HEAVEN, A HOLY PLACE FOR HOLY BELIEVERS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Revelation 21:27
"And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life."
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Matthew 5:8, 1 John 3:2-3, Isaiah 35:8
INTRODUCTION:
Heaven is not just a destination; it is the eternal dwelling place of God. As such, it is a place of purity, perfection, and the fullness of God's presence. The Bible repeatedly emphasises the holiness of heaven and the requirement for its citizens to live holy lives here on earth. It is not a place for everyone, but for those who have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus and walk in righteousness.
Many people desire to go to heaven, but few understand the demands of its nature. Heaven is a holy place, and nothing unclean or defiled shall ever enter it. This truth calls every believer to a life of consecration and separation from sin. Holiness is not an optional virtue for the believer—it is a divine requirement.
The hope of heaven should motivate us to pursue a life that pleases God. Those who long to see Jesus must prepare themselves by living lives that reflect the purity of Christ. As we examine this topic, may our hearts be stirred to align with God's standards so that we may be found worthy of the holy city.
1. HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF PERFECT HOLINESS
Before believers can dwell there, they must embrace the nature of the place.
a) Heaven is where God's holiness dwells fully
Isaiah 6:1-3 – Angels cry "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts..."
b) No sin or defilement is permitted in heaven
Revelation 21:27 – Nothing unclean shall enter in.
c) Heaven's environment is free from all evil, pain, and darkness
Revelation 22:3-5 – No more curse, night, or sorrow.
d) God demands that His people mirror heaven’s purity here on earth
1 Peter 1:15-16 – Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Biblical Example: Enoch
Enoch walked with God and pleased Him, and God took him (Genesis 5:24), showing that a holy life leads to divine approval and heavenly inheritance.
2. HOLINESS IS A REQUIREMENT FOR HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP
You don’t get to heaven by chance—it’s by conscious preparation and righteous living.
a) Without holiness, no one shall see the Lord
Hebrews 12:14 – Follow peace and holiness...
b) Holiness separates believers from the world
2 Corinthians 6:17 – Come out from among them and be separate.
c) Only those who keep themselves pure shall see God
Matthew 5:8 – Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
d) Living holy is proof of a transformed life in Christ
Romans 12:1-2 – Be not conformed, but be transformed...
Biblical Example: The Five Wise Virgins
In Matthew 25:1-13, only the wise virgins who were prepared went in with the Bridegroom. Preparation through holiness is necessary for entry into heaven.
3. THE DANGER OF UNHOLY LIVING
A careless life can rob a believer of eternal glory.
a) Sin brings separation from God
Isaiah 59:2 – Your iniquities have separated you from God.
b) Unrepentant sin leads to eternal damnation
Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death.
c) Holiness must be maintained; grace is not a licence to sin
Romans 6:1-2 – Shall we continue in sin... God forbid!
d) Many are called, but only the holy are chosen
Matthew 22:14 – For many are called, but few are chosen.
Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot
Despite being close to Jesus, Judas’ unrepented sin excluded him from glory and led him to destruction (Acts 1:16-20).
4. THE HOPE OF HEAVEN INSPIRES HOLY LIVING
Our focus on eternity should shape how we live each day.
a) Heaven is prepared for those who prepare for it
John 14:2-3 – I go to prepare a place for you...
b) Living with eternity in view helps believers avoid compromise
Colossians 3:1-2 – Set your affection on things above...
c) Heaven is the eternal reward of the faithful
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – A crown of righteousness awaits the faithful.
d) Our conduct must reflect our heavenly destination
Philippians 3:20 – Our citizenship is in heaven...
Biblical Example: Apostle Paul
Paul lived with the goal of eternity in mind and encouraged others to run the race and receive the incorruptible crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
5. GOD PROVIDES THE GRACE TO LIVE HOLY
We are not called to holiness in our own strength—God empowers us.
a) God has given us all we need for life and godliness
2 Peter 1:3 – His divine power has given us everything we need...
b) The Holy Spirit enables holy living
Galatians 5:16 – Walk in the Spirit...
c) We must yield daily to the Spirit and resist the flesh
Romans 8:13 – If you live by the Spirit, you will put to death the deeds of the body.
d) Holiness is progressive; we grow into maturity
2 Corinthians 3:18 – We are being transformed into His image...
Biblical Example: Joseph
Joseph maintained his purity in a corrupt environment and was promoted by God. His holy lifestyle eventually led to a divine reward (Genesis 39:7-12, 41:38-44).
CONCLUSION:
Heaven is real, glorious, and reserved for those who pursue holiness. It is not for those who merely profess Christ, but for those who live like Him. The Christian journey is one of daily consecration, not casual Christianity.
Let every believer strive to live a life pleasing to God, knowing that eternity is at stake. Holiness is not old-fashioned—it is the standard of heaven. May we live daily with heaven in view and be found ready when the trumpet sounds.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to live a life that is worthy of heaven.
2. Father, purify my heart and make me holy as You are holy.
3. Holy Spirit, empower me to overcome sin and walk in righteousness.
4. Keep me focused on eternity and not distracted by worldly things.
5. Let me be counted among the holy saints who will enter Your kingdom.
