Do you have any doubts about the reality of heaven? Do you know why you should anticipate going to heaven?

by Rev. Jack Richards on December 30, 2022

SEARCHLIGHT 

Do you have any doubts about the reality of heaven? Do you know why you should anticipate going to heaven?

SCRIPTURE 

The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw - that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it because the time is near.   Revelation 1:1-3   NIV 

SPOTLIGHT 

Colton Burpo was 4 years old when he experienced a serious life-threatening illness that put him in the hospital and led him to a near-death experience. When he was able to communicate, he told his family how he visited heaven and met Jesus. Over a period of time, he substantiated his visit by identifying family members he had never met and details that were later proven to be true. Colton’s father, Todd, wrote a book entitled, “Heaven Is For Real,” which outlines his son’s journey as well as his own personal one of overcoming doubts. 

Former atheist, now strong believer, Lee Strobel wrote a well-researched book entitled, “The Case For Heaven.” In it, he convincingly details reasons why people should consider heaven to be a reality. Throughout the book, he cites many people who, having had a near-death experience, describe why heaven is so grand, indescribable, and anticipated.   

The Apostle John wrote the last book of the Bible which is called “Revelation.” In the Scripture text above, he clearly states his purpose for writing. One of the reasons is to encourage believers to anticipate going to heaven. Here are just a few truths John gives to help you to long for and look forward to making heaven your eternal home. 

  1. Heaven is for real. It is neither illusive nor elusive. There is no question or doubt in John’s mind as to the reality of heaven. Reading the entire book of Revelation will convince you. 
  2. Heaven is God’s home. See Revelation 7:5 and then 4:2-6. Don’t you want to go home to be with the Creator, your heavenly Father, Who loved you so much that He sent His Son from His heavenly home, a place of perfection, into a sin-sick world to save you from your sin so that you could be with Him in His heavenly home?  
  3. Heaven is home for all believers. See Revelation 7:9,10; 19:1; 4; 5.  
  4. Heaven is specifically prepared for God’s people. See Revelation 21:3. 
  5. Heaven is an incomprehensible, magnificent, beautiful city. See Revelation 21:10-27. 
  6. Heaven is filled with angels. See Revelation 7:11.  
  7. Heaven is filled with great joy-all positives and no negatives. See Revelation 21:4; 7:16,17. It is the place of “NO MORES.”  
  8. Heaven is filled with worship given to Jesus. See Revelation 4:9-11; 5:11-13; 7:9,10. 
  9. Heaven is a place of unity and diversity where all believers love, honor, respect, and enjoy the best of friendship with each other. See Revelation 7:9 

I was given a beautiful brochure advertising a residential Florida community that had a beach and golf club. As I read through it and viewed the pictures, I could not help but think about heaven. The brochure invited me to become a part of a community of people by emphasizing sentences that read, “Did you ever imagine yourself in a place where each new moment felt more perfect than the last?... Capture the feeling…Experience the splendor…The most desirable…Dive into the grandeur…The perfect oasis…We are where you want to be…A place that beckons you…” All those bylines describe heaven. When you personally know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord and believe all that He has promised you, which includes taking you to heaven, it is easy to wholeheartedly agree that “Believers Anticipate Heaven.” 

SOMETHING TO DO 

Check out the many Bible verses in Revelation which are mentioned above that teach you about heaven. As you read them, pause to allow the Holy Spirit to paint a picture of heaven’s grandeur. Think about seeing Jesus Christ, your Savior, Lord, and Healer, face to face. What will you do? 

SOUL TIME PRAYER 

Thank you, Lord God, for inviting me and making it possible for me to be with You in Heaven. I find this subject to be overwhelming. It is difficult to imagine. But this does not mean that I am not anticipating seeing You, my Savior and Lord, face to face. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. AMEN !

Tags: heaven, new, revelation, believers, testament, anticipate


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