A lot of Christians are apprehensive about heaven. Part of this is a typical human reaction to the unknown. What is going to happen to me? What will it be like? How will I feel? What will I do?
Our lack of knowledge is a bummer, and it’s unnecessary. The Bible has a lot to say about heaven!
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Free MP3Listen NowUnfortunately, how many times have you heard an in-depth sermon series about what heaven really is? Back during the first few millennia of the early church, heaven was a central theme. Church leaders searched the Bible for clues and promises of the afterlife because they knew knowing what the Bible taught was crucial to Christian maturity. These days, heaven may get a quick mention here and there. Or it might be a topic of discussion if a popular movie comes out. But not much else. So of course there’s a sense of the unknown when it comes to the transition between the life we know here on earth and the life we’re look forward to!
My advice is to intentionally seek out the teachings that God has shared with His children. The Apostle Paul actually commands us to think about heaven. He writes in Colossians 3:1-2,
“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.”
Jesus Himself certainly taught a crystal clear view of what heaven is like. Remember what He told His disciples on His last night on earth?
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there 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. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)
Jesus told the disciples to not let their hearts be troubled. He told them about their home in the “Father’s house”—the eternal dwelling place of God—so that they could have an eternal perspective that would help sustain them through the difficult times ahead. As a result, they had a sense of a future that was real, beautiful, and appealing.
That doesn’t sound like something to be troubled about, does it?
No, heaven will be a place that is as real and tangible as this earth, but infinitely better, with none of the problems of this fallen earth. We will be without sin or sickness. Our new spiritual bodies will fit the new earth. We know this because after Jesus was resurrected, He came back in His new body to be with His disciples for a short time. Jesus wasn’t a disembodied spirit. He had a body that was flesh and bone but also more. He ate and drank but He could also appear and disappear as He willed. Amazing!
God will meet the deepest longings of our heart. Our relationships will be restored. Imagine the best relationship, the best marriage, the best moment with your friends, and the best sunset. These experiences are just tiny little tastes of what heaven is going to be like.
If you’re a child of God, if you’ve been redeemed by Christ, heaven is your ultimate and eternal home. I encourage you to turn to the Word of God and make a study of heaven. Ask Jesus to guide you and build up your knowledge of what is to come. Meditate on His promises and let your imagination come alive in confident anticipation!
Curious to learn more about what heaven will be like? Explore The Real Heaven by Chip Ingram
Written By
Chip Ingram
Founder & Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge
Chip Ingram is the CEO and teaching pastor of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip has a unique ability to communicate truth and challenge people to live out their faith. He is the author of many books, including The Real God, Culture Shock and The Real Heaven. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.
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