HEAVEN IS REAL!
In Christian circles we sometimes operate the opposite of the way Jesus did. For example, Jesus hard on the self-righteous, and gentle with sinners. He encountered a rich young man, who asked him how he might please God. Jesus told him to obey the commands. The young man lists the commands, and says he has obeyed them all. Jesus, seeing his pride, and knowing the truth of his heart, says that he lacks one thing–he must sell all he has and give it to the poor. Here is a man that the church would love. He is clean-cut, a faithful tither, and an apparently eager, teachable member. Chances are that we would place such a one on our deacon board as quickly as possible. Yet, Jesus calls him in his one area of weakness. “You love money more than God.” He forces the young man to make his choice. He does not offer a gradual program, whereby he might shed his reliance on money. He does not suggest counseling, or any type of recovery program. He says, in essence, “Choose you this day, whom you will serve.” The man leaves, dejected, unable to give up his money.
On the other hand, Jesus is presented with a woman who was literally caught in the act of adultery. What an embarrassment! There she is–naked–and deserving of death. This woman has nothing to offer the church, but notoriety and ridicule. Additionally, she was “guilty as sin.” The public was calling for her to be killed. After all, if we are going to have a civil, religious nation, those who participate in gross immorality must be made an example of! Yet, everyone knew of Jesus’ compassion. Fine. Make her go through intensive counseling. Send her to rehabilitation. Force her to publically confess her sins. Jesus does none of this. He simply says, “I do not condemn you. Go, and sin no more.” He does not even “slap her wrists.”
How unlike the church, Jesus is. We would coddle the wealthy, self-righteous young man, glossing over the subtle pride of his demeanor. We would castigate, humiliate, and most likely excommunicate the obvious sinner, never stopping to offer mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
As Christian, we are sometimes too eager to proclaim the fearsome fires of hell, yet hesitant to hold out the hope of the gold-filled highways of heaven. Yet, in our world most people have tasted of hell, but have never dared to imagine the hope of heaven. Let us look to that blessed hope that awaits those who dare to believe.
John 14:1 reads: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”
First, Jesus wants us to trust Him and the Father. This is the key to heaven. Just as that great gospel hymn tells us, “Trust & Obey for There’s No Other Way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!”
When times are tough, Satan tempts us to be angry at God. Job lost his riches, his family–even his health. His friends offered him nothing but questions about what kind of sin he must have committed to bring such calamities upon him. In frustration and anguish, Job cries out, “Where are you God?” God’s answer seems rather tough-minded. He says, “I am Creator, and you are creation. What advice do you think you have to offer me?” Nevertheless, the Bible tells us that Job did not sin in his dialogue with God. In the end, God doubles all the blessings he had previously had. Furthermore, he tells the friends that had doubted Job to have Job lead them in a worship service.
Then there is David. In many of the psalms, he asks God why the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer? Yet, when God assesses the life of David, he says that the psalmist was a man after his own heart.
We too may wonder Why babies have to be born addicted to crack cocaine? Why do people we love have to get cancer? Why do good people have to suffer and die?
My solution to the problem of seemingly unfair difficulties is twofold. First, I know that God is good. I have settled this question in my heart. This is something everyone must become certain of. Search the Scriptures. Search your life and heart. Hear from other Christians that you respect. Consider the testimonies of believers throughout the ages. Determine once and for all whether you really believe that God is good. Once you know in your heart that the Creator is benevolent, you will more easily journey through difficult times, for you will know that God is aware, and that he is traveling with you through the darkest moments of suffering.
The second principle that will anchor you, spiritually, is knowing that God is just. Consider one of the most difficult questions people ask: What will happen to the Christian who commits suicide? Some suggest that killing oneself is the ultimate lack of faith. Therefore, anyone who does so will land in hell. Likewise, some argue that one cannot seek forgiveness for suicide. On the other hand, it has been suggested that suicide is an act of insanity, so God will not hold the person responsible. Similarly, some have said that since God forgives every sin a Christian commits, past, present, or future, God’s love is greater than the sin of suicide. My answer is that God will do what is right. If the believer who commits suicides lands in hell, when we see this reality, we will know that God has done right. We will not question his decision. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that now we can only see dimly. However, on the day when all things are complete, we will see clearly. We will understand all things. We will concur with all that God has done. On the other hand, if we see that the believer who kills herself lands in heaven, surely we will rejoice at the mercy and grace of God. It is not so important for me to discover an absolute answer to the question of what happens after suicide. It is enough for me to know that God will do what is right.
