Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like? I am sure you have, and frankly most people don’t seem very excited about it. After all floating around on a cloud by ourselves, strumming a harp in a white gown (of all things) forever doesn’t sound too appealing to most people…particularly to a male! Unfortunately, that is the concept most people seem to have, but is that what heaven is really like?
Recently I was visiting my good friend’s octogenarian father and the topic of heaven came up. At 88 you have a lot of time to think on “what’s next” and rightly so. Physical death is a coming reality. Yet for most all of us this thought bring a great uncertainty, which has a proclivity to produce great fear for the future, rather than great hope and expectation.
For the person who has never asked Christ for His forgiveness, nor lived their life for Him, there should be a great fear. The Bible warns us of this so that we might turn from the sinful lifestyle we have been living to seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. On the other hand, the Christian has a great assurance of hope, if we continue to follow and obey Christ. Colossians 1:20:23.
Yet, the question remains, “What is Heaven really going to be like and has anyone ever seen it?” Many Christians have had death experiences, experienced heaven briefly, and then returned to their earthly life. No one that I am aware of has ever described death itself as painful, though physical circumstance leading up to death may have been, the actual leaving the body was a very gentle “floating off” experience. Some didn’t even realize they had left their bodies until they looked downward to see their body below them.
In the case of those who die a violent death or from physical suffering, I do believe God gives a special grace, as in the case of the first martyr, Stephen. As he was being stoned he looked up and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at His side, “and he forgave them and gave up his spirit to God.” Acts 7:54-60. I don’t think he felt the stones from then on.
So, what is heaven like? Heaven is a very real place. It will be much like earth in its incredible variations and beauty. The Bible gives us glimpses and clues as does the testimony of those who have briefly experienced heaven and been returned to this life. There will be water and rivers, trees, plants, grass, fruit and flowers, all sorts of animals and birds, and endless wonders to behold. (We know there will be horses. Rev. 19:14) I would venture to say that there will be most everything that we love on earth and much, much more! (If there are mosquitos they will not bite or bother us!)
We will eat and drink in heaven, and I believe we will work in heaven, but not under the curse of “by the sweat of our brow.” Genesis 3:17-19. I believe there will be abundant crops in the fields and gardens and architectural wonders the achievement of workman.
There will be no gossip, criticalness, malice, lying, cheating, stealing, fighting or wars. There will be kindness and love and every one will treat each other as they wish to be treated! There will be no sickness, disease, defects, blindness, deafness or last of all, the great enemy of creation, no death!
Either angels or Jesus Himself will usher us from our “earth suit” (our body) through the gates of heaven where there will be a great host of past friends and family, who died in Christ, to meet us! We will have a glorified body that can be touched and hugged and kissed - and there will be much of that happening when being greeted as we enter! Most importantly, we will be with our Lord whom we love! The Apostle Paul says, “I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12. We will fully come to know Jesus, fully experience Him, and fully enjoy the place He has prepared for us! John 14:2.
In short, heaven will be the antithesis of boring, lonely and nebulous. In reality it will be beautiful, glorious, loving - even busy and fun, and absolutely wonderful! As St. Paul described it; "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9.
My dear old friend was greatly encouraged!
Pastor Gary Smith
A glorious inheritance awaits us! Until then we will occupy, and take back what was deceptively stolen - Mankind - until His reappearing!
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