WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE?
- God’s dwelling place (Psalms 33:13).
Psalm 33:13 (KJV) The LORD looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men.
- Where Christ is today (Acts 1:11).
Acts 1:11 (KJV) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
- Where Christians go when they die (Philippians 1:21-23).
Philippians 1:21-23 (KJV) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
- The Father’s House (John 14:2).
John 14:2 (KJV) In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
- A city designed and built by God (Hebrews 11:10).
Hebrews 11:10 (KJV) For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
- A better country (Hebrews 11:16).
Hebrews 11:16 (KJV) But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.
- Paradise (Luke 23:43).
Luke 23:43 (KJV) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise.
Most of us have heard that heaven is a place where the streets are paved with gold, the gates are made of pearl, and the walls are made of precious jewels. Those images come from Revelation 21, which offers us the most extended picture of heaven in the entire Bible. If you ask me if I believe those things are literally true, the answer is yes and no. Yes, they are literally true, but no, heaven won’t be anything like we imagine. It will be much greater!!!
Here’s a delightful legend that makes the point very well:
I love the old story of the rich man who, on his death bed, negotiated with God to allow him to bring his earthly treasures with him when he came to heaven. God’s reaction was that this was a most unusual request, but since this man had been exceptionally faithful, permission was granted to bring along just one suitcase. The time arrived, the man presented himself at the pearly gates, suitcase in hand- BOTH hands, actually, since he had stuffed it with as many bars of gold bullion as would fit. St. Peter said, “Sorry, you know the rules-you can’t take it with you.” But the man protested, “God said I could … one suitcase.” St. Peter checked, found out that this one would be an exception, prepared to let the man enter, then said, “OK, but I will have to examine the contents before you pass.” He took the suitcase, opened it, saw the gold bars and asked quizzically, “You brought PAVEMENT?”
[Note: This story is from the sermon “Heaven” by Dr. David Leininger, March 30, 1997] [SOURCE: Keep Believing Ministries]