We like to think about it. We like to imagine what it will be like – but the thoughts of our imagination may or may not resemble reality. We like to talk about it, but after we’re through talking we still have more questions than answers. We even like to sing about it – “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All.”
When I talk about heaven, I can only say what the Bible says, no more and no less. Consider five things the Bible tells us about heaven.
Heaven is achievable. You might say it is accessible. Christians may sometimes doubt their salvation, thinking they’re not good enough to go to heaven, or perhaps they haven’t done enough to go to heaven.
Anyone who will be in heaven will be there because of God’s grace, not because of his own achievements or goodness. Ephesians 2:8-9. When we trust in our own achievements or our own goodness, we fail to trust in God’s grace. Of course, being a recipient of God’s grace requires a proper response to God’s offer of grace. God’s grace must never be abused. Romans 6:1-3.
Second, heaven is better. Philippians 1:21-23. In heaven, we will enjoy a better home, a better body, a better fellowship, and a better rest than anything we’ve ever experienced here on earth.
Third, consider the citizens of heaven. As Christians, our citizenship is in heaven now. Philippians 3:20. Once our life on this earth is over, we will be with all of God’s people in heaven. We will be with all those who have sought to do God’s will while here on earth.
Fourth, consider the duration of heaven. Peter wrote that in heaven we will have an inheritance that is incorruptible, and undefiled. We will have an inheritance that will never fade away. I Peter 1:3-5. The beauty of heaven will never grow old. We will never tire of heaven.
Fifth, consider the environment of heaven. What will life in heaven be like? Interestingly, it seems that the scriptures tell us more about what will NOT be in heaven than they tell us about what WILL be in heaven. Perhaps this is because of our limited ability to fully comprehend what heaven will be like. The Bibe does tell us that many of the things that cause us difficulty or grief here on earth will not be in heaven. Revelation 21:3-4.
No doubt, heaven will surely be worth it all!
Thank you, Rod. I always enjoy your sermons and podcasts so much. This link is much better than my hastily scribbled notes on the subject!
One of the things I wonder about is who will be my neighbors in heaven. I hope I’m in a community with my family and you and your sweet Cindy and your family, and all of our church families. But, it’s really going to be glorious just to know that we won’t have to wonder about the souls who are there. We can trust that everyone we meet there will be there because they are a part of Christ’s family.
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!