The Heidelberg Catechism, Question 58, which asks: “What comfort do you receive from the article about the life everlasting?”
The answer is: “Since I now already feel in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, I shall after this life possess perfect blessedness, such as no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived—a blessedness in which to praise God forever.”
**Title: Eternal Joy and Perfect Blessedness**
**Scripture Reading:**
– John 17:3: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
– 1 Corinthians 2:9: “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.'”
**Devotional:**
Have you ever experienced a moment of pure joy? Maybe it was a time when you were with friends, laughing and having fun, or a moment when you felt deeply loved and accepted. These moments give us a glimpse of the eternal joy that awaits us in heaven.
The Heidelberg Catechism reminds us that even now, we can feel the beginning of this eternal joy in our hearts. This joy comes from knowing God and experiencing His love and grace in our lives. It’s a joy that goes beyond our circumstances and is rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
But the best part is that this is just the beginning! After this life, we will experience perfect blessedness—a joy and peace that we can’t even imagine. It’s a blessedness that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no heart has conceived. This is the hope we have as believers: that one day, we will be with God forever, praising Him and experiencing His perfect love and joy.
**Reflection Questions:**
1. What are some moments in your life when you have felt deep joy?
2. How does knowing God and experiencing His love bring you joy?
3. What does the promise of eternal life and perfect blessedness mean to you?
**Prayer:**
Dear God, thank You for the joy that we can experience in our hearts even now. Help us to remember that this is just a glimpse of the eternal joy and perfect blessedness that awaits us in heaven. Strengthen our relationship with You and help us to live in the hope of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.