Heaven
Heaven as a biblical term refers to the chosen dwelling place of God, as well as the eternal destiny of all redeemed children of God. "To be in heaven" means to remain with God in Christ, where death, sorrow, weeping and pain no longer exist. Heaven is described as "everlasting joy", "bliss", "peace" and the "righteousness of God". (1. Könige 8,27-30; 5. Mose 26,15; Matthäus 6,9; Apostelgeschichte 7,55-56; Johannes 14,2-3; Offenbarung 21,3-4; 22,1-5; 2. Petrus 3,13).
Are we going to heaven when we die?
Some people make fun of the idea of "going to heaven." But Paul says that we are already placed in heaven. (Eph 2,6) —and he preferred to leave this world to be with Christ, who is in heaven. (Phil 1,23)Going to heaven is not much different from what Paul already said. We may prefer different ways of expressing it, but that's no reason to criticize or ridicule other Christians.
When most people talk about heaven, they use that term as a synonym for salvation. For example, some Christian evangelists ask the question, "If you die tonight, are you sure you would go to heaven?" The real point in these cases is not when or where they come [go]—they ask simply the question of whether they are sure of their salvation.
Some people think of heaven as a place where there are clouds, harps and gold-paved streets. But such things are not really part of the sky - they are phrases that point to peace, beauty, glory, and other good things. They are an attempt that uses limited physical terms to describe spiritual realities.
Heaven is spiritual, not physical. It is the "place" where God lives. Science fiction fans may say that God lives in another dimension. He is present everywhere in all dimensions, but "heaven" is where he actually resides. [I apologize for the lack of precision in my words. Theologians may have more precise words for these concepts, but I hope I can get the general idea across in simple terms]. The point is: to be in "heaven" means to be in the presence of God in an immediate and special way.
The Holy Scriptures make it clear that we will be where God is. (Joh 14,3; Phil 1,23)Another way to describe our close relationship with God during this time is that we will “see him face to face.” (1Kor 13,12; Offb 22,4; 1Joh 3,2)This is an image of being with him in the closest possible way. Therefore, if we understand the term "heaven" as the dwelling place of God, it is not wrong to say that Christians will be in heaven in the coming age. We will be with God, and being with God is rightly described as being in "heaven."
In a vision, John saw God's presence, which will eventually come to Earth – not the present Earth, but a "new Earth". (Offb 21,3)Whether we “go” to heaven or he “comes” to us makes no difference. Either way, we will be in heaven for eternity, in the presence of God, and it will be wonderfully good. How we describe life in the coming age—as long as our description is biblical—does not change the fact that we have faith in Christ as our Lord and Savior.
What God has in store for us surpasses our imagination. Even in this life, God's love transcends our understanding. (Eph 3,19)The peace of God surpasses our understanding. (Phil 4,7)...and his joy surpasses our ability to express it in words. (1Pt 1,8)How much more impossible, then, is it to describe how good it will be to live with God forever?
The biblical writers did not give us much detail. But one thing we know for sure - it will be the most wonderful experience we've ever had. It's better than the most beautiful paintings, better than the most delicious foods, better than the most exciting sport, better than the best feelings and experiences we've ever had. It's better than anything on earth. It's going to be a huge one
Be reward!
by Joseph Tkach
