By Ruth Dusingize 
HIGHLIGHT: As we keep our eyes on the goal, may we be “confident in this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”(Philippians 1:6,NKJV).
God initiated the relationship He has with you, and He will complete it. May we grow in love and in faith as we wait for that day, while always resting only in the righteousness of Christ, which is credited to us by faith.
Memory Text: 1 John 3:2 NKJV
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
SABBATH: INTRODUCTION
What does the future hold for those who trust in Christ? Scripture assures us that we are God’s children now—and our greatest hope is still ahead. Anchored in 1 John 3:2, this study lifts our eyes beyond uncertainty to the promise of heaven. Though turbulent times may come, Jesus is faithful to every word He has spoken.
He will never leave us, and He will return. Discover what the Bible reveals about heaven, the reward awaiting the faithful, and the joy of seeing Jesus face to face. Learn why fixing our eyes on Christ gives strength to endure—and hope that will never disappoint.
SUNDAY: LIVING TODAY
When Jesus Christ spoke to His disciples before His crucifixion, He prophesied about the end times that we live in today. Events such as earthquakes and wars happen today just as Jesus prophesied. This is a call to each of us to revive our personal relationship with God because tomorrow is not assured to us. We constantly need to keep His saving grace before us at all times and we ought to share the same with our friends and society. And when we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we claim the promise to have God’s saving favor shining upon us just as Asaph declared in Psalm 80.
(READ Matthew 24:6-11; 1Peter 4:7; James 4:13&14; Psalms 80)
MONDAY: FINALLY, FACE-TO-FACE
Adam and Eve, before the fall, were able to see God face-to-face. After disobedience, sin separated man from God and instructions from God were received through individuals chosen by Him. Throughout history till now, God is working out ways that you and I can see Him again, face-to-face.
And we keep the hope that when Jesus Christ returns, with transformed bodies, the dead in Christ shall rise up and together with the living righteous, we shall meet Him in the sky and He’ll take us to meet with God as He promised His disciples.
(READ: Genesis 2:7; John 3:16; 5:28; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Philippians 2:10&11; 3:20&21; Revelation 1:7; 14:14; 22:4&6; Matthew 25:31; 1Thessalonians 4:16)
TUESDAY: THE BRIDE
John the Apostle was shown the City of the New Jerusalem which is said to be the bride of Christ. In the same book of Revelation, the church-you and I, are the bride of Jesus Christ as well. God’s people and the City, both referred to as the Bride of Christ have a connection in that God’s people in the City of Jerusalem are the bride of Jesus Christ and is also called the Lamb’s wife.
As human beings, we are unable to fully fathom the great wedding feast that God is preparing for us. However, we are invited to prepare for this by accepting Jesus Christ and His righteousness, which is the wedding garment that God offers us in preparation to behold Him.
(READ Revelation 21:9-11; John 14:1-3; Colossians 3:2; Matthew 22:1-14; 25:1-13; Revelation 19:7; 21:2)
WEDNESDAY: FOLLOW THE LAMB
Jesus Christ is Our great Shepherd, through whom we shall enter eternity. He leads us to God, Our Father and just like the disciples closely followed Him, so should we follow Him. Being able to follow Jesus’ lead in Heaven starts with you and I accepting His lead over our lives here on earth.
Those who long to forever be in His presence in Heaven also long for His presence through His word here on earth and put in all their efforts to enjoy His word through diligently studying it and praying unceasingly. You and I ought to have eternity always in mind and at heart as we look forward to entering the place where no sorrows, death exists.
In addition, we will eternally worship of our God, all in gratitude for His gift of salvation towards us.
(READ Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 5:12; 7:17; 14:4; 21:4; 22:4; John 1:35-37)
THURSDAY: “COME!”
This invitation is extended to every individual. Jesus Christ invites us to come to Him because He is the Only person who can give us rest from this world’s troubles. He wants to abide in us as we abide in Him till He returns to take us home.
When we accept Him in our hearts, our lives here and forever will change. And the invitation to share this saving hope is given to us, for we must share this good news with everyone out there.
Accept the Holy Spirit to work in you as you accept Jesus Christ to do the transforming work in you and in return, invite many more to Him as well.
(READ Matthew 11:28-30; Isaiah 55:1-3; John 6:37,44; Revelation 22:17,20; Deuteronomy 6:5)
FRIDAY: FURTHER THOUGHT
If we do not receive the religion of Christ by feeding upon the Word of God, we shall not be entitled to an entrance into the city of God.
We need to hunger and thirst for the righteousness of Christ; we need to be molded and fashioned by the transforming influence of His grace, that we may be fitted for the society of heavenly angels.
We want to get in the habit of talking of heaven, beautiful heaven. Talk of that life which will continue as long as God shall live, and then you will forget your little trials and difficulties. Let the mind be attracted to God.
(READ The Great Controversy pp.476,675; The Faith I Live By, p.363)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS;
- How do you understand what it means for God “to shine” His face on you, especially in the context of knowing that His righteousness alone saves you?
- Read Revelation 21:9-27. Why is this so hard for us now to imagine? How do we even begin to wrap our minds around what is promised to us here?
- Read or listen to Ellen G White’s vision of heaven found in Early Writings, pp.14-20. What is most striking to you in this description?
- What aspect of this quarter’s lessons do you most want to remember in order to keep your relationship with God strong until you see Jesus face-to-face?
- Who in your life needs to hear about the hope of heaven? Commit to sharing it with them as soon as possible. Remember: you can’t share with them a hope that you yourself don’t personally have.