A man was teaching a children’s class about heaven.  He asked, “If I sold my possessions and gave it all to the poor, would that get me into heaven?”  They all answered, “NO!” “If every day I cleaned the church, would that get me into heaven?”  Again, they answered, “NO!” “If I was kind, generous, and loving, would that get me into heaven?”  The children answered, “NO!” “Then how can I get into heaven?” the teacher asked.  A boy shouted out, “YOU GOTTA BE DEAD!”  I think most of us would like to skip that whole dying process, but none of us will.  So I think a big question a lot of us have is “What’s heaven going to be like?”

Hebrews 11:13-16 says the heroes of faith were foreigners and strangers on earth looking for a country of their own.  They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one that God had prepared for them. Heaven is a place prepared for those who have given their lives to Christ while on earth (John 14:1-3). What a beautiful place it will be! It’s hard to describe or imagine how glorious it will be. 1 Corinthians 2:9 nails it: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.“

The Apostle John describes his revelation of heaven in the book of Revelation.  Revelation 21 gives us a glimpse of Heaven.  First, Heaven will be a place where God dwells (verse 3).  Imagine, you’re new neighbor will be God!  The real treasure of Heaven is Jesus will be there.  Secondly, Heaven will be a place of great relief (verse 4).  There will be no more tears, pain, or death.  Heaven also brings the promise of a new body.  Your worn out, beaten down body will be made new.  Philippians 3:21 says, “He will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.”  Another great aspect of heaven is restored relationships of those in Christ who have died.  There will be a great reunion in heaven of the saints.  Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.”

Think for a moment about the beauty of Heaven.  It will never decay, crumble, or be destroyed.  There will be no need for repairs, repainting, dusting, or vacuuming.  Heaven is eternal.  Revelation 21 tells us it is about 1,500 miles square and there is no sun (or night) because God’s glory is the radiant illumination.  The walls are made of clear jasper, the gates of pearls, and the streets of pure transparent gold.  Imagine the light show as the twelve foundations of precious jewels (all different colors) reflect the brilliant and glorious radiance from Jesus Himself.  But don’t take my word for it.  The best thing you can do is make the necessary preparations to go see for yourself.  Heaven is an exclusive place!  It is a place completely free from sin and sinners (Revelation 21:8, 27).  Only those with the proper credentials will be allowed within the gates of that city! If anyone tries to get in another way, they will be forever banished from that city!  There is only one Door – Jesus (John 10:9).  You can’t get there by being religious, good, or knowledge.  A relationship with Jesus is necessary.  He alone is the way, truth and life (John 14:6).  Have you given your life to Jesus?  He’s the only way to this glorious place called heaven.

Categories: Uncategorized

Tagged as: eternity heaven salvation

stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.