The Last Things: Heaven

Sunday, April 28^th 2024

Revelation 21

Introduction

“…Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

“One minute after you die you will be either elated or terrified…and it will be too late to reroute your travel plans.” E. Lutzer

Heaven is a real place and will be more glorious that we could ever imagine.

1. Why Speak About Heaven?

There are many reasons why we should speak about Heaven though some not so good.

1. Because we are too comfortable with this world
2. Because we are too comfortable with our possessions or good life
3. Because as Christians we can take it for granted!
4. Because Heaven is beyond our comprehension

“But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9 

1. Where is Heaven?

Like Hell last week, Heaven is a place – a place that God has created and a place where all the fullness of God dwells.

Scripture uses the term heaven for different descriptions. It calls the heavens “sky” and “space” and “heaven.”

The Apostle Paul says that he was caught up to the third heaven.

“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.”

2 Corinthians 12:2

• What Will Heaven Be Like?

1. In Heaven, we will be perfect! No more sin or sickness! No more sanctification, but total glorification! No more heartache and pain, but true happiness and joy. No more fear or worry, but peace and tranquility. No more ridicule or martyrdom, but praise and reward! No more politics and strife, but worship of the ONE TRUE KING!

1. We will know ourselves as we are now: I am the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.

1. We will receive crowns and rewards!

The Bible also says there are 5 crowns that are specifically mentioned as heavenly rewards: The Crown of Life for faithfulness to Christ in persecution or martyrdom (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10); The Incorruptible Crown for determination, discipline, and victory in the Christian life (1 Cor. 9:24-25); The Crown of Glory for faithfully representing Christ in a position of spiritual leadership (1 Peter 5:4); The Crown of Righteousness for purifying and readying ourselves to meet Christ at His return (2 Timothy 4:6-8); The Crown of Rejoicing for pouring ourselves into others in evangelism and discipleship (1 Thess. 2:19; Philippians 4:1). Thanks to Randy Alcorn for this!

But the greatest thing about Heaven is that Jesus will be there!

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory…”

1 Peter 1:8

“Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29

“Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we will be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2

“The critical question for our generation – and for every generation – is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever like, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?” John Piper

Let that thought soak into your heart and mind for a moment.

1. Conclusion

How can I get there?

“But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.” Rev. 21:27