by Ted Kalivoda
Having been introduced to the gospel message of Jesus Christ, I can readily attest to how one gets to heaven. Through the Bible I even have indications about who will go, and why. Scripture clearly defines those interrogatives; it talks about them over and over again. But my mind is fuzzy about other aspects of our eternal home, like where it is. The location is a mystery simply because scripture is silent on it. But we are confident of heaven's existence because the Bible clearly defines it as a crucial component of God's final plan for humanity. But then we also ponder what heaven is like, and once again we are left somewhat in the dark because biblical descriptions are sparse.
Some interrogative words like how, who and why render explicit answers, others like where and what give no information or at least hazy replies. We will pursue them, not on the basis of supposition, as some people do, but in terms of biblical explanations.
Heaven equates with eternal life. Our going there is the primary reason behind Jesus' death. Of course God is concerned about our earthly lives too, and indeed shows that concern by interacting with us in many different ways. But our present existence, as good as it may be, is just a drop in the bucket compared to life without end. Contrast the time lengths - 70, 80 or maybe 90 years on earth versus millions, billions, and trillions of years (and still counting), in eternity. Only a fool would choose the former at the rejection of the latter. Yet many do, either through disbelief in the Gospel or through unwillingness to let God change their way of living.
Jesus has reserved a special place for us in what he calls his "Father's house" (John 14:2). He defines it as consisting of many rooms (the King James Bible defines the rooms as "mansions.") Whatever the properties of that abode, they can hardly be inconsistent with the holy city's lavish setting of pure gold and precious stones (Rev. 21:15-21). Anyway, I doubt that anyone's concern will be over riches and luxury. People will be overjoyed just to be there.
Do we anticipate heaven? I must admit that in my teenage years as a Christian I did not, I suppose partly because I was preoccupied with other matters. I think it's safe to say that heaven does not occupy the thoughts of most young people. Young minds focus on enjoying experiences still ahead of them, like falling in love, marrying, building a home, having a family, excelling in a job, and making something of their lives - normal thought processes centered around the here and now.
But I believe the main reason for not anticipating heaven was my mistaken view that heaven was merely an escape from the ravages of hell. After all, I mused, that's why I believed in Christ in the first place . . . to avoid eternal torment after death. I suppose I wasn't alone in that approach. Later I was to discover that so much more was in store for Christians than to escape hell's punishment.
But let's face it; facts on heaven remain relatively unknown. So let's take a look at what the Bible says about it.
Heaven's Nature
Scripture offers meager information about our eternal home, not because God deemed it unimportant for us to know, but because heaven's substance undoubtedly goes so far beyond human understanding and imagination that it can't be conveyed through language. I know that's a pretty radical thought, but it may not be as outlandish as it appears. Did you ever get so overwhelmed with the beauty of some outstanding aspect of nature that you couldn't find words to describe it adequately? You tried, fumbling with adjectives, but ended up saying something like: "it was so breathtaking, I just can't describe it." I bet that's what heaven is like - so spectacular and overpowering that it's beyond our ability to verbalize. Could it be that it surpasses our present sensory perceptions? Sights, sounds, feelings and maybe even tastes and smells may go well beyond our earthly experience. Heaven's magnificence, because it is the abode of the King of the Universe, is certain to overwhelm us.
I suspect that a new reality will set in, one so different yet astounding that we will wonder why we held on to our former life so tightly. The limitations of the earthly existence vanish, while the new life, unrestricted in its encompassment, continues on forever, all under the design of a loving and tender Father, the grand designer of the universe who is without beginning and without end.
But I must resist the temptation to describe any further. It would be mere supposition. Jesus spoke of heaven as a place where we would see his glory (John 17:24), which can mean a whole lot of things, but perhaps most of all suggesting that his divine and splendorous attributes exceed our present ability to comprehend. People do a lot of guesswork about them. Books are full of speculation, discussing characteristics their authors construe as nice. I don't want to fall into that trap. God in his wisdom has chosen to reveal little information about our future home. I honor that decision. We can play with descriptions, but in the end we must admit that we don't know the details.
The Bible, however, does give some ideas we can grab hold of for our comfort and joy. Although few in number, the descriptions that are presented carry interesting implications.
Permanence
Permanence is a good descriptor to start with since not many things in this world are permanent. They just don't last. We constantly discard worn out items for new ones. Even nature offers little constancy: flowers bloom, then fade; leaves sprout, showing their magnificence in autumn but then wither; and trees — those magnificent, towering specimens that often outlast humans — eventually die. You won't find things rotting or dying in heaven. I say that because the Bible promises our new home to be an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade (1 Peter 1:4).
