By Riley Nelson, Richmond Hill Church of Christ
The Bible is a one of the great blessings mankind has been given. It covers the entire spectrum of man’s life. God explains to man how he came to be; created in the image of God (Gen. 1); how to live (Ecc.12:13); and how to prepare for eternity (Acts 2,Col. 3). There passages that serve to give us comfort when we have lost loved ones (2 Cor.1); and hope for ourselves when we are over burdened by the troubles of this world (1 Peter 5:7). Paul wrote, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (2 Cor. 4:17). What a wonderful and marvelous book given by almighty God.
In the pages of holy writ we are told of “wonderful” heaven will be. Perhaps one of the most comforting passages concerning heaven is “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:2 – 4). John wrote, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1- 4). God’s word helps us to see and desire to go to this wonderful place.
Truly what a “wonderful city” heaven will be. Knowing such a place is waiting should help persuade lost souls to seek for this place, causing them to desire to leave the things of the world behind. Every person should have heaven in their mind’s eye as they go about their daily tasks, and strive to obey God so heaven can be their home.
It is possible for anyone who desires to go to heaven to be successful in doing so. Each individual must come to the realization of their need for God and for salvation. Matthew recorded, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28 – 30). It is God’s desire that all be saved and enter in to the rest of this glorious city (1 Tim. 2:4). This idea shows the mission of Jesus, He came to save mankind (Matt. 1:21,Luke 19:10,John 14:6).
Heaven awaits all who will prepare, believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, confess Him as the Son of God, be baptized for the remission of your sins and live faithfully for Him, and heaven can be yours.