Are you excited about Heaven? When you think about Heaven, do you think about lazily rolling on white clouds, playing harps for an endless period? Or do you think about what the Bible says about Heaven: an eternity with Jesus, streets of purest gold as clear as glass, mansions, meaningful jobs and responsibilities, and a glorified body free from sin or disease?
Two things that we are all sure to face are death and judgment. Hebrews 9:27 says, "It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment." Death is the passageway into eternity. And there are two types of judgments. The Judgment Seat of Christ is where Christ's committed followers will be judged for their work and given rewards. The other, called the White Throne Judgment, will be for those who never came to a point of a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Not having placed their faith in Christ's saving grace to take away their sins, they will be judged according to their evil deeds. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Our eternal security is found in Jesus alone. Man cannot earn his salvation through good works or religion. For it is by grace that we are saved through faith. Salvation is a gift of God and not a result of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for the penalty of your sins and make Him the Lord of your life. Jesus alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). And with Jesus comes the promise of Heaven.
The Place. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him, but God has given us a foretaste of heaven through His word and by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Heaven is like nothing we have ever seen. Jesus said in John 14:1-2, "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you."
What kind of place will Heaven be like? Randy Alcorn, in his book titled Heaven, writes, "God created Earth in the image of Heaven, just as He created mankind in His image. You don’t need to look up at the clouds; you simply need to look around you and imagine what all this would be without sin and death and suffering and corruption. Imagine all of it in its original condition." In paradise, we will have new bodies, glorified bodies. We will have wonderful reunion with loved ones who have gone on before us. We will live in peace with all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. Animals will no longer harm us. We will never be bored; we will eat, drink, drink, sing songs and be very pleasantly busy. Heaven has streets of gold, pearly gates, city walls decorated with precious stones. There is the river of life as clear as crystal. The tree of life will be there. Revelation 2:7 says, "To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God."
John writes in Revelation 21, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth... The tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death, or mourning, or crying or pain." In Heaven, we will be with our loving God forever!
The Person. John 17:3 says, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." Eternal life is knowing Jesus.
Because Jesus is in Heaven, He will be our light. With Him, we shall "reign forever and ever."(Revelation 22:5) We are going to be busy and occupied with the things of God. Also, we shall judge the world and the angels.
Because Jesus is there, we shall have full and complete knowledge. “For now we see in the mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully as I also have been fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) Everything we always wanted to ask will be answered.
Because Jesus is there, we shall no longer need or want, for He is everything that we could possibly want, long for or need. He promised, "To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life." (Revelation 21:6)
Because Jesus is there, we shall have the joy of serving and worshiping Him. Revelation 22:3 says, "No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve him."
The Preparation. The Lord's Day will come like a thief in the night. No one knows the day or hour. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. How shall we live then? The choices are to turn back and forsake Him as some did (John 6:66) or to live holy lives. "You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God…Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him." (2 Peter 3:10-12)
To be holy is to be set apart, to live differently from the world. We are to rid ourselves of all the things that are sinful in God’s eyes and clothe ourselves with things that are right with Him. Believers should prepare for the judgment seat of Christ. Jesus said, "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done." (Revelation 22:12)
Watch out for what brings shame. Fire will test the quality of each person's work. If it is burned up, he suffers loss (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). What are you investing your life on? Career, ambition, position, acquisitions, or relationships? What foundation are you building on? Is it something that will bring you shame when that day comes? Many of us trade the rewards of heaven for the immediate gratification that the world offers.
Also, we must watch out for what brings pleasure. Imagine hearing Jesus tell you the words in Matthew 25:21, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness." How faithful are you in your service to the Lord? Remember, our purpose is to go to Heaven, and to take as many people with us!
How much do you long for Heaven? Are there things in your life that you need to change now as you anticipate Jesus' return? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these to you and transform you. If, on the other hand, you are not sure that you are Heaven-bound, then I encourage you not to wait any longer. Humble yourself before God and ask for the forgiveness of your sins through Jesus Christ. Ask Him to enter your life and be your Lord and Master. This decision to turn your life over to Jesus will affect your eternity.
Come soon, Lord Jesus! |
