I am He who speaks: Behold, it is I. Isaiah 52:6.
…Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. Revelation 21:3.
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12.
The best and most perfect study will be carried out in heaven. But the preparation made made here, now, will have a major impact in the hereafter.
The life on earth is the beginning of the life in heaven; education on earth is an initiation into the principles of heaven; the lifework here is a training for the lifework there. What we now are, in character and holy service, is the sure foreshadowing of what we shall be.*
Through the Word of God we may begin to know Him. We see his character of love and mercy. We find the great power of God. We get to see a shadow of what heaven will be like. But can you imagine what it will really be like?
There will be open to the student, history of infinite scope and of wealth inexpressible. Here, from the vantage ground of God's word, the student is afforded a view of the vast field of history and may gain some knowledge of the principles that govern the course of human events. But his vision is still clouded, and his knowledge incomplete. Not until he stands in the light of eternity will he see all things clearly.*
What a great privilege it will be to be enrolled in heaven’s school! We will be clothed with immortality and see the Lord face to face. We shall share with our loved ones never to be interrupted by death. Finally, it will be revealed what we should be.
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2.
* Education, “35. The School Of The Hereafter”, Ellen G. White
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