“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 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.”
– Revelation 21:1-4
The greatest news of the Gospel is Heaven! Yes, the Gospel does proclaim hope to the poor, sick and mistreated, but above all, it proclaims hope for all of us because we’re all going to die. This life is important, but you and I should not stop being the kind of people who remind each other that this isn’t the end. You should enjoy life on earth, but it’s the life to come that gives you an eternal hope and a future. If you are baptized in Jesus Christ when you die, your sins are no longer on you, so it will be more like waking up than falling asleep! Multiple studies have been conducted that prove that the dread of death leads to some of our greatest pathologies, as well as to brokenness in our relationships. You don’t have to be afflicted by that. As a believer, you not only get to enjoy the gift of Heaven, but the gift of freedom from fear of death. You can hold to the hope that no matter what happens to you, good things are ahead if you believe in Jesus Christ! |
Prayer
God, please take away any fear of death and fill me with the anticipation of my Heavenly home.
Reflection
Do you live every day in the hope of Heaven?
