From the beginning, I knew he was built to write these weekly encouragements for our congregation’s Family Talk Blog. Taking the reins from Ryan Goodwin on December 24th, 2018, Don Johnson’s first article — a powerful exploration of Christ’s resurrection — set the stage for over four years of thoughtful, technical, and challenging spiritual exploration. He loved writing because he loved you, his readers. And as one of his editors and many collaborators, I watched Don passionately pour himself into every post, sometimes working for weeks on a single article. But I didn’t get a carefully crafted 1,000(ish)-word exegetical examination in my email this week. Our dear brother Don Johnson has gone on to his heavenly reward. And together, we all tearfully rejoice. Though we’ll miss him deeply, he’s where he has always wanted to be! Just listen to his words, adapted from another of his early Family Talk Blog articles, posted January 14th, 2019: Heaven and Why I Want to Go There.

Don began, “The scriptures tell of the wonders of heaven and the great joys, the river of life, the tree of life, and other blessings for the redeemed.” Then he proceeded to list all the reasons “to do anything necessary to be one of those privileged to enter.”

Who’s in Heaven?

The Father (Rev. 7:14-15), the Son (Rev. 22:3-4), and the Holy Spirit (1 John 5:7) of Godhood are there! The angels are there (Rev. 5:11)! And the saved are there! The faithful — disciples like Don — hope for a heavenly home (Col. 1:5), a special place prepared for Christ’s followers.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. But if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you! And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)

What’s in Heaven?

My inheritance is there! It’s a great reward (Matt. 5:12), a treasure for the faithful (Matt. 6:20) that’s safeguarded, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:3-5).

I’ll have a new home, as Jesus promised (John 14:2-3)! It’s a home that Abraham wanted (Heb. 11:8-10), far beyond man’s ability! I’ll have a new body that fits the new home (1 Cor. 15:40-45)!

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent (body), is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Cor. 5:1)

What’s Not in Heaven?

There’s nothing there that defiles “… or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life” (Rev. 21:27). All the sinful and unrighteous will “have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).

There’s no night there! “They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light” (Rev. 22:5). There’s no parting, sorrow or pain there!

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)

The Alternative Is Horrifying!

“And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched where: ‘Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.’” (Mark 9:45-46)

Are you packed and ready to go there also?

Adapted from Heaven And Why I Want To Go There by Don Johnson