True Saints, When Absent from the Body, Are Present with the Lord | Jonathan Edwards

The theological claim central to the sources is that the souls of true saints, when they leave their bodies at death, go immediately to be present with the Lord. This transition grants them a glorious future eternal reward and a state of complete happiness without waiting for the resurrection. To be "present with the Lord" properly signifies dwelling with Christ, as in the same country or city. This abode is the highest heaven, or the heaven of heavens, which is also identified as the third heaven and paradise. This glorious location is considered the saints' proper home and their Father’s house, and is where the glorified human nature of Christ remains.

The state of presence with Christ is defined by five key privileges. First, saints achieve the immediate, full, and constant sight of Christ, seeing him "face to face". Christ is the image of the invisible God and the Sun of righteousness who enlightens the heavenly Jerusalem, allowing the saints to behold the marvelous glory of the work of redemption and salvation with perfect clarity. Second, this perfect sight brings about a most perfect conformity to and union with Christ, abolishing all remains of sin and spiritual deformity. The vital union is perfected, allowing the soul to live perfectly in and upon Christ. Third, saints enjoy glorious and immediate intercourse and converse with Christ, their friend, brother, and spouse, swimming in the ocean of divine love. Fourth, Christ, appearing as the Lamb in the midst of the throne, is the light and shepherd of the city, leading the heavenly assembly in their praises, singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Finally, saints are received to a glorious fellowship with Christ in his blessedness, reigning with him and entering into the joy of their Lord.

This hope of immediate reward provided the apostle with courage and immovable steadfastness to endure great labors and sufferings in ministry. The life of an eminent deceased minister, characterized by deep conversion, continuous holy influences, and an abhorrence of settling into a cold, lifeless frame, serves as a profound example of the holy life that leads to such a blessed end.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv...
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