Heaven. It's a place that has become a fairy tale to much of our world's population. Yet for the fruit-bearing child of God, heaven is a place one thinks about every day.
Truly, there is much we do not presently know about this place called heaven. I am not sure it would be possible for our finite minds that are so transfixed on an earthly existence to grasp the entirety of heaven's contents. The Lord does, however, utilize what might be termed "accomodative language" in helping us attain just a glimpse of what heaven is like.
Thus, many of these descriptions should not be taken literally. Rather, understand them as they are intended -- physical descriptions of a spiritual realm. God is Spirit in a spirit world (John 4:24). These pictures should motivate us to set our sights on making heaven our eternal home.
Heaven is...
- A place where God dwells (Matthew 7:21)
- Where Jesus has gone to prepare (John 14:1-3)
- A city, a country (Hebrews 10:34; 11:14-16)
- A place of glory, peace, and rest (Romans 2:1-22; Hebrews 4:9)
- A place of righteousness (1 Peter 3:10-14)
- A place of indescribable joy and happiness (Matthew 25:21-23)
- A vast, huge place (Revelation 21:16)
- A city made of pure gold (Revelation 21:18)
Now, that sounds like a wonderful place! Just consider the fact that these terms and phrases cannot begin to describe what awaits the redeemed (2 Corinthians 12:4).
How often does heaven "cross your mind"? Once per month? Maybe once every week on Sundays? To be certain, there is no formula or quota on our heavenly thoughts. However, the extent to which your mind is"set on things above" (Colossians 3:2) may be an effective barometer for gauging your spiritual condition.
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