Someone asked his congregation to raise their hands if they were looking forward to heaven.    To nobody’s surprise, hands went up everywhere.  He then asked a follow up question whether they would like to go to heaven that very afternoon.  To nobody’s surprise, not too many hands were raised. 

The reality is that the gift of life that most of us enjoy this side of heaven is sweet, as our Creator designed it to be.  The beauty of creation, the wonderful fellowship we can have with fellow human beings, not least our spouse, children, and grandchildren, are a wonderful blessing.  Of course, there are those in this world where life isn’t all that sweet, especially those who experience war, poverty, serious illness, handicaps, brokenness in relationships and so on.   Our hearts as Christians go out to them and we endeavour to assist and support where we can.

Nevertheless, most people are looking forward to heaven, Christian and non-Christian alike.  We should not be surprised, for our Creator has put eternity into our hearts, and that is really at the depth of our heart’s desire (Ecc 3:11).   Now most of us have been to non-Christian funerals, and sometimes people who have never darkened the inside of a church or to our knowledge have bowed their knee before King Jesus are often spoken about as being instantly promoted to heaven.   A case in point is a little cartoon that appeared in the Herald Sun this past week of several loved cricketers entering into heaven and enjoying cricket with their mates.  

Now we certainly do not wish to sit in judgement of these much-loved cricketers and our condolences go out to their families.  These loved ones will be sadly missed by all.  Furthermore, we do not know whether these cricketers had a living Christian faith.

However, what we can say, hopefully with some sensitivity, that the Scriptures make it very clear that no one comes to the Father in heaven without having Jesus as their Saviour (Jn 14:6).  And those who are blessed with the gift of faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour can be certain of eternal life and share in our Saviour’s glory (Jn 11:25-26).  That is the beauty of the Christian faith, knowing that the ‘cross’ is behind us and everything has been done to secure our eternity in glory.

So what will heaven be like?  Will we be playing cricket with our mates or playing some other favourite sport?  Perhaps we will have unimaginable technology with which we can be entertained, play beautiful music, or have a great book that we can read like never before!  Perhaps we will have endless great family time.  We could speculate endlessly.

However, we can say what Scripture reveals about heaven and glory.  Paul reminds us in 1 Cor 2:9-10; “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”—but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”  Paul also mentions someone who was caught up to paradise and who heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell” ( 2 Cor 12:4). It seems a fair conclusion that heaven and sharing in Jesus’ glory will be something magnificent and way beyond what we could even begin to imagine.

The Scriptures also remind us that at the end of time there will “be a renewed heaven and a renewed earth.”  But wait, there is more… “Our God will be dwelling with us and we will live with Him… He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev 21:1-4 emphasis added).  

As Christians then, let us rejoice that the cross is behind us and future glory with our Saviour awaits all who have been blessed with the gift of saving faith in Jesus Christ.  Now that is something to look forward to and to tell others about. 

Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, we pray for those who are grieving the passing of loved ones. Please make us your willing instruments to bring the good news of eternal life in Jesus Christ to our families, friends, and others so that they too can share in Your glory for an eternity.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.