Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

B. THE FINAL STATE OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
1. THE NEW CREATION. The final state of believers will be preceded by the passing of
the present world and the appearance of a new creation. Matt. 19:28 speaks of “the
regeneration,” and Acts 3:21, of “the restoration of all things.” In Heb. 12:27 we read:
“And this word, Yet once more signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken
(heaven and earth), as of things that are made, that those things which are not shaken
(the kingdom of God) may remain.” Peter says: “But according to His promise, we look
for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness,” II Pet. 3:13, cf. vs.
12; and John saw this new creation in a vision, Rev. 21:1. It is only after the new creation
has been established, that the new Jerusalem descends out of heaven from God, that the
tabernacle of God is pitched among men, and that the righteous enter upon their eternal
joy. The question is often raised, whether this will be an entirely new creation, or a
renewal of the present creation. Lutheran theologians strongly favor the former position
with an appeal to II Pet. 3:7-13; Rev. 20:11; and 21:1; while Reformed theologians prefer
the latter idea, and find support for it in Ps. 102:26,27; (Heb. 1:10-12); and Heb. 12:26-28.
2. THE ETERNAL ABODE OF THE RIGHTEOUS. Many conceive of heaven also as a
subjective condition, which men may enjoy in the present and which in the way of
righteousness will naturally become permanent in the future. But here, too, it must be
said that Scripture clearly presents heaven as a place. Christ ascended to heaven, which
can only mean that He went from one place to another. It is described as the house of
our Father with many mansions, John 14:1, and this description would hardly fit a
condition. Moreover, believers are said to be within, while unbelievers are without,
Matt. 22:12,13; 25:10-12. Scripture gives us reasons to believe that the righteous will not
only inherit heaven, but the entire new creation, Matt. 5:5; Rev. 21:1-3.
3. THE NATURE OF THEIR REWARD. The reward of the righteous is described as eternal
life, that is, not merely an endless life, but life in all its fulness, without any of the
imperfections and disturbances of the present, Matt. 25:46; Rom. 2:7. The fulness of this
life is enjoyed in communion with God, which is really the essence of eternal life, Rev.
21:3. They will see God in Jesus Christ face to face, will find full satisfaction in Him, will
rejoice in Him, and will glorify Him. We should not think of the joys of heaven,
however, as exclusively spiritual. There will be something corresponding to the body.
There will be recognition and social intercourse on an elevated plane. It is also evident
from Scripture that there will be degrees in the bliss of heaven, Dan. 12:3; II Cor. 9:6.
Our good works will be the measure of our gracious reward, though they do not merit
it. Notwithstanding this, however, the joy of each individual will be perfect and full.
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