The same answer can be given to the question: what will happen to those who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ? There are strong arguments that suggest that those who have never heard, still have enough revelation to submit to God. Thus, all who reject God end up in hell, no matter what levels of knowledge they made have had. Others have said that God knows everyone’s heart–he knows how they would have responded, had they known. My conclusion is that I should be motivated to share the gospel as if those who have never heard will be doomed to hell. However, as to what God will actually do, I simply say that God will do right. He is ultimate justice.
On a personal level, God’s perfect justice informs me that heaven will make everything right. Many injustices are perpetrated in this world. It has always been this way. However, in heaven every lie will be exposed, and every truth known. Every suffering I endure will be rewarded. I will be totally vindicated.
Beyond learning to trust God, John 14:2-3 tells me:
“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
Jesus says He is preparing a place for us. God took six days to make the earth took six days. Repeatedly, in Genesis 1, he evaluates his creation by saying, “And God saw that it was good.” Consider a beautiful scene you may have experienced in nature. Perhaps it was a beautiful mountain, or a sea or ocean. Maybe you were just in the midst of some trees in a park. You stopped, took a deep breath, and said, “Surely God’s beauty is greater than the finest piece of human architecture.” Now consider that Jesus has been working on our new place in heaven for two thousand years. How wonderful it will be!
Greater than all that Jesus will prepare for us, however, is the simple fact that Jesus says. He will be there with us. He loves us! It is his pleasure to spend all of eternity with us. It will surely be our pleasure as well!
While considering the preparation of the New Jerusalem is wondrous enough, Revelation 21:1-4 pictures its presentation as more marvelous yet.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of god is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Jesus says that the first heaven and the first earth passed away. All the injustices are gone. All the pain is gone. Broken relationships are gone, in the name of Jesus. Indeed, all our mistakes are gone. I have though, said, and done some things that I regret. What a day that will be when those things will be gone–never to return. This means not only that they are forgiven and forgotten, but that the temptation to repeat those errors will never return! That is true freedom!
Another example of our enhanced existence and experience in glory is that God calls the New Jerusalem a bride. Compare this assessment with that he gave earth. Throughout Genesis 1 God simply calls it good. Recall again some beautiful scene of nature that you have experienced. Indeed it was good! Yet, here God calls the new Jerusalem a bride. The comparison is akin to saying, “I like ice cream,” and “I love my wife.” Heaven will be immeasurably beyond anything we have experienced or can imagine!
While we are intrigued by the picture of heaven itself, the most important and impressive reality is that God will be with us! There will be no more separation. You say, “But God is with us now all the time.” This is theologically and literally true. Yet, how often have you asked, “Where is God when I need him?” How often have you prayed, and felt that you were not getting through? How often have your pride, selfishness, and unrepented sin caused a chasm to develop between you and your maker? There will be no more of that in heaven! Our communion with God will be constant, consistent, and without compromise.
There will be no more loneliness. Researchers have said that the number one complaint of Americans about life in general is that they are lonely. Imagine having uninterrupted fellowship with your Maker, and with his people!
Finally, there will be no more desperate searching and waiting. In this age we often speak of “waiting on God.” Indeed, Jesus told his disciples that they should go to Jerusalem and wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, through the parable of the man who needed bread to feed a late night guest, Jesus told us that just as he would have to be persistent to get the dozing baker to open his shop and give him bread, so we must be persistent in asking God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is a necessary discipline for us. However, in heaven there will be no more seeking God, asking God to reveal himself, or waiting on God’s answers. His presence will so drench our existence that we will be truly free.
Another beautiful promise from John’s revelation is that all hardships will be gone. Why? The curse of the Fall of humanity is broken! As God was pronouncing judgment upon Adam and Eve for their rebellion, he made them a promise in Genesis 3:15. He said that one would come from the seed of Eve who would crush the Serpent’s (Satan’s) head. However, Satan would be allowed to crush this one’s heel. The fulfillment is found in Jesus. Through his death, he conquered death for us. If we believe in him, John 3:16 says, we will be born again. What must we do to receive this new spiritual life? 1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, God will forgive us! Of course, Jesus suffered greatly to bring us this new life. He endured rejection, betrayal, ridicule, and physical torture. Finally, he took the journey through the worst form of human death–that of slow execution.
As a result of Jesus’ sacrifice, our relationship with God is now complete. In Revelation 3:20 Jesus promises that if anyone will open the door of his heart to him, Jesus will indeed commune with him. We are reconciled. The sin and rebellion that ripped us apart from God are vanquished, and we are free to enjoy intimate fellowship with our Maker!
