In this chapter we will begin a look at what the scriptures have to say about the joys and pleasures of the eternal state for both the resurrected saints and for the sheep nations who will enter the millennial age in their mortal bodies. To some degree we have already done this. But, this will be an enlargement.
The above text has some initial fulfillment in the lives of believers while they live their lives now on earth. But, the greater realization of the promise awaits the eternal state following the resurrection and glorification of the elect. In that blessed state there will be "fullness of joy" and "pleasures forevermore." Two other texts come to mind.
"whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" (I Peter 1: 8 nkjv) For "inexpressible" the kjv has "unspeakable."
"How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." (II Cor. 12: 4 kjv)
So, what is meant by it being "not lawful" for Paul or any other man "to utter"? Many commentators suggest that by "not lawful" is meant "not possible." If that is so, then it basically means the same thing as "unspeakable" so that Paul is saying the same thing but using another word. In other words "unspeakable" and "not lawful" mean practically the same thing. Paul also spoke about the Christian's "groanings" and longings for the heavenly land as "not able to be uttered." (Rom. 8: 26)
What we are writing about, in regard to the blessed eternal state for the children of God, is beyond words, inexpressible, unspeakable, indescribable, ineffable, etc. In other words, Paul is saying essentially the same thing as Peter, that the joys of the Christian cannot be expressed in mere words. Peter does add the thought that the joy of the Christian, even in this life, is "full of glory."
Of course, the present joy of the Lord is but a foretaste of the joy that will be experienced in the eternal state. Also, of course, it is the presence of God in Christ that brings the joy and believers in Christ do experience that divine presence in their lives. However, it is not to the same degree that it will be enjoyed in that day when God more especially dwells with them and they are his perfected sons and daughters.
Everything about the joys and pleasures of the eternal state are supreme, as best as they can be. As many have said, "the best is yet to come." Old Testament believers had their many good things. New Testament believers have their "better things" (See book of Hebrews), but the best is yet to come when saints are in the eternal state. That is why in the verse in Psalm sixteen mentions "FULLNESS of joy" and "pleasures FOREVERMORE (or infinite)" as what follows the resurrection.
It is impossible for us to adequately describe in words the great joy, pleasure, gladness, and happiness of those who will enter the eternal kingdom and dwell with God in his house. Notice these words of Peter:
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Eph. 3: 20-21 kjv)
Again, the coming joy and pleasure to be had in the eternal state of the new heavens and earth, when God is present with his people in a superior manner, will find his people experiencing God's doing things for them and in them in a way that exceeds all that they could possibly "ask or think." That fact makes it impossible for me, or any other person, to fully describe the eternal state. What we have is but a glimpse as it were, for the reality of what lies ahead is greater than we can imagine.
Some bible teachers have tried to make a distinction between "joy" and "pleasure" that is not valid. These will say that "joy" is spiritual, God like, but "pleasure" is carnal or worldly. But, that is simply not so, as the text at the heading shows, along with many other texts. Even the word joy itself (or its cognates) may be used to describe joy that is not holy or righteous. Paul speaks of "rejoicing in iniquity." (I Cor. 13: 6)
Present Pleasures Will Continue
"And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection." (Luke 8: 14 kjv)
This verse does not condemn all earthly pleasure though it might seem to do so if not read carefully. What it condemns is an inordinate involvement in "pleasures of this life." Vacations with the family are pleasurable indeed, ideally anyway, but one cannot be on vacation all the time. What it condemns is being "lovers of pleasures (philēdonos) more than lovers of God." (II Tim. 3: 4 kjv) For the one "who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives." (I Tim. 5: 6 nkjv) These are they who are "given to pleasures" (Isa. 47: 8). Solomon warned: "He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich." (Prov. 21: 17 kjv) The Lord also condemns carnal or sinful pleasure, and those who are "serving divers lusts and pleasures (hēdonē)" (Titus 3: 3 kjv), or hedonists. He condemns what are called the "pleasures of sin" (Heb. 11: 25) and those who take "pleasure in unrighteousness" (II Thess. 2: 12 kjv).
Further, the "pleasures of this life" are not to be compared with the pleasures of the next life. The joys and pleasures of eternal life, in the ages to come, far exceed any of the pleasures of the present life.
The fact is, to the real children of God, their heavenly Father is more a source of delight and pleasure than any other pleasure, either of mind or body. Even in eternity God's children will delight themselves in him more than in any pleasure in what pleasures he makes available to them. There are several good scriptures that speak of delighting in God.
"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psa. 37: 4 kjv)
This is what the glorified saints and redeemed humanity will be doing throughout the generations of the ages of the ages. They will be delighting in God's presence, in God's house, and they will be receiving everything they could ever wish for.
"Nor finding your own pleasure,
Nor speaking your own words, Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord;
And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth,
And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.
The mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isa. 58: 13-14 nkjv)
In the millennial age and in the infinite ages that follow will find people fully delighting themselves in the Lord and in the joys and pleasures of heaven and not finding their own pleasure. In this state they will "ride on the high hills of the earth." That is an interesting statement. What does it mean to ride on the high hills of the earth? On this statement Albert Barnes wrote the following in his commentary:
"And I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth - A phrase like this occurs in Deuteronomy 32:13 : 'He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of fields.' In Habakkuk 3:19, the phrase also occurs: 'He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.' So also Psalm 18:33 : 'He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.' In Amos 4:13, it is applied to God: 'He maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth.'"
