Grove Baptist Church

Thought for the Month - March 2002

Thinking about Heaven - By Barry Adair

Maybe it's that I'm nearing 40, but I've noticed lately that my body is increasingly showing signs of age. As an example, there are hairs where there should be no hairs and no hairs where there should be! I'm sure the older readers are having a laugh at me just now!

I've noticed many things breaking down recently too. Whether it was the car, the garden fence after the gales, the hi-fi or the toaster, they have all come a cropper.

I have also been noticing signs of decay around me (and I'm not talking about my body this time!). Perhaps it's because it's still winter time as I write this, but I have been conscious of the fact that everything on this planet is spiralling to its own death.

Have you also noticed how much sin there is around today? Our society has accepted so much of what the Bible calls sin but is increasingly called 'choice' or 'free speech'. The killing of an unborn child via abortion is a woman's right, if this is her choice. Our laws appear to reward the guilty while punishing the innocent. And I could go on and on!

It was from this perspective that I found myself contemplating the Heaven of the Bible. My, what a blessed hope Heaven is to the child of God!

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him" 1 Cor 2:9

Just think, in Heaven there will be:

  • NO FEAR - no tears and no terror
  • NO FATIGUE - no tiredness
  • NO FAILINGS - no turmoil

"Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Rom 7:24-25(NASB)

There will be no more sin, and:

  • no devil
  • no accuser
  • no liar
  • no thief
  • no tempter

Of course, since Jesus will be there, it will be perfect.

"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God" Rev 21:3

As the hymn-writer says of Jesus...

He died that we might be forgiven, He died to do us good
That we might go at last to Heaven, saved by His precious blood.

So let's us take time throughout our busy lives to say thank-you to our God and Saviour and allow our lives to be used for His glory...

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift" 2 Cor 9:15 (NASB)

"Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe. "
Hebrews 12:28 (NASB)

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!