Heaven, A Christian's Better Country.

Adapted From A Sermon By

Philip Doddridge

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

(Hebrews 11:16)

The title of this morning's sermon by Philip Doddridge is Heaven, A Christian's Better Country. And our text is Hebrews 11:16: But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

In this chapter the apostle extols the triumphs of faith, particularly as demonstrated by the behavior of the heroes of the Old Testament. He speaks of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were summoned to abandon their homeland and ancestral estates to reside in Canaan, a land God vowed to grant to their descendants. Yet, they lived there as sojourners in a foreign land, acknowledging their status as pilgrims and strangers on earth. By this very acknowledgment and their lifestyle, the apostle notes, they expressed their yearning for another country, not considering themselves settled even in the land of promise due to their transient existence.

This sought-after country could not have been the one they left behind, for they had opportunities to return; thus, it is clear they aspired to a superior, heavenly homeland. Their actions and endurance in this earthly pilgrimage were driven by a desire for divine favor and the bliss of the afterlife. God, having fulfilled these lofty expectations, is not ashamed to be called their God, having acted in accord with his sacred covenant, a relationship he would not have honored so profoundly had he not provided for them beyond their earthly sojourn in Canaan.

The apostle tells us that the patriarchs' obedience stemmed from their longing for heaven, seen as a better country than either Chaldea, from where they originated, or Canaan, where they sojourned. Since the scriptural promises of future happiness apply to all good men, not just to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the character given in the text extends to them all; they view heaven as their true home, desiring it as a better country than this lower world.

We will look into the reasoning behind such a perception and the practical lessons we might draw from envisioning our future happiness as our country, indeed, our better country.

I. We begin with looking at the ways in which heaven can be considered the good man's country.

The text clearly portrays it as the homeland of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and thus, by extension, it is our country too, as we share in the same promise as their heirs. The apostle informs us that the blessing of Abraham has extended to the Gentiles;{Galatians 3:14} that is, we are entitled to the spiritual blessings promised to him and his descendants, allowing us to regard heaven as our own country, just as they did. In this light, good men in scripture describe their time on earth as a state of pilgrimage. Jacob, for instance, spoke of his life saying, "The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years."{Genesis 47:9 NKJV} And we should not assume this statement solely refers to Jacob's transient lifestyle, living in tents and moving from place to place. David also speaks of this as a shared experience with all his godly forebears, saying, "I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers,"{Psalm 39:12} and he extends this notion to the entire congregation: "We are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were."{1 Chronicles 29:15} The apostle encourages all Christians to view life through this lens: "I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh."{1 Peter 2:11} And the apostle Paul adds, "We have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come."{Hebrews 13:14}

Given how clearly scripture depicts heaven as the good man's country, let us consider why it might be described as such. We will consider three aspects.

1. Because he has his birth from there.

In everyday language, our country and our birthplace are often considered the same. Indeed, a Christian's physical body comes from the earth, made of the same basic elements as the animals that die, but his rational and immortal soul has a heavenly origin, breathed into him by God's own breath. However, in a more unique and defining way, a Christian's regeneration or rebirth is from above. This is explicitly stated in Scripture: "Unless one is born again,' or as it is in the original, is born from above, "he cannot see the kingdom of God."{John 3:3} It is also noted elsewhere that those who have received Christ, as all genuine Christians have, are born not of blood, nor by the will of the flesh, nor by human will, but by God.{John 1:13} And so, heaven can be called the Christian's country; because he is a child of the King of heaven.

2. The greatest part of his relatives and friends reside there. The ever-blessed God, who has become his Father, is indeed essentially present everywhere; "The whole earth is full of his glory."{Isaiah 6:3} However, there are more distinct manifestations of his presence in that brighter, more glorious world. Therefore, our Lord Jesus Christ speaks of him as the Father who is in heaven,{Matthew 6:9} encouraging us to view him in this manner.

Jesus, our dear elder brother, who has adopted this relation by sharing in our human nature, though he spent some time in our lower world, has now ascended to his Father's court; he "has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God."{1 Peter 3:22} The angels, our faithful guardians and tender friends, while often sent to our world to execute his vengeance or to minister his love, have their permanent abode there{Matthew 22:30} and are thus frequently called "the angels of heaven."{Matthew 24:36} To complete the family, all the children of God who have passed from our world live there. When even the humblest Christian departs this life, his soul is "carried by the angels to Abraham's side,"{Luke 16:22} a Jewish phrase to signify heaven.

