EXPOSE | Not a place, but a state of being
“Heaven is not a distant place, but a perfected state of being where we will enjoy unbroken communion with God and one another.” — Tim Keller
EXPLORE | Anticipating heaven
There are moments in life that seem other-worldly. And specifically, those moments where we experience what Tim Keller is referring to. It’s like a glimpse of heaven, or what we might perceive it to be from this side, “seen dimly” but powerfully prescient. It leaves you thinking, ‘That was a God-moment.’
Several movies succeed in raising the question “Could heaven be like this?”, and one of those is “The Green Mile.” It’s the story of John Coffey, a gentle giant with extraordinary powers, which serves as a powerful metaphor for our enduring fascination with heaven.
In the movie, John possesses a remarkable ability to heal, to take away pain and suffering with a touch of his hand. Yet, despite his incredible gift, he finds himself on death row, falsely accused of a heinous crime.
One day, in front of all the other inmates, he works his “magic”. He heals a fellow prisoner who’s been suffering like crazy. At that moment, that grim prison, with all its darkness and despair, feels different. It’s like a slice of heaven has dropped right in.
While “The Green Mile” may get us thinking about heaven–what it might be like, what it means, and how it can change lives–it has actually fascinated and inspired believers for generations. It’s a topic that transcends the bounds of human imagination, offering hope, solace, and a glimpse into a reality that surpasses our present existence.
Thinking rightly about heaven is both significant and transformative as it will shape our thoughts, actions, and deepest longings. In fact, heaven–”enjoying unbroken communion with God and one another”–is also a contributor to being at peace.
In “Vacation: Anticipating Heaven,” Randy Alcorn draws a thought-provoking parallel between the anticipation of earthly vacations and our longing for heaven. He aptly points out that vacations offer a brief respite from life’s routine, igniting excitement for new experiences. In a similar vein, the anticipation of heaven should stir greater excitement, as it promises an eternal escape from the pain and brokenness of this world. Alcorn reminds us that the joy experienced in heaven will infinitely surpass any earthly delight, as it emanates from God’s presence and the fulfillment of our deepest desires.
The Bible paints a rich tapestry of descriptions that portray the splendor of heaven. Revelations of streets paved with gold and gates adorned with pearls, alongside the promise of no more pain or tears in Isaiah, allude to the profound transformation awaiting believers. The apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:9 echo the sentiment that “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, God has prepared for those who love him.” These vivid descriptions offer mere glimpses into the boundless glory and wonder of heaven.
While it can sometimes feel as though we’re speculating what heaven will be like, John MacArthur emphasizes that the biblical teaching of heaven is a foundational truth that shapes the lives of believers. It instills hope and motivates obedience, serving as a potent antidote to the temporal allure of earthly pursuits. By fixing our gaze on heaven, we anchor ourselves in a transcendent reality that eclipses the fleeting pleasures of this world.
Further confirming the reality of heaven, Chuck Swindoll, in “The Reality of Heaven,” underscores that heaven isn’t just a mythological concept but a genuine place prepared by Christ Himself. He encourages us to view heaven as the ultimate destination that lends purpose and meaning to our earthly journey. This perspective compels us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our time, talents, and resources in what truly matters in light of eternity.
What we have to look forward to is “a realm of absolute joy, profound worship, and eternal fellowship with God and fellow believers”. Understanding heaven’s nature fuels our desire to prioritize heavenly values and align our lives with God’s eternal purpose.
EXECUTE | Anticipating Heaven: A Transformative Mindset
The notion of heaven isn’t confined to abstract theology; it has tangible implications for our lives today. As Randy Alcorn’s comparison suggests, anticipating heaven should invigorate our current existence. Recognizing that heaven surpasses even the most enchanting earthly experiences should reorder our priorities. Earthly pleasures pale in comparison to the joy of God’s presence, motivating us to pursue what truly matters.
Heaven’s descriptions in the Bible provide evocative images of its beauty. Streets of gold and gates of pearl symbolize a place of unparalleled magnificence. The assurance of no more pain or tears reminds us that suffering will be vanquished. These metaphoric glimpses awaken a longing for a reality where God’s glory radiates unfettered.
Embracing an anticipatory mindset about heaven moves us away from it being a theoretical concept to a transformative way of living. Here are ways “heaven then” can transform our lives “here and now”:
Fix our eyes on things above
John MacArthur and Chuck Swindoll underscore the transformative power of heaven’s reality. Fixing our gaze on heaven dispels the illusion that this world is our ultimate home. It guards us against worldly distractions, guiding us toward a life of faithfulness and obedience.
N. T. Wright highlights the importance of prayerful contemplation and reflection on heaven. This means setting aside time for prayer and meditation on Scripture, allowing the reality of heaven to shape our thoughts and attitudes.
Prioritize eternity
John Piper often emphasizes the concept of “Christian hedonism,” where our ultimate pleasure is found in God. We are to seek joy in Christ above all else and align our values with eternal treasures rather than temporary pleasures. It involves investing time and resources in kingdom-focused endeavors like discipleship, missions, and serving others.
Endure trials with hope
Randy Alcorn’s writings on heaven remind us that our present suffering is temporary compared to the eternal joy awaiting us. Having this perspective encourages us to endure trials with hope and perseverance, knowing that God uses difficulties to refine our character and prepare us for heaven.
Live a life of obedience
The importance of living obediently in light of heaven’s reality is something that John MacArthur also stresses. This involves aligning our behavior with God’s commands, seeking holiness, and cultivating a lifestyle that honors God. Obedience is an expression of our love for Christ and our anticipation of the rewards in heaven, where we engage in activities that promote justice, mercy, and compassion, as we work to transform communities through the gospel.
Invest in eternal relationships
We should also look at our relationships differently. Chuck Swindoll encourages believers to invest in relationships that have eternal significance. We should be fostering deep, Christ-centered connections with fellow believers, prioritizing reconciliation, and sharing the gospel with others to help them share in the hope of heaven.
Cultivate a heart of worship
A heavenly mindset should lead to a life marked by worship. David Mathis describes this as involving regular engagement in personal and corporate worship, acknowledging God’s sovereignty, and expressing gratitude for His grace and the hope of eternity.
Generous living
We don’t get to take anything with us when we die–and we shouldn’t even want to–because we’ll have everything we could ever need in heaven. It’s all there. A heavenly mindset means living generously, stewarding not only our finances but also our time, talents, and compassion. We can support missions and charitable causes, help those in need, and share the hope of heaven as a motivation for generosity.
Sharing the hope of heaven
You may remember seeing one of his crusades on TV years ago, but Billy Graham’s life was marked by sharing the hope of heaven with millions. His was a life lived with heaven on his mind, actively sharing the gospel with others, inviting them into a relationship with Christ–over and over again–helping them anticipate the eternal joy found in heaven.
Just as a vacation excites us, we should be excited by what awaits us: the eternal joy in His presence.
Incorporating an anticipatory mindset about heaven transforms the way we view our relationships, resources, trials, and obedience to God, helping us to prioritize what truly matters in light of eternity.
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Further reading:
10 beautiful descriptions of heaven from the Bible
If a Vacation Is Worth Planning and Anticipating, How Much More Should We Anticipate Life in Heaven?
The eternal shore
How often do you think about heaven
The preciousness of heaven
The reality of heaven
What will life in heaven be like?
Photo by Kenrick Mills on Unsplash