I have recently started on a Study Guide called ” Heaven Your Real Home” by Joni Eareckson Tada. I was given this book a a few years ago when she came to Australia to speak during the Para Olympics. In one section of the book it discusses the bible passage about the New Jerusalem from the book of Revelation chapter 21. It contains one of the verses I love which describes an aspect of heaven :” And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live 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: 3-4
I have always thought that it would be a true utopia to have a world with no more sorrow crying or pain. Although the Bible does not specify in exact detail what heaven will be like from these verses it could strongly suggest the following :-
There would be no more sickness, cancer or terminal illnesses and the suffering that can go with these
There will be no more mourning over the death of loved ones through accidents war, sickness,
or bombs
No more murder, rape, torture, bloodshed, child abuse, work place bullying or suicides
No more divorce separation abandoned children
No more poverty or racism
No more oppression injustice or discrimination
No more struggle disappointment or depression
No more sorrow pain or tears
No more watching the 6 o’clock news and hearing all the bad news that has happened nationally or internationally
No more worrying about putting on weight and eating too much since we will have new heavenly bodies.
Such a world is worth waiting to see and experience don’t you think?
Here are a few more points I have discovered in my Quiet Time readings about what Heaven will be like . Jesus followers will have:-
New Bodies : Philippians 3: 20-21
New Minds: 1 John 3:2 and
New Hearts: In other words , if we have chosen Jesus on this earth, we will be totally renewed in body mind and spirit. We will be purified and perfected and also realise our true identity even more so, just as God intended for us in the beginning.
Also in Isaiah 65:17 it states that the site and presence of our Lord Jesus in our new heavenly home will be so glorious and brilliant, that there will be no need to recall the former life with it’s positive or negative elements.
“Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create. Isaiah 65:17. See also 1 Corinthians 15: 50-58 which describes how through Jesus, his followers, in a flash, will change from being mortal to immortal.
It is good to be thankful for all the blessings God has given to us on this earth , including the gift of His Son Jesus to be the Saviour of our souls. In his love and generosity He also offers us a life of eternal joy with Himself in Heaven, where the best is still yet to come. This is also a great cause for celebration .
Will you be there to share this with us? ………………. I hope so.
By Adelle Arwen
Gospel Singer Songwriter & Recording Artist
http://www.strengthinyourstruggles.com/
