GLEANINGS FROM THE SCRIPTURESLOOKING INTO HEAVENBy Keith L. EstesThe comical view of heaven, wearing white gowns, sitting on clouds having short stubby wings and playing golden harps is entertaining and humorous, however it is not what the Bible presents. Surprisingly more is said of Hell in the scriptures than of heaven. Be that as it may, let's examine what the message is about heaven. Jesus says: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." Heaven is a real place and the eternal hope of the saved. Scripture describes New Jerusalem as a beautiful city where the redeemed will have access to it for all eternity. The activities in heaven include singing that is indescribable and unbelievably beautiful, beyond anything we can conceivably imagine. An older man that I know relates a vision that he had one night. He was in a place where he was walking along when he was drawn to the sounds that were emanating from a large amphitheater. As he drew near he heard the most beautiful music he had ever heard. He said it was indescribable. One of the persons in the theatre looked up at him and he recognized the person as one of his relatives that had died, who also recognized him. In the book of Revelation it reveals there will be singing: "And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." Along with singing there will be worship: "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." Not only will there be singing, and worship, but there will also be service: "And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him." Adding to the singing, the worship, and the service is another word. Reign, yes reign. "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. If we suffer (with Him) we shall also reign with Him" Add to all this, the wonderful blessing of fellowship that we will have one with another, unimpeded with other appointments or deadlines. In the worship of God we will find continual learning and growth experiences. The quality of existence in heaven is a life of fellowship with God. "And they shall see His face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." Heaven is not a closed place, but rather it is open to all of those who come to God in the way that the Bible teaches, to the Jew and also to the Gentile. Heaven is a place, not a figment of our imagination. It is a place and the eternal hope of the saved. The scripture describes it as New Jerusalem, a beautiful city on the new earth, where the redeemed will have access for all eternity. The last blessing about heaven I want to bring to your attention, is eating: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna..." Manna in the Old Testament represents sustenance and life. Jesus Christ is the manna that came down from heaven and He is sufficient for every person's needs. We receive this living manna by imparting our faith and trust in Him. Reference: Rev. 15:3, 5:9, 22: 3-4, 22: 5, 2:17, 19:1, Matt. 17:3, Holy Bible. |