[The Sun Series] In HeavenSample

Face-to-face

In any relationship that we have in life, we go through stages and develop different levels of intimacy. Thousands of books have been written about how to deal with relationships and relationship problems. The most published and read book of all time, the Bible, tells us the story of the Creator’s relationship with us, human beings. From beginning to end, from Genesis to Revelation, this story presents the different levels of intimacy we used to have, lost, and regained with our loving Father.  

In the Garden of Eden, God and human beings walked, talked, and spent time together face-to-face. In fact, the level of intimacy was so profound that shockingly for us, Adam and Eve were naked, and they were not ashamed (Genesis 2:25). Shame came after sin (Genesis 3:7). Moreover, for the first time, they were afraid of God and hid from Him, besides being ashamed of their nakedness (Genesis 3:8, 10, 11). God, in His mercy, provided garments for them but banished them from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:21, 23). The purest and highest level of intimacy that God intended to have with us was ruined because of sin.

In the Old Testament, we read that the closest men could get to God was through worship in special places that God intended for this purpose, and sometimes even only on special occasions. In the desert, the people of God had the Tabernacle and later, Solomon built a Temple. But no one could see God face-to-face (Exodus 33:18–20, Isaiah 6:5). Not even after fulfilling all the requirements that the Law of God explained in such detail (Hebrews 9 and 10).

In the New Testament, the book of Hebrews masterfully explains to us that in the light of Jesus’ death in ransom for us, and thanks to His resurrection, all the requirements of the Law were fulfilled. Jesus’ perfect sacrifice has allowed us to have a new level of intimacy with God. Now, we worship in spirit and truth, and God lives in us through the Holy Spirit. (John 4:23–24, 1 John 3:24) Nevertheless, we cannot see God face-to-face as in the Garden of Eden.

The Bible tells us that a day is coming when all things will be restored as God promised (Acts 3:21, John 5:28–29, Revelation 21:5). We will again be able to worship God face-to-face (1 Corinthians 13:12). No more fogginess, no more shadows. We will have a glorified body, and we will be able to see Him, and talk to Him, and walk with Him (Philippians 3:21). There will be no need for a temple or a special occasion to be with God. He will dwell with us (Revelation21:3).

Thought of the Day 

One day we will see Him face to face! Take a moment and let this truth sink in! Rejoice!