A recent family vacation has me thinking about heaven. I was standing on a beautiful ocean shore that was paradise. It brought to mind the scene in Revelation around the throne, the glassy sea. The colors, the thunder and lightening. Being with family reminded that one day I will be reunited with loved ones for eternity. The joy and rest of being away from the world spurred my hope of heaven.
The world and Christians often think:
"If you are a good person, you will go to Heaven".
"If you are saved, then it doesn't really matter what you do on earth- you will go to Heaven anyway"
So why don't we as believvers think more about Heaven?
Life on earth is busy enough.
Earth is now and known, Heaven is far away.
We don't see the connection: Heaven and Earth.
The Bible says: "And just as it is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgement (Hebrews 9:27)".
And without Jesus that is a truly terrifying prospect. But Jesus:
1- Died for me on a cross.
2- He took the judgment for my sins.
3- He rose from the grave.
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
Colossians 3:1-4
My hope is in heaven because I have been raised with Jesus
Colossians 3:1 "Raised with Christ"
Raised here is raised from the dead.
"You died" past tense. "Take up your cross"
I have said good bye to this world, it's desires and it's sin.
Baptism: I go underwater, and it looks like I died. I will also be raised with Him.
My hope is in Heaven because that's where my mind is.
Colossians 3:1. "Set Your Mind On things above"
"Keep seeking the things above"
Seek the things of Heaven
Our minds are not inclined to Heavenly issues
We are easily distracted with concerns, the woes of life...
My hope is in Heaven because that's where Jesus is
Colossians 3:1 "Where Christ Jesus is"
Heaven is where the Lord Jesus is. He is the hope of Heaven
(Colossians 1:5)
In the book of Revelation, the apostle John gets a glimpse into Heaven, and we read in chapter 5:
Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessings."
And I heard every created thing which is in heaven, or on the earth, or under the earth, or on the sea, and all the things in them, saying,
"To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion forever and ever."
1. Heaven is a place where God is worshiped...
2. Heaven is a place with a throne, which speaks of authority
3. Heaven is the place where God is: God is holy. and in the presence of God we become aware who we are
and how sinful we are.
Heaven is a journey to joy.
C.S. Lewis writes: "No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened."
Heaven is not only the place of ultimate joy, it is the place of ultimate joy, it is the place of real joy.
Where is your hope?
In finances and material things?
In your health?
In relationships?
In politics?
In your own good deeds?
In Jesus?