There, perhaps, are our devout parents, to whom we owe our existence and upbringing, and who, under God, instilled some of the first principles of a divine nature in us. There are our holy teachers and mentors, who guided and led us towards heaven, speaking to us the word of the Lord. There are many of our companions with whom we have attended worship, who have warmed, animated, and encouraged us in our duties, along with an innumerable company of other noble souls, children of the same common Father, whose characters we have admired and loved, though we might not have known them personally. Thus, if we are sincere Christians, heaven is where our relations and friends dwell; on this account, it can rightly be called our country.

3. Heaven may be called the Christian's country, because his inheritance lies there.

Though the preceding observations are fair and hopefully useful, it is primarily, if not exclusively, in this context that Scripture designates it as the country in question, particularly in the passage: "They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one," {Hebrews 11:16}, signifying a superior inheritance to the land of Canaan. God has placed His children in this world as though it were a training ground, where the exercise of Christian virtues and graces prepares them for the glory He has destined for them in the afterlife. Temporal enjoyments, whatever they may be, are not considered the ultimate portion but rather provisions arranged by a benevolent Father for current sustenance and necessary expenses during this youthful phase; the true estate and inheritance lie in a higher realm. Nature itself teaches this perspective.

The Spirit of promise is termed "the guarantee of our inheritance," {Ephesians 1:14}, likened to the acquired possession mentioned later in the verse, serving as assurance of heaven. References also exist to being made "qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light," {Colossians 1:12}. More explicitly, rebirth is described as leading "to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven," {1 Peter 1:4}.

Having examined the ways heaven might be called our country, one reflection arises on this foundational point. Since heaven is our country, let us take care to live as those who belong to such a place. This aligns with the Apostle’s guidance through his example: "Our citizenship is in heaven," {Philippians 3:20}, indicating behavior befitting heavenly citizens. While present in this world, our status is that of sojourners in a foreign land, distant from our true home; thus, excessive attachment to worldly things should be avoided.

Neither the pleasures nor the setbacks of this earthly journey should overly elate or discourage; rather, a steady, intentional focus should be maintained toward a joyful abode in this glorious country. All actions in life should aim toward it; to foster zeal and cheer in this pursuit, familiarity with it should be cultivated. Scripture offers a map of this heavenly Canaan, from which understanding should be drawn, rendering its depiction well-known.

A constant connection should be sustained through frequent, heartfelt prayers to the throne of the King of heaven, alongside meditation and discussion of its joys. Zeal for the interests of this heavenly country should be demonstrated, with efforts made to expand its population. Honor should be reflected upon it by adopting the conduct of its inhabitants, showing dedication to God’s honor and loving regard for others. A special affection should be held for fellow citizens, aiding their progress toward it. Readiness to depart this world should be maintained whenever God deems it time, to enter this country where our status shifts from strangers and foreigners to fellow-citizens with the glorified saints, within God’s supreme household. We go on to a second heading which is,

II. To consider in what respects heaven is a better country, and to be preferred to this which we now inhabit. Here are six accounts by which it can be viewed.

1. Heaven is described as a more healthful country, where we will be liberated from all those ailments of both body and mind that we currently suffers under.

The frailties and infirmities of our mortal bodies constantly interrupt our worship of God and burden our soul during the more fervent acts of devotion. Beyond these daily encroachments, we are also susceptible to many sicknesses and pains which, while they last, completely unsettle the mind, rendering us unfit for life's duties and pleasures, especially for the direct service of God.

When a Christian is afflicted by these, the most he might manage is to occasionally direct a weak thought towards God or emit a broken groan, perhaps echoing the Psalmist's lament, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?"{Psalm 22:1} We are prone to such afflictions, and it is likely that the longer we linger in this world, the more vulnerable we become to them.

However, in heaven, the inhabitants will know no sadness. There will be no more death, sorrow, or crying; no more pain, but we will engage in the highest services with undying vigor and boundless enthusiasm, as active and incorruptible as flames of fire.

Yet, there are other disturbances that cause a Christian even greater disquiet than physical ailments, namely those of a spiritual nature. His soul bears the weight of original sin, and though by God's grace it is somewhat purified, he finds through painful experience that he is sanctified only in part. There remains a law in his members that wars against the law of his mind; the lingering of a fallen nature tempts him to sin, making him lukewarm and negligent in his duties.

