The prospect of heaven

Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. – 1 Corinthians 13:12

As I approached my 90th birthday, two emotions surged through my heart. One was certainty, the positive assurance of life to come. And why not? Jesus said, "Because I live, you will live also" (John 14:19).

That assurance, however, is often accompanied by another emotion – curiosity. What will the next world really be like? Even the inspired descriptions of the celestial dwelling that we have in the Bible’s last book are inadequate to convey what awaits us. Yet they do intensify our desire to leave this dark earthly existence and to enter that heavenly reality. We read about "a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God," "the tree of life," and "no more curse" (Revelation 22:1-3).

What are your own reactions as you think about the life beyond this life? Perhaps you are not especially curious. But are you blessed with the certainty of heaven, which you can have by faith in Jesus? Think of the words He spoke at the grave of Lazarus: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die" (John 11:25).

Is that promise the foundation of your certainty? You can make it so by believing in Jesus. – Vernon Grounds

How can we have the assurance of heaven?

Recognize our sinfulness (Romans 6:23); believe Jesus died for us (Acts 16:31); receive Him as Savior (John 1:12); trust His promise (John 20:31).

READ: Revelation 22:1-5

What you do with Jesus now determines what He will do with you later.

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 107-109

• 1 Corinthians