Why Only a Glimpse of Heaven?

Reasons why God hides from us the glory that will be. We must be modest when we speak of God's counsels and courses.
(1) God will have a difference between the warring church and the triumphing church. This life is a life of faith and not of sight. Why? Partly to try the truth of our faith, and partly for the glory of God, that he has such servants in the world that will depend upon him, upon terms of faith. If a man should see hell open, and the terrors there, for him then to abstain from sin, what glory would it be? The sight would force abstinence. If he should see heaven open, and the joys of it present, it would be no commendation to believe, for again, sight would force it.
(2) God will have a known difference between hypocrites and the true children of God. If heaven were upon earth, and nothing reserved in faith and in promise, everyone would be a Christian. But now the greatest things being laid up in promises, we must exercise our faith to wait for them. Only a true Christian will venture the loss of these things here for those in heaven.
(3) Our bodies could not contain it. We are incapable; our brain is not strong enough for these things. As we see Peter was not himself at the transfiguration; he forgot himself because of what he saw on the mount. He knew not what he said, when he said, 'Master, let us make three tabernacles' (Mark 9:5). Nor Paul when he saw things in heaven above expression, that might not be uttered, could not digest them (2 Cor. 12:4). They were so great, that if he had not had something to weigh him down, to balance him, he would have been overturned with pride. Therefore, there was a 'thorn in the flesh' sent to Paul, to humble him (2 Cor. 12:7). Are we greater than Peter and Paul? Our capacities now are not capable, our affections will not contain those excellent things. God trains us up by little and little to the full fruition and enjoying of them.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
A Glance of Heaven, Works, vol. 4, pp. 168-69
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.