As good as the preparation and presentation of heaven are . . . As wonderful and our communion with God will be . . . John’s revelation offers us even more insight into the kingdom of God to come. Revelation 21:22-27:
I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
As much as I love church, it intrigues me that we will no longer go to worship God. Our very existence is worship and communion with him! The entire kingdom of God will be the Church, and the glory will be greater than the most powerful, inspirational gatherings God’s people have ever mustered.
The next description John offers could almost be described as supernatural science fiction–except that his portrayal goes far beyond that. God says that we will no longer depend on nature, or any creation of God, for what we need. God, Himself, is our source. For example, light comes from the sun or the moon. Yet, we are told that there will be no sun or moon in heaven, for God’s glory will be all the light we need. In other words, what allows us to see will no longer be a creation of God–but God himself! I am convinced that even our very breath will no longer be dependent on the oxygen that God creates. Rather, our life will come directly from God’s being. We will evolve from being the crown of God’s creation, to being beyond God’s creation. Like much of John’s apocalypse, this aspect of heaven is beyond description or imagination. However, to wrestle with this truth is to catch a tiny glimpse of the wondrous existence that awaits us. No wonder John promises a blessing to those who will read Revelation!
A powerful truth that will bless anyone who has ever been threatened by war, natural disasters, or criminal violence, is that we will no longer worry about safety. There are no evil and no danger in heaven. No more gated communities. No more alarm systems. No more prisons, courts, lawyers, police, or soldiers. Finally, the walls will have come down, and we will be able to commune–not only with God–but with his people. Our friendships and relationships will be based on liberty and trust. We will not have to second guess people, wonder about their motives, nor worry about being misunderstood. It will become natural and rewarding to love our neighbors as ourselves. Likewise, we will be free to receive the love of others without hesitation or guilt.
The final great victory of this passage is that we will no longer struggle with sin and temptation–there is no evil intent in heaven! Recall your worst fantasies, addictions, grudges, and envies–all bondages that you begged God to deliver you from–often for years of your life. Hear again your most hateful, hurtful, coarse words, some spoken thoughtlessly, others with premeditated malice. Ironically, the most painful words we spoke, were often delivered as “innocent humor.” Then replay your most regretted actions. Then give thanks to God! These have not only been forgiven–not only forgotten–they have been vanquished eternally. They will not return as temptation. You will not face them again! Is this not true freedom?
The final heaven-related passage for consideration is Revelation 22:3-5: No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
The curse of sin is gone. Sickness is gone. No more cancer, AIDS, depression, or spiritual isolation. We can taste this liberation today with the promise of the prophet Isaiah, in chapter 53, in which he says that through the suffering and death of Jesus, we can be healed in body, mind and spirit. Today we have the power and freedom to pray for healing. In heaven the sickness itself will be gone. Corruption will also be no more. All will be justice, fairness and truth. Finally, death will become a foreign concept. Once again, this calls for a whole new way of living, thinking, and being. Without the restraints of time and debilitation, we will be released to serve God purely, simply, directly, innocently, and completely. There will be no hindrances of any kind. How wonderful, how glorious!
We will know God personally, and we will clearly belong to him! There will be no more doubts! Nothing will exist between the Creator and his creation.
John tells us that we will rule with God. This means, in spite of how much God will provide, we will still have very meaningful work to do. Have you ever been a leader? Before you say “No,” consider that you have if you are a parent. Recall the time your child was sick, and you did not know whether to take him to the doctor, have him drink liquids, or to simply let him rest. You found the answer, followed through, and became the hero. In the end you felt good, but oh the anguish of those moments before you found your answer!
Our rulership with God will not be hard, because the answers will always and instantaneously be there for us. Nevertheless, we will be engaged in the important and challenging work of rulers.
Through many stumbling words we have construed a blurred picture of the coming kingdom of God. Yet, even through the challenging imagery an inconceivable, but surely marvelous, image emerges. We can say simply and confidently that heaven will be so wonderful. I want to be there. So, I must follow Jesus–who is the only way to heaven. (John 14:6) Additionally, I want my loved ones there. So, I must tell them about Jesus. Finally, I want everyone there–so I must tell them about Jesus.
We call the second coming of Jesus, and the promise of heaven, “the Blessed Hope.” God’s hope is that this hope will be broadcast throughout the world, to every tribe and nation. Let us seek the Acts 1:8 power from the Holy Spirit–the one that will empower us to be witnesses unto the utter most parts of the world.
