The least in the kingdom of heaven

“The Reward,” in relation to its several elements, is exhibited apocalyptically under a diversity of symbols. These have been considered at large in the first volume of this work. To be strengthened with incorruptible life in the time of the dead, is “to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of the Deity” (ii. 7). To be an immortal king, is to receive “the crown of life” (ver. 10). To be approved, and acquitted of all guile and fault before the throne, and to be physically like Jesus Christ, is to eat of the hidden manna, to receive a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, and known only to the receiver (ver. 17). To operate with the Lamb in the setting up of the promised kingdom, is to receive power over the nations, to rule them with a rod of iron, and to shiver their image to pieces as a potter‘s vessel (ver. 26,27). To be endued with a clean and incorruptible nature, and to be divinely honored, is to be clothed in white raiment, and to be confessed before the Father and his angels (iii. 5). To become Deity manifested in glorified nature, and a constituent of the New Jerusalem, is to be made a permanent pillar in the Nave or Most Holy of Deity, with the Name of Deity, and the name of the city of Deity, the new name written upon him (ver. 12). And to reign with Christ, is to sit with him in his throne (ver. 21). Such is “the reward to be given to the prophets, to the saints, to them that venerate the Name of Deity, small and great;” so that, “even the least in the kingdom of the heavens,” though a star of the smallest magnitude and glory, will be greater than the greatest of all the prophets in the mortal state (Luke vii. 28); “the reward” offered to all who believe the glad tidings of this glorious and powerful kingdom, and are immersed into its Almighty King, and thenceforth seek for its glory, honor, incorruptibility, and life, by a patient continuance in well-doing (Rom. ii. 7); the reward to be received in “the time of the dead,” and not before.