The Bible is a book we want to believe for many reasons, not the least of which is what it has to say about heaven. The word of God describes our better home. Human beings have long been fascinated by utopian stories of places of perfection far, far away. But the Bible tells us how we may live in such a place, dwelling in perfect harmony with our Creator. With our minds set on heaven, we sing, “This world is not my home, I’m just passing through; my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue.” Such is a wonderful thought — a thought clearly expressed in the Bible.
The apostle Paul reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has to subject all things to Himself” (Phil. 3:20-21). In comparison to the things we hope for, James said that our lives are just vapors that appear for a short time only to vanish away (Jas. 4:14).
It may be harder for us to relate to heaven than those to whom the New Testament was originally written. Why? Because, in many ways, we are better off than any group of people who have ever lived on the face of the earth. We enjoy unparalleled prosperity. But, with the blessing comes the danger of ingratitude, worldly-mindedness, and a sense of self-sufficiency. Place yourself in the environment of the first century. Hardship was a way of life. Poverty was the norm. For the average man, life was characterized by toil and struggle. Add to that the persecution that was directed against the church, and you have circumstances especially suitable for the development of a strong hope in the promise of heaven. John described heaven as a place where all harmful and painful influences would be removed forever. He said, “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 7:16–17).
There are painful and troublesome times, even in this century. Many of our struggles are not so much physical as they are emotional. However, these may be just as painful in many respects. The persecution we feel is not nearly so intense as some have had to experience in the past, but it is often directed against us in subtle and indirect ways. We still look for that better place — that place where life’s injustices will be righted and where joy will be everlasting.
Heaven will be such a place. The Bible tells us about that home of the soul. And, even more importantly, the Bible tells us how we may get to that home. It is not reached through human strength or intellect; but it is a place given to the faithful who obediently and respectfully trust in God for salvation. What we believe about heaven can make all the difference in how we live our lives today in preparation for the endless tomorrows of eternity.
— Glen Elliott —