What Makes Heaven Special
John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also."
Rev. 21:3-4 "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Rev. 22:3-5 "And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."
Until I had the privilege of staying a few weeks with a pastor friend and preaching in a number of rural churches in the pristine and beautiful mountains of West Virginia, I could not appreciate the words of John Denver's beautiful song, "Almost heaven, West Vir-ginia..."
Until my daughter and her family moved to North Carolina, the history, geography and contemporary nature of the place were of little interest to me. But now I find the place has a strange attraction and fascination for me. Perhaps it's because I have loved ones there.
Until I was sure God was calling me to plant churches in the great land down under, I knew very little about it, nor did I have any particular desire to make the twenty-four hour plane trip to see it. But now, since I have so many loved ones in Australia, both in the physical and spiritual sense, the Lord has given me a deep love and affinity for the country.
Of course, although there are many beautiful spots on God's green earth, none could compare to the marvelous wonder and beauty of heaven. Even so, the main attraction of heaven for the Christian is not the place but the people. The main Person Who draws us home- ward and heavenward is Jesus Christ. In heaven we shall see Him face to face. Just as our roots sometimes tug at us, drawing us back to the places and people of our origins, so does our heart draw us to that land that is fairer than day.
By faith we can see it afar. It is a real place. It is not, as some may say, just a fantasy figment of a fertile imagination. It is not just an adult version of a big rock candy mountain. Nor is it pie in the sky by and by. It is the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people. I am convinced that heaven is not only a real place, but a very SPECIAL PLACE. Let us look at what the scriptures say make heaven SPECIAL!
HEAVEN IS SPECIAL BECAUSE IT IS A PREPARED PLACE FOR A PREPARED PEOPLE. We can know heaven is a real place because our Saviour tells us He has gone there to prepare a place for His particular, peculiar and prepared people. The reality of heaven and hell are foundation principles of the faith once delivered to the saints. Remove these from the Word of God and we have no rationale for a gospel.
Paul tells us that we should comfort each other by assuring each other of the reality of the resurrection and the promise of our Saviour to return from heaven to receive us and carry us home with Him. He calls the events relative to this promise, the happy hope. The reality of heaven is the over arching eventuality that has consoled and comforted the people of God through twenty centuries of terrible trials and perplexing persecution. I believe God gives us the true story of the first martyr of record, Stephan, catching a glimpse of our Saviour standing at the right hand of God in heaven on the day he laid down his life for the Lord, in order to encourage us with the reality of our transit to those beautiful eternal shores when the day of this life is over. As the light of his earthly life dimmed, Stephan was overwhelmed by the glorious Light of the Son of God shining there in that everlasting abode reserved for His prepared people.
I believe Christians should be cautious about sharing myths and fairy tales with their children to make sure they don't view God and heaven as imaginary. It is not just an emphasis on witchcraft and the occult that makes the Harry Potter phenomenon presently sweep- ing our world questionable to the concerned Christian. The over promotion and popularization of such antasy concepts is not necessarily an innocent childish thing. Perhaps those of us reared in a culture that accepted certain mythological figures associated with particular reli- gious holidays as being harmless fantasies, have not given enough thought to the matter or considered how this might effect their acceptance of the reality of a God they cannot hear, see or touch or the reality of heaven, a place they cannot conceive or experience on this earth?
