What’s So Great About Heaven?
The Bible says a lot about heaven. It’s beyond what we can even imagine, but some things are clear about the paradise purchased for Christians by the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ. Let's examine the two most important things about heaven: we will be in the very presence of Christ, and there will be no more sin or wickedness.
Some people say that Christians are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. Actually, I have found that the more heavenly minded I am, the more earthly good I become. As usual, God’s truth is the complete opposite of what the world calls truth.
In Philippians 1:23 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul said he had a desire to "depart (die) and be with the Lord." The Bible makes it abundantly clear that the most precious part of heaven will be the fact that you will be in the presence of Jesus Christ. You will be able to worship Him and fellowship with Him forever. Day and night will not exist and you will have uninterrupted joy and peace in communion with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. What a tremendous picture. In this world and in our weak bodies, we grow weary in worship. Sometimes illness completely prevents us from conscious worship. However, it will not be like that in heaven. You will see Him face to face. The One you have served and loved and worshiped here by faith will then be in plain sight.
The second greatest thing about heaven will be the complete absence of sin and wickedness. 2 Peter 3:13 says of that day, "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
Let that picture develop in your mind for a moment. Can you imagine a place where you no longer struggle with sinfulness in your own heart, nor with the sinfulness and wickedness of a world gone mad? Can you dream of a place where there will be no more murder, no more war, no more crime, no more earthquakes or floods?
I long for the day when I will no longer have to struggle with my own self-centeredness, my own lust, my own greed, my own pride. Is there a place without sin? You and I have never known it, but we will, if we are in Christ.
Sure, there are lots of other great things about heaven. There will be no more sickness, no more tears, no more grief because of death. Still, I believe the two greatest treasures will be the ones you and I have looked at in this brief article: seeing Jesus Christ face to face, and no longer struggling with sin. That will be "joy unspeakable and full of glory."
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For more about experiencing Christian joy and peace, visit Glen's website http://www.histruejoy.com. Glen Averill has been a Christian minister and journalist for more than 25 years. His ministry is to encourage Christians to be all they can be in Christ.
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