But in heaven, all such afflictions will be instantly healed. We are told that "nothing unclean will ever enter the New Jerusalem,"{Revelation 21:27} but it will be a dwelling for "the spirits of the righteous made perfect."{Hebrews 12:23} They will "behold God's face in righteousness" and "be satisfied with his likeness."{Psalm 17:15} Thus, the whole man will prosper and be in health, and this is what makes heaven a superior country to earth.

2. Heaven is a better country because it is a more peaceful country.

Peace is undeniably one of life's most cherished blessings, lending charm and sweetness even to the humblest of settings. It is better to have a simple meal where love prevails than a lavish feast steeped in animosity.{Proverbs 15:17} However, the Christian's lament while in this world is that his soul has long resided among those who oppose peace, so much so that his existence is often likened to a battle.

But in heaven, those hostile encounters will cease;{Isaiah 57:2} our sworn enemies will be eternally removed, and its inhabitants will coexist in the deepest love and harmony. All adversaries will be cast to an everlasting distance; the devil and wicked men, who once tempted us, will be confined to the abyss. We will be done with this world of temptation, where neither its fears nor its seductions can trouble us any more.

Lastly, all traces of the fall that make us our own worst enemies will, through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, be entirely rooted out; there will be unbroken peace within, and we will continuously approve of our own conduct. Moreover, a significant aspect of this peaceful country's joy is the perfect unity and harmony among its dwellers. Good men are now children of the same Father, parts of the same body, influenced by the same Spirit, generally shaped by the same heavenly and divine disposition; yet, inexplicably, they often find themselves at odds with one another.

Their earthly interests sometimes conflict, or they hold differing views on particular points of religious, and remnants of pride and passion make them intolerant of opposition, leading them to overemphasize trivial matters. But the atmosphere of heaven is tranquil and untroubled; there will be no such storms of discord to disrupt it.

All remnants of ignorance, bigotry, pride, and carnality that cause so much discomfort now will be eradicated, replaced by the more abundant graces of the Spirit of love and sound judgment. Not only will we stop engaging in uncharitable disputes and harsh judgments of one another, but we will love each other with utmost sincerity and fervor; there will be such complete harmony among the blessed that the joy of each will, in essence, be the joy of all. How wonderful and delightful will it be for brethren to dwell together in such unity!

3. The heavenly country promises occupations far superior to those we are taken from.

Though our bodies are the lesser aspect of our being, in our present condition, we spend the majority of our time attending to them. Many Christians, placed by divine providence in such situations, dedicate most of their days to securing the necessities for themselves and their families. Indeed, every man has to spend a significant portion of his life in tasks he would rather avoid.

Even the act of moving this cumbersome body from place to place is both inconvenient and tedious, consuming time that could be more profitably spent otherwise. While we are not completely barred from enhancing our intellects or serving God, such pursuits are confined to fleeting moments, after which we have to return to more mundane affairs.

However, in heaven, the more immediate service of God is represented as our constant occupation; "his servants shall serve him."{Revelation 22:3} There, we will alternate between deep contemplation, ecstatic worship, and vigorous, purposeful activities, each seamlessly transitioning into the next, providing a delightful variety tailored to the expanded faculties of a glorified spirit.

4. The heavenly country promises us richer forms of entertainment.

Currently, most of our diversions cater more directly to our physical selves. As for the more sophisticated pleasures derived from learning and study, only a select few have the opportunity to indulge in them, despite many possessing the aptitude. These pursuits, however, are fraught with challenges, complexities, and a humbling awareness of one's own ignorance, leading to a paradox where increased knowledge brings increased sorrow.

These are indeed nobler than the worldly pleasures, yet they pale in comparison to the profound joys God bestows upon the devout Christian---feelings of divine love, the hope of eternal joy with him. These are but glimpses of heaven, the first tastes of the promised land. Yet, they are merely the dawn compared to the full light of day, or the initial harvest leading into an abundant season.

The divine refreshment is given sparingly, due to our frail human condition. In heaven, however, God will allow us to drink deeply from the rivers of his pleasure, satisfying our parched souls completely. Though we will not partake in physical acts like eating, drinking, marrying, or being given in marriage, there are superior forms of enjoyment, symbolized by partaking of the fruit from the tree of life and being guided by the Lamb to streams of living water. We will see God and witness the glory of our Redeemer, our spirits so transformed by divine communion that the sacred activities described previously will become our most delightful entertainment, where doing the will of our heavenly Father will be our sustenance.

