Heaven Is Real … Just A reminder

Mark 8: 36 “and what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”

I haven’t just had a dream about heaven nor did I visit, like some have, but I know from the Word of God that heaven is real; also, that it is a place where only true believers will be. I am reminded of this in these times when we, believers, seem to have lost focus and no longer remember that there is an ultimate goal for every believer – dwelling in heaven for eternity. In my church, heaven is often mentioned but these past few days have been intense because it has been a major focus and we even watched the movie “Left behind” this past Saturday. Despite all the popcorn, drink and food that were making the rounds, a lot of people were captivated by the movie and some souls were won. One major thought on my mind is – am I heaven ready if the rapture takes place today? Are members of my family ready? Then I paused; because my immediate concern when it comes to heaven related matters, is those closest to me; of course I immediately curbed my selfishness, and asked myself - Is the church of Christ (members of my local assembly) ready and if anyone isn’t, have I done all I can or know to do to help them? Then the big question – have I done all I can or know to do to help everyone under my sphere of influence to be ready?

Galatians 6: 7 “Don’t be misled-you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.”

Unfortunately, the existence of heaven is unchanging truth because it is the Word of God. So heaven and hell are real and where we end up are a direct consequence of the choices we make in the course of our lifetime on earth. I know we often associate the scripture with our existence on earth only. When we think of sowing and reaping, we often think only in the context of what we gain on earth but the truth is whatsoever we sow here on earth will impact on where we spend eternity. The only way our bad seeds are prevented from impacting our eternity is when they are bloated out by the blood of Jesus, which does not happen because we shout “blood of Jesus” several times but because we repent and are converted. There is a turnaround required for the blood to go to work blotting out our sin. Anyone who has been cleansed by the blood enjoys times of refreshing so that they have peace despite all they may be going through; peace that is indescribable. The cleansing by the blood facilitates the presence of the Prince of Peace in a life. We have to be very careful what seeds we sow on earth because they have a way of finding their way into our future. 

Acts 3: 19amp “So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return (to God), that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord”

Much as we would rather not think of dying, it is a reality; a truth that is also unchanging.  Though we have been assured that the sting of death is gone, we would rather not die: but the truth is, death for every believer, could be likened to closing one’s eyes and finding one’s self in another world more beautiful than one ever imagined. It is like having one of those dreams we don’t ever want to wake up from. God will not come to earth to convert us but He has sent His son who also has left us with the Holy Spirit and revealed Himself through His word. It’s our decision whether or not we are guided by His word. 

We have more than we will ever need to ensure that we sow the seeds that ensure we live in heaven for eternity. As we sow these seeds it is incumbent upon us to ensure that all those we love come with us. Unfortunately, if we wait till we die, then it is too late to do anything to facilitate their making heaven and if we wait till they die, it is also too late and all the many prayers we make for them to be received in heaven will not change the course of their journey into eternity. All the deciding factors take place whilst we are yet here on earth. Please let us be wise in the decisions we make beginning with that decision to Christ, our Saviour and Lord in our lives. If you love comfort on earth, then please choose comfort for eternity. It really is our decision.