The Ellen G. White Writings

The Reality of the Reward

Concerning the New Jerusalem and the new earth she is equally positive as to the realities: EGWW 164.2

Adam is reinstated in his first dominion. Transported with joy, he beholds the trees that were once his delight—the very trees whose fruit he himself had gathered in the days of his innocence and joy. He sees the vines that his own hands have trained, the very flowers that he once loved to care for. His mind grasps the reality of the scene; he comprehends that this is indeed Eden restored.—The Great Controversy, 648. EGWW 164.3

A fear of making the future inheritance seem too material has led many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look upon it as our home. Christ assured His disciples that He went to prepare mansions for them in the Father’s house.—The Great Controversy, 674, 675. EGWW 164.4

We repeat the principle enunciated by Terry: EGWW 164.5

It is an old and oft-repeated hermeneutical principle that words should be understood in their literal sense unless such literal interpretation involves a contradiction or absurdity. EGWW 164.6