Appearance Before God Hereafter
Psalm 42:2
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?


There are two such appearances.

I. AT THE JUDGMENT. At the moment of death our souls appear before God for judgment.

1. Let the sinner therefore consider that, though he may be willing to come to the sanctuary now, then it is under terrible constraint.

2. Here they appear in disguise, as saints; there openly as sinners.

3. They must take notice of God then, though they do not now.

4. There God will be on the throne of judgment; here He is on the throne of grace.

5. Here is frequent appearance, there but once, and is for ever driven from His presence. Let the sinner then examine himself as to his state now.

II. IN GLORY IN HEAVEN. What a difference for the Christian between then and now.

1. Now he is one of a mixed assembly, then all will be holy.

2. Now he is among a few who worship God, but then amongst millions.

3. Now we worship for preparation, there for enjoyment.

4. Now, imperfectly; there, with complete worship.

5. Now, with many discouragements; then, with everlasting consolations. May we never be missing there.

(Isaac Watte, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

WEB: My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?




Thirsting for God
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