SEVEN FACTS ABOUT HEAVEN
Heaven…Though there may be many things about Heaven we are not certain of, here are seven things we can know for sure.
First, HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF A LARGE MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE
Luke 13, 29, “And they shall come from the East and from the West, and from the North and from the South, and sit down in the kingdom of God.” In Revelation 19, John says, “I heard the great voice of MUCH people in heaven saying, Alleluia.” There are many who reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hell is populated by masses. Yet, Heaven is to be filled with those who are saved from Hell.
Second, HEAVEN IS A PLACE WHERE THE ILLS OF SIN WILL BE KNOWN NO MORE
Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.” The highway of this life is marked with heartaches. Not many miles do we travel unless we experience some adversity, some sorrow, some pain. What a consolation to KNOW all of this will pass away.
In Heaven, there will be no hospitals, no orphan homes, no crepe on the doors, no wars, no broken homes, no weeping parents because of wayward children, no drunken fathers, no funeral songs, no sickness, no poverty. Nothing that has marred this life will be found in Heaven…
How I rejoice and praise God that, by grace, I shall live in that better home on the other side someday. Do you have this hope?
Third, HEAVEN IS AN ENDLESS PLACE
2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” It is very difficult for us to comprehend this fact; though it is true, nevertheless. We are constantly made to see the end of things. However, there is to be no end of the bliss of heaven.
The day of Heaven is eternal. Note, I must use the singular because there is but one day in glory. Here we look forward to sundown; there is no sundown in Heaven. In this life we look forward to sunrise; in Heaven, there is ONE golden daybreak, one sunrise. The scripture tells us; “there is no night there.” The Son of God is the light of that city…The fellowship of Heaven is eternal.
Fourth, HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS
Luke 23:43 “And Jesus said unto Him, verily, I say unto you, Today thou shalt be with me in paradise.” Paul has declared, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” None today have seen Jesus. We believe the Word. We believe “having not seen.” Oh, the anticipation of seeing Him face to face some glad morning. I would like to see the print of the nails in His hands, I shall. I would like to look upon His compassionate countenance, I shall.
The scriptures assure me that when I see Him I shall know Him. Too, He shall know me. He knows His children by name.
Fifth, HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF NO SIN
Revelation 21:27 “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abnomination, or maketh a lie; but they which are written in the book of life.” Sin is very present and very real to us now. Everywhere we turn the eye must behold sin and its terrible ravages. Sin has left its mark upon the entire earth. Nothing has been able to escape its contaminating touch. Every living soul, yea, every living beast has suffered by the touch of sin. Even nature “doeth groan and travail” under the curse of sin.
Go to the hospitals, look upon the suffering bodies of sick people by the hundreds; sin is to blame. Go to the houses of ill-fame and look upon the poor women who sell their bodies; sin is to blame… My friend, all the suffering, poverty, disease, heartaches which plagues this earth is the result of sin directly or indirectly. What a day when God’s children shall be delivered from all this…I am longing for the day when we shall enter into this place of no sin.
Sixth, HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF REWARDS
Daniel 12:2 “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever.” The Word is very clear about the Judgment Seat of Christ. It is this hour when all our works are to be tried. Here we are to be rewarded for our labor for Jesus’ sake “Not even a cup of cool water given in the name of a disciple shall we lose our reward for,” say the Word.
…The rewards in that day will be just. The righteous judge who knows all things will be the rewarder. Labors are rewarded unjustly today because of the injustice of the human heart. However, God is just, “He doeth all things right.” He knows the secrets of the heart. He knows the degree of love and faithfulness. His reward is right and just…
Seventh, HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF CORONATION
Revelation 4:10, “The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat upon the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For thou has created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” It is in Heaven that Jesus is to be crowned “Lord of Lords” and “King of Kings.” In Heaven…the central figure there will be Jesus. He is to be crowned with the highest honor. All the saints shall have a part in this coronation. While the angel singers sing, “Bring forth the royal diadem”; the redeemer shall fall down before His throne and cast their crowns at His blessed feet. With Jesus on the throne and all God’s children in Heaven with Him, so shall the endless ages of eternity be enjoyed.
(Adapted from a sermon of the same title by Dr. Harold Sightler)
All of these things are true, but Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” in Heaven (John 3:3). What does that mean? If you do not know, watch the video or read the links that apply to you. The truth will challenge you. It may be startling and harsh to hear at first. A confrontation with the truth of the Bible may be just what you need to evaluate your own beliefs and religious traditions. If you truly want to go to Heaven, watch and read with an open heart.