Pastor’s Thoughts – 08/30/2026

One of the questions I often ask myself is, “Am I believing and following the Word of God or am I following my own limited thoughts or ideas which are commonly expressed by the influences of our world?” This is particularly significant when I consider what the Bible promises about heaven for those who love and follow Christ. From our vantage point, we want to hold onto the blessings of life that we see with our eyes and know from all our senses. There is a natural fear of what we have never experienced. Christ Himself said, “No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven; the Son of Man” (John 3:13). This is why I do not believe anyone who claims that they have literally visited heaven and have returned to describe it. Jesus Himself declared, “If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things” (John 3:12). This is where faith comes into action. Every person is called upon either to limit their thinking to what they can experience, or to believe the Bible which claims to be the very Word of God. God has provided so much reality through His Word that no person using any degree of reason can come to any other conclusion, but that it is indeed God’s revelation to man. Yet, in knowing that, there is still a strong tendency to allow only that which we can personally experience to control our lives. Will we believe only our experiences, or will we follow the Word of God by faith? This is the issue of practical Christianity.

God provides us from His Word a clear and definite proclamation of what lies on the other side of death. He addresses both hell and heaven. He reveals to us that only those who believe in His Son will enter the eternal state of heaven. Romans 1:19 tells us that all men know inherently there is a God. Our Creator has planted that in the intangible of every person. We know by what is made that there is a wonderful Creator (Rom. 1:20). There can be no other explanation. Yet, unless God by His Spirit makes that knowledge alive in us, we suppress the truth in our unrighteous condition. We pursue sin by our fallen nature rather than pursuing God. This is the unreasonable nature of sin and demonstrates our natural blindness.

So, in thinking of life beyond death, which is inevitable for every person, let us be reminded and encouraged by the truth that the Bible promises for those in Christ. In doing so, we should keep in mind that everything the Bible promises comes about. We know this as a fact because many things which were promised hundreds of years ago have already come about precisely as stated. Therefore, we know that the Bible is true when it addresses our future in heaven. What does the Bible say about heaven? The Bible has much to say on this subject which I will summarize.

First, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit will be present in a manner never experienced before. To be in heaven is to experience God as unveiled. We are told our citizenship is in heaven, or that is where we will have the greatest sense of belonging. We will experience the fullness of being home (Phil. 3:20). Everything of true and everlasting value will be in heaven. The Apostle Paul stated that for us who believe, when our earthly body gives out, we have a new body from God eternal in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:2). John tells us that when we see Christ, we will be like Him (1 John 3:2). Presently God has made us new creations in Christ, but in heaven we will have the full expression of holy perfection. Existence will be more alive, fuller, and far more abundant than anything experienced in this fallen world. Ezekiel describes heaven in a manner incomprehensible yet shown in majesty, beauty, symmetry, and perfection. He informs us that it is a realm of inexpressible glory, excitement, and awe. John in Revelation describes his vision in terms of jewels, precious metals, pearls, and trees all that transcend any earthly creation. Things are described in light, beauty, brilliance, and clarity.

The most detailed view of heaven is given in Revelation 21 and 22. This is the final and eternal place of all the redeemed. Christ describes it as being prepared as a bride. Such a description informs us of the joy and anticipation of all God will yet do in eternity. It is a place God Himself built for us in His infinite mind, creative abilities, and omnipotent power (John 14:1-3). The gates, walls, streets, and dimensions cannot be comprehended in size or beauty. There is no need of light, for God Himself is the source of light. There is no need for a security system as there are no thieves. Most importantly there will be no curse and no sin. All the matters of controversy, trouble, hate, evil, selfishness, or opposition will never be present. Instead, we will experience the never tiring energy of enlightenment and excitement. “In Your presence is the fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16:11). We will never experience again an uncomfortable moment. We will also know what it means to dwell in perfect love.

I have only touched on the glories of heaven. I began with the thought of how we naturally cling to this life and diminish in our minds what God has promised. To have the right kind of faith is to see this differently so that we can proclaim with Paul, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). Years ago, at my brother’s funeral, I was introduced to the hymn, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.” That is a true reality. It is not an exaggeration. The words of our final, eternal, home and the very promise of God state, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev. 21:3-4). How wonderful is our God to give us such a future and do so not by our deserving, but by His grace. As we continue our earthly journey, let us patiently have our minds filled with what is yet before us!