Good morning,
Society’s View of HEAVEN
(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
1 John 3:2, “Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is!“
Philippians 1:23, “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!“
Just as our culture has distorted its understanding of sin, God, and salvation–it has also created a deeply sentimental and superficial view of Heaven. To many, Heaven is little more than a comforting idea–a beautiful place where everyone goes after death, regardless of how they lived or what they believed. Heaven is imagined as an eternal vacation, a place to have fun with old friends, where earthly pleasures continue forever, and where there is neither judgment nor accountability. Heaven has become less the dwelling place of the holy God, and more a reflection of what sinful humanity wishes the afterlife to be.
But Scripture presents Heaven as something infinitely more glorious–and infinitely more serious. Heaven is not about perfect weather, reunited families, good food, hobbies, or freedom from earthly troubles. Heaven is all about loving, enjoying and worshipping Jesus! It is the place where His glory is perfectly revealed, where His redeemed people behold Him, dwell in His presence forever; and become like Him! The supreme joy of Heaven is not merely enjoying nice things, but being with Jesus!
Our culture also struggles with the biblical truth that Heaven is not the universal destination of mankind. Jesus spoke of two roads and two destinies: one broad road leading to destruction; and one narrow road leading to life (Matthew 7:13–14). Scripture never teaches that sincerity, morality, religious affiliation, or simply being a “good person” secures entrance into Heaven. The entrance is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
This truth is uncomfortable in a world that has rejected the reality of sin and judgment. If everyone automatically goes to Heaven then, repentance is unnecessary, the cross is unnecessary, and Christ’s sacrificial death becomes inexplicable. But the gospel tells us that Heaven is not something sinners deserve–it is a gift of divine grace, purchased by the sin-atoning death of Jesus.
And what a destination He has prepared for all who love Him! There will be no sin, death, mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4). There will be perfect righteousness, perfect worship, perfect fellowship, and everlasting joy in the presence of our Lord Jesus.
“Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
“And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”
“In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in Heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!” Revelation 4:8; 5:9, 12-13 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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