We all are part of God’s creation. Before we were betrothed to one another, we were betrothed to Him. Each day we struggle with how life has arranged what we planned to take in another direction. But what about the life after? Do we ever have time to think about where we will spend eternity?
Let’s face it; God did not intend for us to be a creation if we did not have an eternal place to be. But where is our eternal home? Some believe that no such place exists. Some believe there is a place, a place of beauty and spiritual tranquility.
We all know that, once life ends here, we have to go to some dwelling. As with some minds, there is reincarnation, some hell, and then there are people who believe in… Heaven. Is Heaven the place where God and His heavenly host abide? Many seem to think so, and that the only way is through Jesus Christ.
People have claimed to have dreamed of the afterlife. But how can they make their story believable? Is there such a thing? By the way, these escapades have changed many lives. People are said to have an overcoming peace after their experiences. Could this be Heaven?
According to Dictionary.com, Heaven is defined as “The abode of God, the angels, and the spirits of the righteous after death.” Would people lie about having these events? There have been far too many who claim it exists.
I believe the truth lies in the relationship that you have with God. Without it, there is no way to have an occurrence of Heaven. The love of the Lord is contagious, so contagious that those who have seen Heaven did not want to return to earth. Heaven is our eternal home.
Until we get to our eternal destination, we have matters to attend to in this present world. The everyday clashes we face seem unending. But the right relationship will guide us to the appropriate measures with which to combat and be successful. When we accept Christ as our Savior, all else changes. Our lives become fuller and more extensive. Even when we have challenges, we are still able to be overwhelmed with comfort and joy. Why? Because we know that we will be greatly rewarded for our efforts.
Should we be afraid to die? We shouldn’t, but some people are afraid due to the fact that they are unsure of where they will go. Some people are too set in this life to leave. Mankind, not all, has become quite acquainted with the pilgrimage they are in. Why do I say pilgrimage? Because we are all just traveling through this earth. This planet is not our home; it is just a place where we commune and occupy. Life is serious, and we only have one. Life is too precious to waste or throw away. Live life every day as if it were your last.
But when the time comes, are you ready? Have you lived a life fully committed and obedient to God? In the Bible it states, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Christ died once, and for all. By doing this, He put an end to all animal sacrifices. That is why we are freely given the gift of salvation to ask for forgiveness, accept Christ as Savior, and ask Him to come live in our hearts. Any other way is false doctrine.
Our sins are key as to whether we will get to Heaven or not. When sin still abides in us, then we are condemned to hell. When we confess our sins, we are conformed to Heaven, our eternal home.
Let’s juxtapose Heaven and hell. Heaven is a place of peace; hell is a place of sorrow. Heaven is where the righteous will live; hell is where the unrighteous will live. Heaven is a place for the sinless; hell is a place for the sinful.
The blameless are characterized by the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). Notice there are 9 of them. The number 9 often represents finality, perfect movement of God, or patience. These qualities are essential in living the Christian life. These are attributes of God, and so should be with us. These are what separates us and makes us humble, among other things, to help us become imitators of Christ (1 John 2:6, 1 Peter 2:21, Ephesians 5:1).
Beloved, Heaven is real, and it is where the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) abides. But the Holy Spirit also abides in us to lead us every day, because He is God living in us. It is also where the people who departed from here on earth through death are, who have lived a life in Christ. Their bodies may be still here on earth, but their spirits are in Heaven worshipping and praising God.
So the next time a person may question whether Heaven is real, the answer is YES; it really is.
Some people do not believe in Heaven or hell. But where does their eternal destiny lie? To them it is confusing. They may question, “Why am I here? What is my purpose for existing?” It is during those times when God will send someone to minister to them regarding their inquiry. All on this earth will have the chance to hear the gospel (Matthew 24:14).
So, beloved, believe in the one and only true God, and you will believe in Heaven. Because, in God, we find all truth.
Book: Exceptional Worth: Understand Your Worth in Christ by Kathy E. Dockett