Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

14 December 2025

Reading From Revelation 5

“And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
    and with your blood you purchased for God
    persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
    and they will reign on the earth.”

—Revelation 5:8-10

     The four living creatures were introduced to us by divine revelation in Ezekiel chapter one and they are also spoken of in chapter ten of that book of prophecy.  Aimee Semple McPherson, the early 20^th century evangelist, likened their four faces to different aspects of the character and ministry of Jesus Christ.  “In the face of the Man we beheld that of the man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, dying on the tree.[1] In the face of the Lion we beheld that of the mighty Baptizer with the Holy Ghost and fire.[2] The face of the Ox typified the Great Burden-bearer, who Himself took our infirmities and carried our sickness, who in His boundless love and divine provision had met our every need.[3] In the face of the Eagle we saw reflected soul-enrapturing visions of the Coming King.[4] Who would come to catch His beloved bride away.”[5]  This foursquare gospel has been communicated by many Pentecostal and Holiness churches and movements, some using “Sanctifier” rather than “Baptizer.”

     When one thinks of the twenty four elders, the mind goes back to there being twelve patriarchs of Israel in the Old Covenant and twelve apostles in the New Covenant.  If this is who they are, they might symbolize the unity of God’s people, the eternal family of God, throughout all time and space.  They hold golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints.  Our prayers are precious to our Heavenly Father.  They rise before His throne as the smoke of incense, a sweet aroma, pleasing to Him.[6]  The eternal family of God is gathered from every tribe, every language, every people and every nation.  This means that people will be born again from every people group in the world.  Our work is not complete until everyone has heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and been given an opportunity to accept or reject Him.  He has not returned because our work of making disciples of all nations is not finished.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”[7]  As of this writing, the Bible has not yet been translated in 3,270 languages.[8]

     The eternal family of God is called to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation.[9]  Among us, “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus.”[10]  We are prophets and prophetesses, anointed by the Spirit to communicate the Word of God to everyone.[11]  We are priests and priestesses, ministers of reconciliation who allow Christ Jesus to work in us and through us by the power of the Spirit.[12]  We are kings and queens[13] who are to function in the power and authority of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Through Him we have been given dominion,[14] the free will to make Spirit-led, Spirit-inspired decisions[15] to benefit those in our spheres of influence and expand the Kingdom of God.[16]

“Heavenly Father, Your children look forward to the day when we will worship You in person before Your majestic throne.  Help us to be worthy of the callings we have received from You.  Give us Your strength and power and wisdom to serve You faithfully as we share Your love and message with as many people as possible.  We bless Your holy Name.  Amen.”

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

—II Peter 3:10-13

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[1] Isaiah 53:3

[2] Matthew 3:11

[3] Isaiah 53:4, Philippians 4:19

[4] John 14:3, I Thessalonians 4:16-17

[5] Print_Brochure_Introducing_Foursquare_Gospel_English.pdf

[6] Exodus 30:7-8, Leviticus 2:2, II Corinthians 2:15-16, Ephesians 5:2

[7] II Peter 3:9

[8] Wycliffe Bible Translators, 2026

[9] I Peter 2:9

[10] Galatians 3:28, we used in place of you

[11] Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, 2:17-18

[12] II Corinthians 5:11-21, Romans 12:4-8, I Corinthians 12:4-7, I Peter 4:10

[13] Exodus 19:6, Revelation 1:6

[14] Genesis 1:26-28, Psalm 8:5-9

[15] Joshua 24:15, Proverbs 3:5-6, 4:5, 18:15,  Micah 6:8, II Timothy 3:14

[16] Genesis 12:2-3, 41:39-41, Matthew 28:19-20