Ellen Chat Conversation

Heaven is described as a place of absolute holiness and purity where nothing that defiles can enter. It is characterized by perfect harmony, peace, and unity, serving as a realm where sorrow, pain, and death are forever excluded (1888 145.2, Hvn 5.2). This "good place" contains the City of God, which features gates guarded by angels and is home to the "living streams" that provide eternal gladness to its inhabitants (ExV 22.1). A central feature of heaven is the "true tabernacle," which serves as the sanctuary of the new covenant. This heavenly sanctuary was the reality to which the earthly tabernacle built by Moses pointed as a pattern (GC88 417.1).

Within this glorious environment, the redeemed are positioned before the throne of God, serving Him continually while being led by the Lamb to fountains of living waters (DA 331.3). The experience of heaven is not limited to the future; it is a state of being that begins on this earth when individuals enter into rest through Christ. It is defined as a "ceaseless approaching to God" where happiness increases as one's knowledge of God deepens (DA 331.3, HLv 222.2). By cultivating meekness, tenderness, and a life of praise, believers create a "heaven below" as a necessary preparation for the "heaven above" (HFM 31.4).

Ultimately, heaven represents the restoration of the divine standard of perfection. Just as God is perfect in His sphere, those in heaven are called to reach a standard of character that reflects the transcript of His law (8T 64.1, CT 365.2). The inhabitants of this bright world are those who have been changed into the glorious image of Jesus and find their greatest satisfaction in His presence (ExV 22.1, DA 331.3).

You might also want to explore:What did Ellen White teach about the activities and occupations of the redeemed in heaven?How does the sanctuary in heaven relate to the plan of salvation?What practical counsel did she give regarding how to prepare our characters for heaven while on earth?

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