Summary

This article challenges Christians to prioritize the biblical reality of Heaven, arguing that its eternal importance is often neglected. Drawing on John 14 and Revelation 21-22, the article emphasizes that Heaven's certainty rests solely on Jesus's testimony, not human near-death experiences. It concludes that believers are already citizens of Heaven, and this hope should intensely shape life in the local church.

Heaven is Our Home

How often do you think about Heaven? What comes to your mind when you consider it—do you see it as a place floating in the clouds, perhaps as a boring place, or do you envision St. Peter at the pearly gates waiting to check you in? Furthermore, do you even believe there is a Heaven, and what are your thoughts on the idea of purgatory?

Is Heaven of little to no consequence on the Christian life? Cameron Cole has written a fantastic book titled “Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth” (Cole, 2024). In a TGC article (Aug 2024), he gives us three reasons why Heaven does not affect us as much as it could and should.

1. We see Heaven as an exclusive future state

2. We have uninformed and unbiblical ideas about Heaven

3. We treat Heaven as an impersonal abstraction

Whether we believe it or not, the reality of Heaven is speeding towards us one second at a time. It is a reality that will last forever, and the sad news is that Heaven has its mirror opposite; hell, it's equally real and eternal.

How do I know Heaven is real?

Jesus declares, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4

Todd Burpo's book Heaven Is for Real tells of a ‘true story’ of his son going to Heaven. The book tries to make a case for Heaven. But dear Christian, Heaven is real—not because Todd Burpo says so—but because Jesus testifies that it’s real. Notice the command in John 14:1, “let not your hearts be troubled.” Jesus is about to leave the disciples. Knowing their anxieties, he commands them to still their hearts. Why? Because there is a greater reality that they do not yet see but should hope for. Thus far, they have believed God’s words, haven't they? Believe also the words of the Son. God has and is preparing a place for His children. God, the Son, who does not lie, guarantees its existence, and not only so, He himself dwells there.

Heaven is being made ready for you, dear Christian. As Christ died and resurrected to a glorified body and state, so you too, who have died in him and been raised with him, will be glorified as He is to dwell with him for all eternity.

We do not need any further proof. Christ is calling us to believe in Him! Not some guru, not some prophet who claims to have personal revelation from God, and certainly not a dream we’ve had. Believe in Christ’s words. It is fascinating how quickly we listen to men rather than God. Yahweh calls us to trust him and him alone. No one else has been to Heaven and come to earth other than Jesus himself. All other claims must be taken with a serious grain of salt! Heaven is real because Jesus testifies so.

Where do you go to learn more about Heaven?

Books about dying and going to Heaven only to come back are numerous: “90 Minutes in Heaven, My Time in Heaven, The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven, Imagine Heaven, To Heaven and Back”, to name a few. Are these our sources of knowledge of Heaven? If so, we are malnourished. Are these books our source of joy and hope in Heaven? They will disappoint. Let God himself teach us what Heaven is like. Let the Scripture be our source of joy and hope!

In Rev 21-22:5, God mercifully assures us of what Heaven is like:

1. A place for the believer and God – Rev 21:1-3, 5-7, 9-14, 22-26

2. A place of life and peace – Rev 21:4, 22:3-5

3. A place of Refreshing – Rev 22:1-2

4. A place of holiness – Rev 21:8, 27

5. A place of glory and true wealth – Rev 21:15-21

Heaven is our Home

If you are a believer, you are already a citizen of the Kingdom. Your entrance into it does not begin at your death but at your conversion. Paul tells us that God has “...delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” Col 1:13-14. Likewise, in Philippians, “But our citizenship is in Heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself” Phil 3:20-21. Elsewhere he declares, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Eph 2:19-22. We are strangers in this world. God will destroy this world. But Heaven is our home.

The local church is meant to be a small picture of heavenly life. We love one another as fellow citizens of the Kingdom. We taste the unity that we shall experience there for all time. The local church is a place where ‘natural enemies’ are friends and family. A place where they come to be served by God and serve God by serving one another. This is why it is detrimental for a believer to live separated from a church community. God has allowed us to share in the joys of the kingdom through His church.

Glossary of Terms

1. Heaven: The eternal dwelling place prepared by Jesus Christ for believers, characterized by being fully and eternally present with God (John 14:1-4).

2. Eschatology: The part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and humankind; often related to the study of Heaven and Hell.

3. Purgatory: In some Christian traditions, a temporary state of purification for the souls of those who died in God's grace before admission to Heaven.

4. The Kingdom: The spiritual reign or domain of God, which believers enter at conversion and will fully experience in Heaven.