Text: John 14:1-3
In the previous lesson, we began a series looking at the reality of the afterlife. Our spirits will go to Hades to await the final judgment. After that, we will go to either Heaven or Hell. It is critical that we do what is necessary to get to Heaven. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. We need to be sure we take advantage of that. But why is this place so desirable? And what do we need to do to get there? We will discuss this in this lesson.
What Heaven Is Like
- It is a place where we will be free from all of the problems of this life (Revelation 21:4)
- It is a place of rest (Hebrews 4:9) – rest from our labors (Revelation 14:13), depending on what our labors are [more on this later]
- It is a place of eternal life (2 Corinthians 4:18-5:1)
- We will be in the company of the saints (1 Thessalonians 4:14, 16-17) – we have the same reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
- We will be in the presence of God (1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 22:3-5)
Who Lives in Heaven
- God is in heaven (Psalm 11:4) – Jesus described heaven as the place of the Father (Matthew 5:16; 6:9)
- Jesus is in heaven (John 3:13; 7:33) – seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1)
- The Holy Spirit is in heaven (John 15:25; Revelation 1:4-5)
- The angels are in heaven (Matthew 22:30; Revelation 5:11; 7:11)
Who Will Get to Heaven
- Those whose names are written in the Book of Life (Revelation 21:27) – the ones whose names are written there are those who are saved
- Those who know the Lord will be saved (Philippians 3:8-11)
- Those who believe will be saved (Romans 5:1) – not “faith only”
- Those who obey will be saved (James 2:24, 26; Hebrews 5:9) – obey the gospel (Mark 16:15-16)
- Those who remain faithful will be saved (Revelation 2:10; 22:14)
Conclusion
- Heaven is the place where all the problems of this life will be gone – we will be in God’s presence
- This is open to everyone – all who will be saved
- Let us make sure we take advantage of this – faithfully obey the Lord while we are here on the earth