5. In the heavenly country, we will enjoy better company than we do here on earth.

For someone with a sociable and congenial disposition, the choice of companions is paramount when considering where to settle. Yet, in this world, our company is often a blend of the desirable and the undesirable; out of necessity or courtesy, we sometimes must interact with those from whom we gain little in terms of growth or pleasure.

Most people around us lack a sense of spirituality, and to broach such subjects might make us appear disagreeable or even contemptible to them. The finest individuals we can converse with are Christians still on their spiritual journey, where the divine life is just beginning, and there remains much that opposes it. Engaging these individuals in religious discourse can be challenging, either due to their apathy, shyness, or reticence. Even when a small group of us gathers and the conversation turns serious, our discussions are often dominated by our sorrows, fears, and grievances.

In heaven, however, the scenario is entirely different. The apostle provides us with a description of the inhabitants of this superior place: we come to an innumerable company of angels, and the general assembly of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven. While it might seem too informal to consider the blessed God as our companion, we will undeniably dwell in his immediate presence. It is conceivable that the man Christ Jesus might engage in personal conversations with each individual.

What an immense joy it would be to see and converse with that dearest, kindest Friend, whom our souls loved so profoundly that we valued him above the entire world when he was merely the object of faith. It would be extraordinarily delightful to live among angels, to see their beautiful forms, and to listen to them speak with all the allure of celestial eloquence about the most profound teachings and fascinating events; to hear them recount the various transformations in the angelic realm and the benevolent missions they undertook on our behalf.

And the pleasure would be equally great to reunite with our Christian friends and family members who were sources of joy and comfort on earth, whose absence has caused us so many sighs and tears; to reflect with them on the journey's hardships, the perils we escaped, and how every seemingly adverse providence actually contributed to our current happiness. Then, to be introduced by them into the company of the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and all the eminent saints from both the Old and New Testaments, whose names we have so often uttered with reverence and admiration; to be welcomed by these great and illustrious figures as brothers and fellow-citizens, treated with the utmost humility and warmth, assured of an eternal friendship! How eagerly we would leave behind even our closest friends to join such a society.

6. Heaven is a superior country when considering its permanence.

The small piece of this earth that any of us might own will soon pass into other hands; for when we depart, we take nothing with us. Moreover, it will not be long before the earth itself is consumed by fire, and the elements melt with intense heat. However, heaven is an unshakable kingdom.{Hebrews 12:28} The apostle Peter describes it as an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading{1 Peter 1:4}; the apostle Paul refers to it as an eternal inheritance,{Hebrews 9:15} a city with foundations built by God,{Hebrews 11:10} a more lasting substance than anything one might lose for the sake of faith,{Hebrews 10:34} and ultimately, as a house not constructed by human hands, eternal in the heavens.{2 Corinthians 5:1} When eternity is factored into all the aspects we have previously discussed, it becomes evident that no further argument is needed to establish that heaven is indeed a Christian's superior country.

And now we will close with some practical reflections.

1. If the heavenly country is so vastly superior to this land we currently inhabit, what cause do we have to bless God, who has secured such an inheritance for us.

By our very nature, we are children of wrath, destined for realms of darkness and despair; yet, it is astonishing that God would grant us a nobler world to dwell in than this one. He maintains the harmony of nature for our benefit, allowing his sun to shine and his rain to fall upon us, so that our world might be both beautiful and glorious. He could justly abandon this creation to chaos, letting it collapse and entomb its dwellers beneath its ruins. And yet this is the least that he does for us; it is but for the duration of our pilgrimage here. He has, moreover, "caused us to be born again to a living hope."{1 Peter 1:3}

Upon our death, we will enter into a superior country, namely, a heavenly one. It is through his love that this place has been readied for us, and his generosity that grants it to us; moreover, it is only by the influence of his grace that we can become worthy to share in the inheritance with the saints in light. Since this work is entirely his, let us give him the credit for it, always mindful that it was bought with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, who achieved perfection through suffering so that he might lead us to such glory.

2. If the heavenly country is so vastly superior to this one, what folly it is to neglect it for the sake of our current world.

Sinners do this to a terrible extent; and sadly sincere Christians are often, to some degree, guilty of the same. The sinner has staked his claim on this earth; if he can amass a substantial fortune here, he congratulates himself, believing that he is a wise and a happy man.

