Heaven

Christin Ditchfield

Heaven
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Heaven. A place so beautiful it defies description. A hope so glorious, it's beyond our ability to comprehend. A love so precious that nothing in this world can compare.

"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. . . . There will be no more night" (Revelation 21:3-4; 22:4).

No darkness. No fear. No evil. Only unshakable peace and unspeakable joy. Doesn't it sound wonderful?

In the heavenly city of God, we will see "the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God . . . down the middle of the great street." Beside the river is the tree of life, yielding its fruit month after month. "And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations" (Revelation 22:1-2). The city itself shines with brilliance "like that of a very precious jewel . . ." (Revelation 21:11). This heavenly city "does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light. . . . Nothing impure will ever enter it" (Revelation 21:23, 27).

But that's the problem. By our very human nature, you and I are "impure." The Bible tells us "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). "There is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10). And "the wages of sin is death"-eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). We cannot be in His holy presence.

How can we ever hope to enter Heaven?
"God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Because He loved us, Jesus took the punishment in our place. Because Jesus was without sin Himself, death could not keep Him in the grave. He rose from the dead, destroying the power of sin once and for all. "No longer will there be any curse . . ." (Revelation 22:3).

The Scripture promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way that anyone can be made pure and righteous enough to enter Heaven. Jesus explained, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

When Jesus forgives our sins, they are completely wiped out-erased-washed away. When God looks at us, He sees only the beauty and holiness of Jesus. We stand pure before Him. The Bible says that our names will be written in the "Book of Life." When our time on this earth comes to an end, we don't have to fear death. We will be welcomed into Heaven with open arms-Jesus Himself will take us there.

He gave us this blessed assurance: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. . . . 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" (John 14:1-3).

In Heaven-what a beautiful place! What a glorious hope! What amazing love! If you want to experience the joys of Heaven someday, you might pray something like this:

Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Thank You for sacrificing Your life to save me, then rising to life again that I might live forever in Heaven with You. I turn from my sins and invite You into my life. Help me to live in a way that pleases You, for whatever time You give me here on earth. Amen.

© 2002-2005 Good News Publishers. Used by permission.
Translated by permission of Good News Publishers
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