Heaven

It would be impossible for a mere mortal like me to properly describe heaven.  We don't have the mental capacity to fully understand and describe the afterlife; we only know this life. this life on earth.  But we can go to the only source for information on heaven, which is the Bible.  And we will note that even the Bible doesn't try to bring us to a full understanding of this subject, for the obvious reason that we just can't comprehend it before getting there.

For a detailed description of heaven we go to Revelation 21.  The book of Revelation is a vision given by God to a man, John, who then reveals this to Christians.  In chapter 21 he talks of heaven and uses a number of names for it, such as new heaven, holy city, New Jerusalem, great city, etc.  And beginning in verse 9, there is a good deal of detail given about heaven.  But we need to keep in mind that the whole book is a vision, a figurative book that, while giving lots of detail, isn't meant to be taken literally.  So when we read of the dimensions of the city, the gold and precious stone construction and all of the special characteristics, we must remember that this detail is given so the we can get some idea of its greatness;  physical characteristics are provided, but this is a spiritual place.

In Philippians 3, we read these verses, beginning with verse 20: "..our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able to subdue all things to Himself."  Just prior to this passage, the writer is discussing those who are committed to sin, "whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly..." and more.  The committed Christian is already thinking of heaven, is already a citizen of heaven, in a sense. 

Much more can be said of heaven, but it can be summed up in saying that we all want to be there; and all will not be there.  The Bible makes it clear that only those who follow Christ will have that opportunity.  To some that will sound hard, but it is still true.  It is up to each one of us to be a follower and as such, receive the blessings that come through Jesus Christ. 

Thanks for reading again.  Have a great week!