S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Heaven is a real place described in the Bible. The word "heaven" is found 276 times in the New Testament alone. Scripture refers to three heavens. The apostle Paul was "caught up to the third heave...

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July 01 2013 • 4 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

I would answer by saying that we don't know too much from what the Bible says (Dt 29:29; 1 Co 2:9). I once heard that Jesus spoke more about hell than He did heaven. What we have are images and pictures of heaven and comparisons with life on earth.

What is heaven like? Here are 7 biblical facts about heaven. It is …

God's dwelling place (Psalms 33:13).
Where Christ is today (Acts 1:11).
Where Christians go when they die (Philippians 1:21-23).
The Father's house (John 14:2) as Mr. Houdmann already mentioned.
A city designed and built by God (Hebrews 11:10).
A better country (Hebrews 11:16).
Paradise (Luke 23:43).

Most of us have heard that heaven is a place where the streets are paved with gold, the gates are made of pearl, and the walls made of precious jewels. Those images come from Revelation 21, which offers us the most extended picture of heaven in the entire Bible. If you ask me if I believe those things are literally true, the answer is yes and no. Yes, they are literally true but no, heaven won't be anything like we imagine. It will be much greater.

Here's a delightful legend that makes the point very well:

I love the old story of the rich man who, on his deathbed, negotiated with God to allow him to bring his earthly treasures with him when he came to heaven. God's reaction was that this was a most unusual request, but since this man had been exceptionally faithful, permission was granted to bring along just one suitcase. The time arrived, the man presented himself at the pearly gates, suitcase in hand- BOTH hands, actually, since he had stuffed it with as many bars of gold bullion as would fit. St. Peter said, "Sorry, you know the rules-you can't take it with you." But the man protested, "God said I could … one suitcase." St. Peter checked, found out that this one would be an exception, prepared to let the man enter, then said, "OK, but I will have to examine the contents before you pass." He took the suitcase, opened it, saw the gold bars and asked quizzically, "You brought PAVEMENT?" [Note: This story is from the sermon "Heaven" by Dr. David Leininger, March 30, 1997]

When John writes about a street paved with gold, I do not doubt his words. He simply reports what he saw in his vision. Thus his words are literally true. They are also meant to tell us that the things we value so highly in this life will be used to pave the roads in heaven.

A lady was arguing with her pastor about this matter of faith and works. “I think that getting to heaven is like rowing a boat,” she said. “One oar is faith, and the other is works. If you use both, you get there. If you use only one, you go around in circles.” 

“There is only one thing wrong with your illustration,” replied the pastor. “Nobody is going to heaven in a rowboat!” 

There is only one “good work” that takes the sinner to heaven: the finished work of Christ on the cross (John 17:1-4; 19:30; Heb. 10:11-14).

'No Mores' in Heaven

1 No more sea Rev. 21:1
2 No more sorrow Rev. 21:4
3 No more crying Rev. 21:4
4 No more pain Rev. 21:4
5 No more curse Rev. 22:3
6 No more night Rev. 22:5
7 No more death Rev. 21:4
R.G.

The First Day In Heaven

Well it's a great, great mornin'
Your first day in Heaven,
When you stroll down the Golden Avenue.
There are mansions left and right
And you're thrilled at every sight
And the saints are always smiling sayin', "How do you do?"
Oh it's a great, great mornin'
You're first day in Heaven,
When you realize your worryin' day are through.
You'll be glad you were not idol,
Took time to read your Bible,
It's a great mornin' for you.

I had a dream, I must confess, I hated to awake.
He dreamt he was an angel at the great pearly gates.
Saint Peter said, "Well hello there, where have you been?
We've got your mansion ready so come right in."
And then he rang for an angel to act as a guide.
He spread his wings a time or two and learned how to fly.

It's a great mornin',
A great mornin'
What a happy day.

Stuart Hamblen

December 31 2018 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report