But the infinite and indescribable nature of heaven does not make it any less real. I am convinced that when God's
prepared people are instantaneously transported to populate that place He has prepared for them, they will be overwhelmed with it all. It will be as the prophet and the apostle said, "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." (I Cor. 2:9)
HEAVEN IS SPECIAL BECAUSE OF THE MARVEL OF ITS VERY EXISTENCE. We are sometimes amazed by the architectural wonders of ancient civilizations. I can well remember my first personal glimpse of the sky scrapers of New York, the Golden Gate Bridge and the beauty of the City on the Harbor. Imagine the amazement of our rural forefathers if they could see the wonders of modern cities. But consider a place designed and built by the Architect of this vast universe for the eternal comfort and happiness of His beloved eternal sons and daughters. Paul, who had been caught up into heaven to commune with the Son of God, gave us just an inkling of the idea when he said, "For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (II Cor. 5:1)
Seeing the beauty of the Grand Canyon, feeling the awesome power of Niagra Falls and viewing the grandeur of the Snowy Mountains, were experiences that I will always cherish. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork" (Psalm 19:1) But just imagine a place that multiples infinitely the beauty of this earth. And just imagine a place completely free of the effects of sin. There will be no pollution brought about by man's destructive nature. A pure and pristine environment will surely prevail. Imag- ine a place without sin and sin's effects. A place where all the sorrows and sadness of earth are even beyond the reach of memory and beneath the nature of a mind like Christ. "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Rev. 21:3-4)
HEAVEN IS SPECIAL BECAUSE OF THE LOVE, UNITY AND HARMONY OF ITS INHABITANTS. Imagine a place where all will be equally rich, happy and content. Imagine a place where all will be busy, yet blissfully at peace and rest. Imagine a place where wars and rumors of war will be no more. Imagine a place where there will be no need for defence forces. Imagine a place where the concept of a constabulary is contradictory to exist- ence. Imagine a place where man's inhumanity to man will cease forever more. Imagine a place where no friend will betray you. Imagine a place where no one can hurt or harm you. Imagine a place where no fear can be felt. Imagine a place where no terrorist can threaten you. Imagine a place where no locks are needed and doors can always be open. Imagine a place where no walls or fences will separate you. Imagine a place where no hate nor ill will can destroy you. Imagine a place that everyone will love and cherish the presence of all those who walk together hand in hand.
God gave the Revelator special insight when He had him say, "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." (Rev. 14:13) And again, "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Rev. 7:15)
HEAVEN IS SPECIAL BECAUSE THOSE THERE CARE ABOUT THIS WORLD. The King of Heaven cared enough for earth that He came and died for our sins. "'But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Heb. 2:9) The inhabitants of that glorious place will share the love and concern of our lovely Saviour. At last they will have the caring eyes of the Sovereign of this universe. Then they will fully understand the burden Jeremiah had for Jerusalem (Jer. 9:1), Paul had for his people (Ro. 9:1- 3), and our Saviour had for the souls of men (Matt. 23:37).
Many of us on earth have experienced the joy of seeing friends and loved ones for whom we have prayed come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. Some of us have been present at great revival meetings; witnessing a great harvest of souls and knowing the joy indescribable that gripped the hearts of those present. But a new heavenly insight will be a source of great joy and fulfillment in that heavenly city. Imagine the special joy among the inhabitants of heaven when a message wings it way there, announcing the salvation of another precious soul. "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." (Luke 15:10)
HEAVEN IS SPECIAL BECAUSE OF THOSE WHO GO THERE. God wants us to know about heaven. He wants us to go there. He wants us to enjoy it forever. Peter tells that: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II. Pet. 3:9) But even though this is the case, God has prepared a place for a particular and peculiar people. A people after His own heart. Those He has chosen to love freely and completely and those who He brings to love Him in return when He draws them to Him and sheds His love abroad in their heart.
We read about those gate crashers who will even crash a royal party. In our country, we hear of an epidemic of gate crashing. In two cases recently uninvited hoons and hooligans not only crashed the party, but two deaths and a number of injuries occurred at two or three separate places. But there will be no gate crashers or uninvited guests in heaven.
There will be no Christ rejectors or blasphemers in heaven. There will be no one there to laugh and make fun of God's simple folk. There will no one there to call us Bible Bashers or Wowsers. We will not hear the taunting cry of the atheist, agnostic or arrogant intellectual. There will be no violent sinners to spoil the celebration of God's people as they praise and worship the Lamb of God. Theirs will be another fate: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Rev. 21:8)
As the years go by, many of us who have chosen to live in and love this country and its people, sometimes feel the nostalgic tug of the land of our birth. My wife and I lived here for forty-seven years. We chose to become a citizens many years ago. We have seven Aussie grandchildren and six great grandchildren. But my wife still constantly refers to the land of our birth as home. I am sure Aussies living abroad who hear the plaintive strains of the song, "I Still Call Australia Home.." can identify with that.
But heaven is the ultimate home. The place where the family of God will fellowship with the eternal Father and His Son forever. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! I am sure when we arrive on that eternal shore we will echo the words of the old song, "Home At Last!"
