Will the Saints ever go to Heaven?
By W. Phelps
The question is frequently asked, Will the saints ever go to heaven? I believe they will, first, because our hope reaches there whither the forerunner for us has entered. Heb. vi, 19, 20. The forerunner is that which goes before. I believe they will, second, because Christ said, In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you; and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there you may be also. John xiv, 1–3. Now Christ did not say, I will come again and bring the place which I will prepare with me, that where you are I may be also; which he would have done if that had been his meaning. I believe they will, third, because when Christ ascended up on high he led a multitude of captives. Eph. iv, 8. Margin. I believe they will, fourth, because Enoch walked with God and he was not; for God took him; [Gen. v, 21–24;] and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. I believe they will, fifth, because when the Lord comes the dead saints will be raised and the living saints changed and be caught up with them together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thess. iv, 16–18. I believe it, sixth, because the saints are labeled for the New Jerusalem, having the name of the city written upon them. Rev. iii, 12. I believe it, seventh, because the 144000 are redeemed from the earth and from among men, and stand on the mount Zion with the Lamb. I believe it, eighth, because John saw an innumerable company of saints out of all nations, kindreds, people and tongues, before the throne of God, who serve him day and night in his temple. W. PHELPS.