After giving the views of Calvin and others, Barnes writes further:
"I give these views of the most distinguished commentators on the passage, not being able to determine satisfactorily to myself what is the true signification. Neither of the above expositions seems to me to be entirely free from difficulty. The general idea of prosperity and security is undoubtedly the main thing intended; but what is the specific sense couched under the phrase 'to ride on the high places of the earth,' does not seem to me to be sufficiently explained."
I also think many of the commentaries do not fully unpack all that is involved in this prophecy. Wrote John Gill in his commentary:
"...and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth; to live above the world, and to have their conversation in heaven; to be in the utmost safety, and enjoy the greatest plenty, especially of spiritual things: or to be superior to the men of the world, even the highest of them; to have power and authority in the earth, as the saints will have in the latter day; particularly this will be true when the mountain of the Lord's house is established upon the top of the mountains, Isaiah 2:2."
That I think is getting closer to what is intended in the words of the prophet. The words in bold type I think are spot on although I think even more is entailed in them. Says Pulpit Commentary:
"I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth; i.e. "I will give thee a prominent position in the earth, and cause thee to occupy its high places, and have rule over many nations."
I think it also says something about how the saints, when in glory and in their resurrection bodies, will move around, i.e. what kind of transportation they will experience or make use of.
The Psalmist amens the idea of Lord God himself "riding" in majesty and prosperously (Psa. 45: 4), as also in the passage cited by Barnes in Amos 4: 13. Habakkuk speaks of the Lord who "rode on Your horses and on Your chariots of salvation." (3: 8) The Psalmist also tells us that the angels are the chariots of God. "The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
Even thousands of thousands;
The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place." (Psa. 68: 17 nkjv; See also Isa. 66: 15)
I don't think the glorified saints will have need of automobiles, trains, airplanes, or any other such vehicles to get around. If the distance is short, they probably will walk for in that day "they shall run and not be weary" and they shall "walk and not faint." (See Isa. 40: 31)
The Hebrew word is often used for riding horses, mules, or in chariots, all vehicles of transportation. But on the means of transportation in the ages to come we will have more to say later in this series.
Other verses that speak of the joys of delighting in the Lord and of the delights enjoyed in the eternal ages to come are these:
"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." (Psa. 37: 11 kjv)
"In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul." (Psa. 94: 19 kjv)
These delights are experienced in body, soul, and spirit. They represent pleasures that were previously enjoyed by the saints during their lifetimes as well as new pleasures and delights that they will experience in the ages to come. All the pleasures experienced by the senses will be enjoyed in the ages to come, pleasures of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Notice these wonderful words of the Psalmist:
"They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light." (Psa. 36: 8-9 nkjv)
A river of divine pleasures! All coming from "the fountain of life," and enjoyed by all who will dwell in the house of God forever. This is when the saints and the nations of the ongoing race will be "abundantly satisfied." So the Psalmist also wrote: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness." (Psa. 17: 15 kjv) Not only will redeemed people enjoy a river or deluge of varied pleasures, but it will literally be raining blessings down. Wrote Ezekiel:
"I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing." (Eze. 34: 26 nkjv)
Again, these blessings, pleasures, and delights will abundantly satisfy all the children of God. They will know God their Father fully as a God "who gives us richly all things to enjoy." (I Tim. 6: 17 nkjv) Or, as the apostle Paul says elsewhere, sinners are saved in order "that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2: 4-7 nkjv) Knowing these things Christians do as Peter encourages them do: "Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1Pe 1.13)
Will there be laughter in heaven? Will comedy be no more? Will saints still have fun? Will the pleasures be in body as well as in spirit? Surely they will still enjoy all kinds of pleasures, even all the former pleasures they enjoyed on earth, sexual pleasure excepted (as we will see in a next chapter), but even more so, and with added pleasures for body and spirit.
Certainly there will be the best of social pleasures, wherein they will be enjoying conversing with other people. For my own self I think I will enjoy meeting saints who lived in former times and hearing about their life's story, and of how they came to believe in Lord God and in Christ the Savior. Many of the pictures of life in the heavenly city and in the new heavens and earth show saints feasting around a table where they enjoy good conversation with other saints and with the presence of the Lord. There will certainly be new things to talk about.
Of course, saints will still be enjoying God's creation, including new things he will create. They will enjoy the animals, perhaps even having some as pets, and not be afraid of any of them (as we saw in earlier chapters). They will enjoy nature. They will enjoy their job as overseers of the ongoing human race, delight in teaching them and associating with them. They will enjoy children, watching sports, and perhaps even participating in them. And just think about that. If you loved playing golf in life, will you still be able to do that in the ages to come? If not, why not? Is it not part of the river of pleasures? Also, think about playing sports and not ever getting physically tired!
In this next chapter we will continue to have things to say about the many pleasures to be enjoyed in the blessed Utopian ages to come.
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