HEAVEN IS A SPECIAL PLACE BECAUSE OF THE ONE WHO IS THERE. Our Saviour said, “... And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also." We do not know all about heaven and its astronomical location, but we do know that the main attraction in that fair land will be the Eternal Lamb of God.
There is a story of the little girl who was being taunted by an agnostic about her faith. She was asked, “If you believe in heaven, can you tell me just where it is?’ She replied, “I can’t tell you where it is but I do know that Jesus will be there, and that will be heaven enough for me!” We do not know all the details either, but we can be assured that He will be the one who goes with us through the valley and the shadow of death and that we will need to fear no evil because He will be with us from the instant of immortal transition onward into eternity.
The stories of Enoch, Moses and Elijah encourage us. Enoch walked with God and was no more. Moses had his own private internment at the hand of God and we can sure he went immediately onward to his eternal abode and then returned to commune once more on earth with His Lord on the Mount of Transfiguration. Elijah took his fiery chariot ride right into the arms of his waiting Lord and then also came back to encourage the Lord before His passion. Our Saviour once said, “And it came to pass that, the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosum..” Perhaps we can not definitively assert that this simple state- ment confirms that we will also have a such a heavenly escort, but saints of God throughout the ages have found comfort in the thought.
The words of this grand old hymn of the faith become increasingly comforting to me as I enter the twilight years of my appointed time: “O, come angel band, come and around me stand, Bear me away on your snowy wings, to my celestial home. Bear on away on your snowy wings, to my celestial home.”
Many years ago I read a tract quoting the following dying words of well known people who died without Jesus Christ as their Saviour. The English atheist Thomas Hobbs said, "I am taking a fearful leap into the dark." The French infidel, Voltaire, cried out, "I am abandoned by God and man. I shall go to hell.”. Sir Francis Newport wailed in anguish, "Oh, eternity, eternity, forever and forever! Oh, the insufferable pangs of hell!"
Quite a contrast with the reported last words of people who knew and loved the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Dwight L. Moody reportedly said, "This is glorious! Earth recedes; heaven is opening; God is calling me!" Sir David Brewster declared, “I will see Jesus.; see Him as He is. I have had the light for many years. Oh, how bright it is. I feel so safe, so satisfied!” The following words came from a man being burned at the stake" "Blessed be the time that ever I was born for this day. We shall not lose our lives in this fire.", he said to his fellow martyrs, "but only change them for something better."
The words of the Great Shepherd can bring the greatest comfort to those who face what some see as the reality of the awful finality of man’s mortality with faith in Him. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:4-6)
HEAVEN IS SPECIAL BECAUSE OF THE CONDITIONS OF ENTRANCE. Heaven is a place where everyone is welcome. The Bible says, " Whosoever will, let him come. . ." It is a place where the noble and the nobody, the robber and the religious, can gain entry. Jesus said to Nicodemus the noble and rich man, "Ye must be born again.." Jesus said to the repentant thief, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.." Jesus said to the poor, blind, lame and halt, "Thy faith has made thee whole.."
The conditions of entry to this great place is the same for all. The religious world says, "Live a good life, pay your debts, be baptized, be religious.." But God says, "There is only one way. Repent of your sins, trust the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and be saved by grace through faith. No one can get to heaven any other Way."
It's what inside that really counts.
I once read of a third-grader who was asked to write a paper on the human body. He submitted the following masterpiece: "Your head is kinda round and hard. Your brains are in it and your hair is on it. Your face is in front of your head where you eat and make faces. Your stummick is something that if you don't eat often enough it hurts and spinach don't help none. Your arms you got to have to throw a ball with and so you can reach the butter.
Your fingers stick out of your hands so you can throw a curve and add up rithmatick. Your legs is what if you don't have to of, you can't run fast. Your feet are what you run on and your toes are what always get stubbed. And that's all there is of you, except what's inside, and I never saw that."
But God is concerned with what is inside us. He tells us that man's heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. We have spiritual heart disease. He has Paul to give us the cure with these simple words: "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation .. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Ro. 10:8-10, 13)
Would you receive the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart today; meeting God's condi- tions for entrance into His glorious eternal dwelling place for His eternal sons? Do you want to go to heaven you die? What you do with Jesus here on earth will make all the difference.