The world's leaders are constantly making promises they alter later because of unanticipated and developing circumstances. Not so with God. Our inheritance is secure, and its quality is unchanging. We are dealing with God Almighty, not with humans. What he says, he fulfills.
Exhilarating
I took my wife Deleta to the Grand Canyon on our wedding anniversary. As I peered into that deep abyss and then looked at the magnificent cliffs surrounding it, I was awed with the splendor. I suppose, however, that if I stayed there for a week straight, I wouldn't be quite so impressed. I would tire looking at it - bored out of my skull. I doubt it will be so with heaven's spectacle. My body will not be programmed for boredom, because the Bible says it will be a new, glorified body. It makes sense that in our newness, we will be incapable of indifference or boredom.
Heaven's grandeur has to be continuously exhilarating. Surely it is something we can look forward to in spite of having to undergo the temporary experience of death. I say temporary because death's hold is for a fleeting moment if we are to believe Jesus' declaration to the repentant criminal crucified next to him: Today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43). Paul seems to imply the rapidity of a similar transformation at death (2 Cor. 5:1-10). He is even more forceful in that regard when writing to the Philippians: I desire to depart [from this life] and be with Christ (1:23). Somehow he knew that a magnificent life was awaiting him in heaven, probably not so much due to things to enjoy but because of a person, Christ, who will be there with him. Obviously, the apostle had developed a relationship with his Lord that excited him about being with Jesus. So a carryover question for me is, do I share that view? Hmm. I think not, in spite of being in my twilight years.
What needs to transpire to cause me to change? Thoughts about reuniting with departed family members help. Likewise thinking about abandoning a pain-filled body for a new one might enter in. (I'm sure a lot of people identify with that, both old and young.) And maybe desiring relief from other types of problems plays a part. But a vibrant, presently ongoing relationship with Christ will probably carry the greater influence. We get some insight into the power of developed relationships when thinking about the joys of living with our spouses. In terms of being with Jesus, then, we have an even greater challenge. The more we cultivate intimacy with him while on earth, the more we will undoubtedly anticipate uniting with him in heaven. That's a personal goal - to know him intimately while here on earth.
What will we be like when we actually see Jesus? We will be changed (1 Cor. 15:52). That infers alteration of our physical state, which makes sense when tied to the revelation about cessation of tears, crying, pain, and death (Rev. 21:4). New bodies! And they will function differently - perfectly and forever. That will be especially joyous for those who have undergone great physical hardship while on earth. And by the way, you can forget about seeing wheelchairs, prostheses, hearing aids, and other human concocted devices in heaven. They won't be needed.
Physical versus Spiritual
What about heaven's physical characteristics? The Bible does offer some descriptions. For example, streets of gold, pearls, and abundance of precious stones (Rev.21). You may wonder why it's described in those splendorous terms. Whether the images are literal or figurative is open to debate. They do appeal to human senses in painting a spectacular scene, but my guess is that they hardly approach the full reality of heaven's brilliance. Whatever be the physical properties, they will undoubtedly dazzle us by their magnificence.
Be that as it may, I doubt that the main emphasis will be on things. God, the central figure, will be there, and that will throw a different light on our eternal home. He will awe us with his majesty. Can you imagine being in the presence of the Lord Almighty, the ruler over everything? It will be an experience beyond imagination. We will be awe-struck. No wonder heavenly scenes in the Bible depict people praising God. They are not only grateful but overwhelmed with sharing in his glory. Look at the descriptions the book of Revelation renders, starting with praise and honor for Jesus:
You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because
you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have
made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and
they will reign on the earth . . . Worthy is the Lamb, who was
slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and
honor and glory and praise . . . To him who sits on the throne and
to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory for ever and ever
(5:9-10, 12-13).
Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the
Lamb . . . Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and
honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen! (7:10,12).
We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and
who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun
to reign (11:17).
Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and
true are your ways, King of the Ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations
will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been
revealed (15:3-4).
Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for
true and just are his judgments . . . Hallelujah! For our Lord God
Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
(19:1-2, 6-7).
What do you think it will be like standing in the presence of the King of Kings, the Omnipotent and Omniscient One, the Great Creator and Lord of the Universe? We will be overwhelmed with sensory impressions never experienced on earth, and ones not lasting a few moments, but forever.
Note that not one reference is made to glorying over streets of gold or any other physical property. Such sights are there to enjoy, but they cede to God's imperial majesty. His presence is what really counts - a splendor that will cause us to fall prostrate in adoration and worship. Glimpses of our future home.
(To be continued)
