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Mt. Baker Beacon
Vol. 03, No. 34 Aug 25, 2024
Your word is a lamp to my feet Mount Volume 03, Number 34 Published by Location: Sunday: Web site: Mt. Baker church
| In this issue: CONSIDERING HEAVEN? Introduction: The ultimate goal of this group is an entrance into a place called Heaven. I trust we have considered what Heaven will be like. I also trust everyone has a plan for getting there. Some may be wondering if Heaven is real. Based on faith, Heaven is as real as you, me, or this world, and it is-according to the holy word-the dwelling place of our Creator (John 14:1-6). Based on logic, Heaven must exist-it is the only thing that makes this mortal life make sense. If there is nothing beyond this life, then this life is at best a mysterious and illogical mess. If there is no ultimate reward for goodness in this life (Or, any ultimate consequence for wrongdoing in this life), what is the motivation to seek what is right? The information revealed to us stirs our anticipation. Peter, through inspiration, expresses the anticipation with the words "looking for" and "hastening" the Day that will bring us to the presence of God (2 Peter 3:12) Let's consider some questions about Heaven. What Will Heaven Be Like? Is Heaven Forever? Will I Be There? Let's open our Bibles to consider the hope of our home in Heaven. What Will Heaven Be Like? When we speak of Heaven being 'beautiful' it is a different situation than this material world. We must remember not to make Heaven a material realm, full of material things. Heaven is a spiritual place, where we will abide in spiritual bodies (1 Corinthians 15:44). Nothing of material nature can abide forever, but the spiritual does abide forever (2 Corinthians 4:16-our flesh grows old but our soul is renewed day by day). For us to comprehend the "beauty" of that place, we must have "the unknown qualities of Heaven" compared to "the things we know here on Earth". Heaven in earthly terms will be spectacular. Revelation 21:10-21 says the whole city sparkled like a jasper (A crystal with a green hue). The twelve gates, three on each side, are each a solid pearl. The twelve foundations are made of precious stones. Heaven's truest beauty is far greater than those things (Revelation 21:22-27). There is no temple, since we will be in the presence of God. 1 John 1:1-3, specifically verse 2, tells us, "…it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. The glory of God lights the never-ending day-there is no need for a sun or a moon there. According to 1 Timothy 6:16, the glory of God is currently an "unapproachable light". But, in Heaven, we will freely walk in that light (Revelation 21:24) Is Heaven Forever? Perhaps, more often than we may think, individuals have true concerns over messing up and being kicked out of Heaven, after being welcomed there. (I supposed it is human insecurity to hope for the best and, simultaneously, trust in failure to achieve it-it is difficult to shed this negative attitude.) Let's get to the word of God and learn what God has to say on the matter. Let's read these eleven verses together, to see the promised "reward". John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:36, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life…" John 4:14, "…but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." John 5:24, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." John 6:27, "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." John 6:40, "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:47, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life." John 12:50, "…And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak." Romans 6:22, "But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life." Galatians 6:8, "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." 1 Timothy 1:16, "However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life." Then we must also consider what separates man and God? Of course, we know the answer is "sin" (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:22; Romans 6:23a). There will be no sin in Heaven (Revelation 21:27). Therefore, no one can be tempted to sin and jeopardize their place in Heaven. Heaven is a forever place, free from the problems of this life (Matthew 6:19-21; Revelation 20:1-4). "And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Will I Be There? The Scriptures tell us who will be in Heaven, after the Day of Judgment. Of course, we must understand that babies, children, and innocents who pass from this life are all safe and wonderfully set for their welcome into Heaven-they are not held responsible before God (Matthew 18:3; Matthew 19:4). However, for those of us who reach the time in life when God holds us responsible for our thoughts and actions (James 1:13-15), we must meet the requirements of entry (2 Corinthians 5:10). Let's ask, "Who will be welcomed into Heaven?" Jesus answers in Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." According to Jesus, those who do the will of God will be in Heaven. Are you doing the will of God (1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16; 2 Timothy 2:15)? We know the answer from Ephesians 1:3-14 is "those in Christ". "Those in Christ" are Blessed-"with every spiritual blessing in the Heavenly places in Christ." Chosen-"in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blame before Him…" Adopted-"…as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself…" Accepted-to God, "…in the beloved". Redeemed-back to God, at the price of the blood of Christ. Forgiven-"…of sins" and Heirs-of God, "…in Him we have obtained an inheritance…" Are you in Christ? The Scriptures do not leave us guessing-the word of God instructs how to enter into Christ (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27). From our baptism into Christ, we must remain in Christ (Hebrews 10:35-39). So, what is your answer to this third question? Are you going to Heaven? Conclusion: Heaven is where we are designed to be-your immortal soul needs to be saved to be welcomed there. Heaven is perfect. Heaven has no end for those who are welcomed there. Heaven can be yours! We have considered what is necessary, so we should be asking, "How?". God has given us the direction, and He wants you to follow His direction. Now is the time to ask yourself, "I am ready to follow God's will in my life". Do not wait too long, eternity is far too long to spend regretting your decision to refuse the gospel when you were blessed with the time and ability to obey. If you are ready to embrace the hope of Heaven, now is the time. Created by John Bass, last updated. 08/19/2024 The Mount Baker Beacon is a weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA. |
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