Chapter 62 — THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Before entering the Holy City, the redeemed people from earth were directed to stand in a perfect square, with King Jesus in the center. Jesus was head and shoulders taller than the redeemed people and the angels. Everyone in the square could see Jesus' kingly form and lovely face.SRme 1.1817

Then I [Ellen White] saw thousands and thousands of angels bringing beautiful crowns from the city. There was a crown for each person saved. Jesus called for the crowns. Angels handed the crowns to Jesus. With His own right hand, the lovely Jesus put a crown on the head of each redeemed person. In the same way, angels brought harps, and Jesus placed in every hand a shining harp. Leading angels started the music, and every voice joined in thankful, happy praise. All hands skillfully touched the harp strings, playing beautiful music.SRme 1.1818

I saw Jesus as He led the redeemed people to the gate of the Holy City. He took hold of the gate and swung it open on its shiny hinges. Jesus invited the people who had kept the truth to enter into the city. In the city they saw rich glory everywhere. Jesus looked with tender love upon His redeemed people. The faces of the people were shining with glory.SRme 1.1819

Jesus was happy with the people who had been saved by His agony and humiliation. He looked at them, and said, "I behold the agony and suffering of My soul. I am satisfied. This rich glory is yours to enjoy eternally. Your sadness is ended. There shall be no more death, neither sadness nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." Jesus' voice was more beautiful than any music ever heard.SRme 1.1820

I saw the redeemed as they bowed and laid their sparkling crowns at the feet of Jesus. With His lovely hand, Jesus helped the saved people stand up. The saved people touched their golden harps and filled all heaven with their beautiful music and songs of praise to the Lamb of God.SRme 1.1821

Next, I was shown Jesus leading His people to the tree of life. Again we heard His lovely voice saying, "The leaves of this tree are for the healing of the nations. You may all eat of the tree." On the tree of life was the most beautiful fruit. The redeemed could freely eat all the fruit they wanted.SRme 1.1822

The glorious throne of God was in the city. Flowing out from God's throne was a river. The river was the river of life. The water was clear and sparkling. On each side of this river was the tree of life. Along the banks of the river were other lovely trees with fruit delightful to eat.SRme 1.1823

Heaven is so beautiful I [Ellen White] cannot really describe it. As the scene passes before me, I am lost in wonder at heaven's beauty and excellent glory. I lay down my pen and exclaim, "Oh, what love! What wondrous love!" The most perfect language cannot give a true description of the glory of heaven. Our Saviour's wonderful love cannot be described.SRme 1.1824