The future state of man will be very different from his current state, as shown by the great change in his access to God. When Moses asked to be shown the glory of God, the Lord told him that no man should see his face and live.
We will then enjoy the closest possible approach to God that human beings are capable of. The closest and most intimate relationship on earth between human beings is marriage. The marriage bond should surpass even the relationship between parent and child. Yet marriage is a picture, Scripture tells us, of the union between Christ and his church. Like all earthly types, it is but a dim reflection of the reality to which it corresponds. When believers see the Son of God face to face, they will have attained the highest state which man is capable of. In the words ‘face to face’ are included all the intimacy which will exist between Christ and his church. There will be a sharing of all secrets and experiences. There will begin a journey of discovery of each other in which nothing will be held back. Much is now hidden from us, but if we long to see our Saviour’s glory while on earth, we will not be disappointed.
Interestingly those who are sealed on the forehead on earth (7:3; 14:1) will be permanently sealed in heaven. Their foreheads will be sealed with the name of God. The wonderful changes that begin in believer’s hearts on earth is completed as we pass from this world into the next. The character which is being developed in them now has everlasting value. On earth the spirit battles against the flesh and the flesh against the spirit, but in heaven the work of sanctification will be perfected and nothing will ever again disturb the minds of the elect. Sin will have been removed and every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. There is no literal mark now or in the future glory. It means all your thoughts are of Christ. You reflect on him; you pray to him; he is your chief aim and joy; the word of God is your favourite study. He occupies your minds. It is defining the occupants of the city.