Heaven (Choice #2)
Have you ever met a person who did not want to go to heaven? Heaven was designed to be the ultimate experience. Some portray heaven as a place filled with plump little cherubs, floating on clouds, playing harps. The Bible tells us that heaven is a place which will allow us to experience our fullest potential and accomplish possibilities that we never realized on earth. This life which we have been given on earth is merely preparation for eternity, either in hell or in heaven. Which place are you preparing for?
Heaven, like hell, is an actual place. The fact of heaven is supported by Jesus, who frequently referred to it as the residence of God. "Our Father who art in heaven ... " (Matthew 6:9, NASB). Paul also spoke of being caught up into heaven, which he referred to as paradise (2 Corinthians 12:1-4), and stated that heaven was a far better place than earth. "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home [in heaven] with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8).
A Wonderful Place
There are many wonderful aspects of living forever in heaven. When we get there, we will be given perfect bodies. "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who ... will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:20-21). Heaven will also be a place of rest from earthly problems (2 Corinthians 4:17; Revelations 14:13), and there will be "no more tears" there (Revelation 21:4). When we get to heaven, we will also enjoy increased knowledge (1 Corinthians 13:8-10) and holiness (Revelation 21:27). In heaven we will be gloriously fulfilled by serving and worshipping the Lord (Revelation 19:1; 22:3).
I believe in heaven because God promised it to all those who place their trust in Him. John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Jesus also tells us that He is looking forward to seeing us in heaven. "In my Father's house are many rooms...I am going there to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).
Make A Decision!
It's hard to believe there are only two eternal destinations, heaven and hell. That view may make God seem unfair, but remember, Jesus was literally crucified to give you this choice. He decided in favour of heaven when He hung on the cross as your Saviour.
Jesus desires that none of us should perish. "The Lord...is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). He gave His life in our place as payment for our sin, that God might receive us into heaven.
Satan, on the other hand, has decided against heaven (Isaiah 14:12-14). The Bible tells us that Satan's desire is that we do perish. He intends to harm us, deceive us, and discourage us from following God (John 17:15; Revelations 12:9).
Heaven or hell..it's up to you. You must now make the final decision for yourself. Today I urge you to consider God's love for you. He wants you to spend a joyful eternity in heaven with Him. Say "yes" to heaven today. Say "yes" to Jesus Christ.
"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death...Now choose life, so that you and your children may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19).
If you have made your decision between heaven and hell, you can pray something like this.
Dear Jesus, I know that I deserve hell, but You have offered me heaven as a gift of Your love. I have decided to place my trust in You right now. I want to be certain that by Your power I will be with You in heaven one day. Amen.
(by Daniel Southern, President, American Tract Society)
If you have made the decision to trust Christ, please e-mail us or visit http://www.emmanuelbarrie.org/.
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