Welcome! Thanks for joining us for this, the ninth post in our new year-long blog series we’re calling “Journey Together.” In this post let’s explore the hope that buoys us because of Christ’s resurrection.
Life to death. The exact moment that our earthly constraints unchain and our eyes open to the majesty of what's next. Some won't be ready, others will be chomping at the bit! Click To TweetIf we love Christ, that poignant moment will bring unbridled joy. Why? Because in proving His power over death, Jesus promised us the privilege of being in His presence for eternity. One of the tenet verses of the Christian faith, John 3:16, puts it this way: “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.”
Let’s look at why stepping into Heaven is going to be the most amazing moment ever.
Are You Chomping at the Bit?
Dude! We will be ushered into His presence! The most glorious sunset can only dimly hint at how much this will blow our minds. #justsayin
My heart aches for people who confidently declare there's nothing after death. Too often, they have no basis for their view. Click To TweetThose who put their hope in Christ do so because they know Him to be real. And not just because His ministry, death, and resurrection have been historically documented. And not because they dutifully shuffle in and out of church every Sunday. It’s because in earnestly seeking after Him, they feel His presence.
Jesus promises that all believers shall experience eternal joy. Not because we’ve earned it — but simply because we call Him “Lord.”
What’s So Great About Heaven, Anyway?
Spoiler alert: Heaven will be great because God will be there. You think the universe is awesome? God will be a million times more awesome, because He's the Creator. Click To TweetWhen I was a child, I gotta admit: I was not impressed to hear that Heaven is full of mansions, streets of gold, and non-stop choirs of angels. Ho-hum, that sounded boring. Now, as an adult, I gotta be honest and admit that it still does. LOL. So I’m happy to report that Heaven is SO. MUCH. MORE:
~ In Heaven we’ll be reunited with our dearly missed loved ones — fathers, sons, grandparents, even pets (maybe?) — who have gone before us. Oh, happy day!
~ In Heaven we’ll finally get to experience the fullness of God, without the filter of sin that hangs so heavy over this world.
~ In Heaven we’ll finally get answers to our huge philosophical questions. You know, like, “Why was I born?” … “What was my purpose?” … “What was the meaning of life?” … “Why was life so hard?” … and “Did I make you proud, Lord?”
The Truth: Let’s Grab It!
I know it’s cool for some to say, “I’m looking forward to partying with the sinners in hell.” I’m hoping that’s only because they don’t understand that hell isn’t going to be anything close to Party Central. Whether it’s blistering fire and brimstone, or a darkness so crushing that it suffocates the soul, the worst part of hell will be separation from God’s holy, amazing presence. That’s like seeing the beauty of the VIP table, but being banned to the kitchen to wash dishes for the rest of the meal. #justkeepingitreal
Jesus took Hell seriously. It's why He paid the ultimate price to display His power over it. That's the truth of the resurrection! Click To TweetHeaven: the place we’d be foolish not to want to be in for all of eternity. It’s our hope, and our promise, our reward for committing to Him. Heaven is the wonderful home we crave deep in our soul. Can you hardly wait to get there?
In our next blog post, let’s look even deeper at our hope in Christ. Continue the journey with us!
Catch up: The introductory post to this series.
