“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands” (Revelation 7:9 ESV).
“And he that sat upon the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And he said unto me, ‘Write: for these words are true and faithful’” (Revelation 21:5 KJV).
The Bible says that at the end of life there awaits us a home in heaven or a place of torment called hell. None deserve to receive eternal rest in the heavenly city whose architect and builder is God. Though none deserve it, heaven welcomes those who rely on the grace of God to gain entrance.
Heaven is a place of great beauty. The glory of God shines there, and, because of his light, there is no darkness and no night. It is a place where all pain ceases. And the Bible says that in heaven the Lord will wipe away all our tears. Here, every good dream finds its fulfillment. Here, everyone will love each other with perfect tenderness. And we will walk and talk with our Lord face to face.
Overwhelming joy will fill our hearts for eternity. Those who know him will also gain a glorified body, and we will never again suffer from any kind of illness.
Hell is a place of immense eternal suffering reserved for the devil, his demons, and for all who have not embraced Jesus as their Savior and Lord. How can you escape the horrors of hell and secure your ticket to the heavenly kingdom?
Many believe that if they live a moral life and are basically “good” they will die and go to heaven. But the Bible doesn’t teach this. Heaven is not a place where good people live. It is a place where forgiven people dwell. Jesus was the only one who lived a perfect life. We are all sinners, but Christ’s death on the cross paid the ransom for us to enjoy eternal life in heaven. To receive this gift, we must forsake all and follow him. We must turn from our sin and turn to him.
He must be our Savior and the Lord of our lives. Our turning from sin does not save us but it frees us to receive God’s gift of mercy. If I hold a pile of rocks in my hand, I cannot hold an ice cream cone at the same time. I must drop the rocks and take the cone. We must drop the sin we are holding onto and receive his gift.
The scripture says if we will believe in our hearts that Jesus rose from the dead and confess with our mouths that he is Lord, we will receive salvation (Romans 10:9-10). A part of salvation is receiving a forever home in heaven.
If you haven’t received this gift or if you have walked away from a close relationship with Jesus, why don’t you pray this prayer?
Dear Father God,
You are a holy God, and I am convinced that I am a sinner. Jesus rose from the dead, and I turn away from my sin and turn to you. I confess you as my Lord and Savior. Come and live inside of me. I choose to live for you all the days of my life. Thank you that when I die, I will have a home with you in heaven. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Here are some steps to help you grow in your faith:
- Find a Bible-believing church that emphasizes God’s love for you.
- Read the Bible daily. It is food for your soul.
- Pray every day. Prayer is having a conversation with God. It is both speaking and listening.
- Understand that when you sin, go to God, confess your sin to him, and receive his forgiveness (1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1).
- Tell others about your faith in Christ.
