Heaven

Stop for a moment and think of the most beautiful place that you have ever been. Now think of the most relaxing place you have ever been. We are God’s creation and He has given us just a taste of the beauty and rest we can see and enjoy when we finish our course here on earth.

Heaven is a place of security for all of us who have lived for Him and kept His commandments while dwelling here on earth. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Heaven is a much better place than this earth where we presently live. “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:16). When we have obeyed God during our lifetime here, then we are promised an eternal rest from all of our labors “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). We must all strive to live faithfully, longing for the day that we can gain the inheritance that God has promised, one that is undefiled and that will never fade away (1 Peter 1:4).

David, who was known as “A Man After God’s Own Heart,” was constantly filled with joy when he would think about all the beauties of Heaven. “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). When we think of the blessedness of heaven, it should cause us to pause and think about the fact that we will actually be like Christ when our home with Him is finally realized! “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). When our eyes are opened and we know that we are in our eternal home with Jesus then we also know that salvation is realized (1 Peter 4:9). While on earth, we experience sadness, sorrow, pain, trials, and tribulation. But in heaven we have been assured that “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Contrary to popular belief, most people, the vast majority of people, will not gain heaven as their eternal home and that is very sad. Jesus clearly said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Why is it that only a few will find and gain an eternal home in heaven? Only a few will live their lives on this earth understanding that Jesus is why we are here and He is the one whom we must live for. God will only open the door to eternity with Him if we obey Him while we live our short life here on earth. God’s holy word says, “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9), “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).

We would not be here in the first place if it were not for God (Genesis 1:26). The apostle Paul wrote “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). This should be our attitude day in and day out. This is much easier to do for the Christian who truly loves God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). Now here is the question you and I must ask of ourselves. “Are we living our life in such a way as others can see that we are striving diligently to enter into the beautiful gates of heaven when we take our last breath here on earth?” God knows the answer to that question as it relates to each one of us. Now, we must answer that question for ourselves based on what God really knows. We all will live in eternity, but with God or the Devil? The choice is ours. Choose wisely and live for God!