Heaven: It’s Not For Just Anyone

Springtime always makes me think about Heaven.  When I watch the beauty of nature’s colors exploding to life I dream of the wonders of Heaven where I envision (and hope for) an eternal Springtime.  Thoughts of youth, vigor and joy come to mind, and why shouldn’t they?  I believe that’s largely why Heaven is taught in the Bible.  It is meant to rouse in us a sense of hope and eager expectation.

Beyond Comprehension

Think about the most perfect moment of happiness you’ve ever experienced.  You know, one of those times you just wished would last forever.  You wished that your entire life could be like that.  Now think about this: that doesn’t even come close to what Heaven will be like.  I Corinthians 2:9 tells us this, that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”  That means you absolutely cannot even imagine how good it will be.  It will surpass your most hopeful dreams. Some of us have a pretty big imagination, yet the goodness of Heaven is still beyond us.

An Anchor

Such hope can become a powerful ally to us.  The Bible says in Hebrews 6.19 that it is like an “anchor for the soul”. There are times we desperately need the hope of Heaven to transform our perspective on the disappointments and sufferings of this life.  It can certainly help us to put the “dark side” of life in perspective.  We realize, “It won’t always be like this.  Someday I will be free of these problems forever and will have complete peace and complete happiness.”

It’s Not For Just Anyone

Don’t get me wrong.  Everyone is invited, but not everyone accepts the invitation.  God wants us all there and made a way for it to happen, but not all accept this.  Jesus Himself said, “Not everyone who calls out to Me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to Me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God’s laws.’ “  (Matthew 7.21-23)  ‘Nuff said.  There is an interesting study that shows that for every 1 American who thinks they’re going to Hell, there are 120 who believe they’re going to Heaven.  Based on those words of Jesus, there are 2 really big questions:  (1) Do you know Jesus?  (2) Is the general direction and goal of your life to follow God’s will–His commands?

This coming Sunday, April 18, I will be teaching about Heaven.  I invite you to check it out on our Messages page afterward.