Gerhard and Walther

With great diligence, the Holy Spirit removes everything upon which a person might place his trust in order that he only and simply cling to God and solely trust in Him.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis III:146.

We see here that there is only one city of God in heaven and on earth. Whoever wants to dwell in heaven must already inhabit its earthly suburb. There is only one temple of God on earth and in heaven. Whoever wants to enter into the holy of holies must already have entered the courts of grace on earth. And whoever wants to take part one day in the glorious entry into the heavenly Jerusalem must have become a citizen of Christ’s kingdom on earth, in company with the saints and the household of God.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 507