During intense suffering, Job began contemplating the afterlife (Job 19:25-29). This is something that many ponder about in our time. Most of the questions I receive are about our existence beyond this life. I especially receive many questions about heaven.

Let’s consider four things that people really want to know about heaven.

Why should we want to go?

  • Many answers might immediately come to mind.
    • Heaven’s perfect beauty.
    • Heaven’s perfect security.
    • Being able to see and be reunited with loved ones who have died in the Lord.
    • It is not hell!
  • What does the Bible emphasize more than anything else about heaven?
    • Heaven is where we will be able to dwell forever in the actual presence of God (John 14:1-3; Revelation 4:1-4; 21:1-5).
    • Heaven is where we will be able to regain what was lost in Eden (Revelation 22:1-2).

What will it be like?

  • Folks who ask this question often fear that heaven will be dull and boring. They fear that heaven won’t be as exciting as some of the experiences in this life.
  • Jesus did not suffer, die, and promise to take us to heaven so we can experience a dull and boring existence for all eternity (Revelation 4:5-11; 19:1-6). Does anything in those verses give the impression that heaven will be dull and boring?
  • Heaven is going to be awesome and exciting! It will be full of amazing praise, perfect worship, and enthusiastic service to God!
  • We must avoid getting too comfortable in our current existence (Philippians 3:20). Heaven is for those who love to worship and celebrate the greatness of the Lord.

Will we know one another?

  • Many wonder, “Will I know my spouse, parents, children, and brethren in heaven? Will I remember them? How can I be happy knowing that certain people I love are not in heaven?”
  • The Bible seems to indicate that we will know one another in heaven.
    • The rich man and Lazarus retained their identities and memories in the afterlife (Luke 16:22-31).
    • Moses and Elijah retained their identities (Matthew 17:1-3)
    • Samuel retained his identity (1 Samuel 18:15).
    • Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob retained their identities (Matthew 8:11).
  • David looked forward to reuniting with his deceased child (2 Samuel 12:23).
    • In heaven, Jesus is Jesus! (See Revelation 22:3-4)
  • How will we experience eternal happiness knowing that some of our loved ones are lost? I don’t know! But I trust God is faithful and powerful enough to keep His promises.
  • We must avoid whittling on God’s end of the stick and focus on building strong relationships with our brethren (the people we are traveling to heaven with) and helping as many people as possible make it to heaven.

What do I need to do to go?

  • We cannot do enough good to earn our place in heaven (Romans 6:23). We can only dwell in heaven because of God’s free gift of salvation. Without God’s grace and forgiveness, we will be lost!
  • Submitting to God’s will is what we must do to receive God’s free gift (Matthew 7:21; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 2:37-38). Only those forgiven by God will experience eternity in heaven.

Conclusion:

Have you accepted God’s grace and forgiveness?