There is reason to fear this is relevant to us as well. Perhaps you have listened to this sermon with little warmth or interest; yet, if we had been advised on securing a lucrative estate, you likely would have listened with the utmost attention and scrutiny. Yet here we have a demonstration of how heaven is a far better land, more deserving of our study and pursuit, and are we, like the unfortunate people in Psalm 106:24, despising this delightful land?

It is a sign of a dull and base disposition to hear of such a glorious country and yet feel no urge to claim an inheritance there, preferring earthly possessions instead. You can hardly expect a good outcome from this. The Israelites despised Canaan, which, though a land flowing with milk and honey, was merely a symbol of the heavenly country we discuss; see how God responded. He swore in his anger that they would not enter his rest.{Psalm 95:11}

The Apostle warns us to apply this lesson to yourselves. "Let us fear," He says, "while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it."{Hebrews 4:1} The time might come when, like Esau, you would wish to inherit the blessing, but find no repentance in God, though you seek it diligently with tears. If this becomes your fate, the more you have heard of its glory and happiness, the more you will curse your own foolishness for not accepting it when offered on such favorable terms, but instead choosing those trivial, fleeting things which can only ever entertain you momentarily and then abandon you forever.

There are others who, while they have some respect for this better country and have indeed chosen it as their inheritance, are so preoccupied with worldly affairs that their behavior would suggest they are merely citizens here. They work hard all day long, constantly stressed and full of anxieties. And for what do they endure such hardship? Not to secure a greater portion in heaven, but merely to expand their worldly estate, to amass a bit more wealth for themselves and their families, to gain more of what they know they will soon leave, and of what they would not have for their portion for a thousand worlds.

But a Christian should not indulge in such a mindset. Reflect on how petty your pursuits are, how unworthy of one who is a child of God and an heir of heaven! Consider how you slight your better country and how ungratefully you treat the God who has given you hope in it. Remember Christ's command not to labor for the food that perishes but for that which endures to eternal life, and to lay up treasures in heaven. How can you justify to your own conscience neglecting the teachings of such a master, indeed, the very purpose of Christianity, which is to elevate the soul beyond the transient pleasures of this world, to focus the mind on an unseen joy?

And lastly, consider how much more effectively you would secure the happiness of your life by dedicating yourself to maintaining a constant focus on heaven than by your current path; think how much this would affirm your sincerity, which you so often doubt now. By the compelling force of these considerations, be encouraged with greater zeal and commitment to desire and pursue this heavenly country, the land of your origin, your kindred, and your inheritance.

3. If heaven is indeed our better country, how willing should we be to die, so that we might go there!

After pondering such a depiction of heaven as has been laid before us, albeit in a rather detached and incomplete way, one might think that the most challenging aspect of a Christian's journey would be to convince oneself to wait patiently for God to grant the passage to leave this world and enter that one. Yet, there are many good people who fear death---death, which is the gateway to eternal glory. They stand at the brink of Canaan, beholding the lush fields of that splendid land, yet because there is a Jordan to cross, with its potentially chilling and difficult passage, they are tempted to retreat into the wilderness, despite having faced hunger, thirst, serpents, and Amalekites there.

Perhaps this reluctance describes some of us. If so we should strive to correct this inappropriate attitude. To achieve this, let us anchor ourselves in a firm belief in the reality of this immutable country; it is not some Utopian fantasy, the product of imagination, or a political invention, but rather a place prepared and recommended by God himself.

Let us also engage our minds with regular meditations and passionate discussions about the glories and joys of heaven, convincing ourselves that these transient pleasures, which we cling to so dearly and part with so grudgingly, are in no way comparable to it.

Above all, we must ensure our own claim to it is clear. Here lies the greatest challenge. We understand that death is of utmost significance, determining our fixed state for eternity. Though we might wish to be dissolved if we were certain of being with Christ, when it comes to dying, we recoil. There is an uncertainty at play, and we hesitate to proceed on mere probability; we feel unprepared for such a momentous act and yearn to position our souls in a more hopeful, comforting state. Therefore, it should be our utmost concern to live in such a way that our consciences can testify on our behalf, and we can feel an assured connection with Christ through a faith that manifests in love.

This will arm us with courage and confidence when earthly things fail, when death reduces our earthly dwelling to dust from which it came, it will fill our souls with a song of victory, as we recognize that our journey's end is near, and we are heading towards a city with foundations, built by God himself.