THE angels, speaking to Christ's disciples as they witnessed His glorious ascension said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus Who was taken up from you, will return in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). Hebrews 9:24 tells us that Christ has entered heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.
The Bible points us to that place called heaven. It is a place that really exists. It was from there that the Saviour came, and it is there to which He returned after He completed His work of redemption and rose from the dead. The angels assured the disciples that our Lord will return from thence in due time.
In addition, the Scripture reminds us that Jesus is in heaven as our Advocate before God the Father (i.e., He is the Advocate of those who believe in Him as Saviour). The Bible gives believers the hope of the promise of eternal life in heaven. It also gives other information about heaven.
In heaven there is a register of the saints:
"Rejoice because your names are written in heaven," Jesus told His disciples (Luke 10:20).
There is room in heaven for all believers:
"In My Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you (plainly). I go to prepare a place for you," said Jesus - (John 14:2).
The redeemed of all nations will be gathered there:
It was revealed to the Apostle John, who wrote the Book of Revelation, that in heaven there is a great multitude which no one can number, of all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb-the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 7:9).
The believer's citizenship is in heaven:
That is, even while dwelling here on earth, we belong to the "heavenly country"--"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly await the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20).
The Bible clearly explains that heaven is a certainty for those who have a relationship with God our Father through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, although every one has an opportunity to go to heaven, not everyone will be there. Revelation 20 tells us that at the Great White Throne Judgment, the Book of Life will be opened and that anyone not found written in the Book of Life will be "cast into the lake of fire," (verse 15). It is sad to think that many of our loved ones will not be in those heavenly mansions that Jesus is preparing for all those who believe in Him and walk in obedience to His word.
What about our families! It is quite possible that a mother and her children could be in heaven and the father will not be there. Or that a father alone may be there without his family, because the rest of the family rejected Christ. In addition, people often make mention of celebrities who die, as having "gone to heaven" simply because they are so loved and are so popular. The question is: Were they children of God, having eternal life through their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ while they lived?
How can a person whose very lifestyle shows a complete contradiction of what heaven is all about, go to God's pure heaven? (It is possible, of course, that shortly before death such a one may have made a sincere confession, expressing godly repentance and faith in Christ. Even then, God will accept that one, for He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). The Bible makes it clear, however, that in order for us to go to heaven we all must have a relationship with our Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Bible tells us that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. It also explains that "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," and that God does not desire anyone to perish; rather, He wants all to come to repentance.
We cannot get to heaven on our terms, only on God's, i.e., by repentance toward God and faith toward Jesus Christ. We must recognize that we are sinners, and that we need God's grace and forgiveness. God has promised to forgive our sins when we confess to Him, believing on the death of His Son: in His blood shed to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He has required that all those who desire to be in heaven must be born again. Jesus said, "Unless a man is born again (or born from above through faith in His Son), he cannot see the Kingdom of God" (John 3:3).
The believer or born again person enjoys a small taste of heaven as a member of the family of God. He or she enjoys the blessings, protection, provision, power and presence of God on a daily basis.
Believers are exhorted to live a life set apart from the world, for God. The world ought to see a believer as an example of one dedicated to the worship, service and glory of God, and as a trophy of God's sovereign work of grace. There is the certainty of going to heaven because one's name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. His citizenship is in heaven.
The question for each to answer is: On that great day, will Jesus open the Book of Life and announce my name? Today (while there is still opportunity) would be the best time for any unbeliever to settle that question.
Should you be that one, you may pray this prayer: 0 God, I know that I am a sinner and I am sorry for my sins. I thank you for sending Your Son to the cross to pay the penalty of my sins. I now put my trust in Jesus as my Saviour. Lord Jesus, I invite you into my life. I trust you as my Saviour. I want to serve you as my Lord until you take me to heaven. Amen.
--Dr. F. Richards