Our mindset about heaven informs the way we think about eternity and affects our decisions. We recently looked at and today we have three more worth knowing about. Consider how these truths might make a difference in your life:
Heaven is where our treasure is.
Jesus warned His followers not to accumulate earthly goods that do not last, but to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (). Our security is not found in money or property. Anything that can be bought can also be lost, and nothing we accumulate will come with us when we die. The only thing that will last is our relationship with Christ. And our heavenly treasures are our good deeds, obedience, holiness, and actions of love, kindness, and forgiveness.
Our inheritance and rewards are in heaven.
Salvation is by faith not works, but once we're saved, we do good works because we're God's children. And when we get to heaven, we will be rewarded for what we have done. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told those who were persecuted, insulted, and slandered because of Him, "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great" (). Peter also says that we have "an inheritance which is imperishable and undefined and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" ().
Our saved loves ones and friends are there.
When a believer dies, he or she goes immediately into the presence of the Lord in heaven (). However, one day Jesus will return for His church, and He's going to bring with Him those who have died in Christ (). They will be resurrected first, "then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord" (v. 17). What a grand reunion that will be when we are all gathered together in our heavenly home!
Many times, people don't think about heaven unless they are facing death. But learning about our eternal destination can have a strong influence on the way we live. Now that you know more, what changes are you going to make as a result of your greater understanding of heaven?
This article was originally published on August 6, 2017, and is adapted from the Sermon Notes for Dr. Stanley's message which aired this weekend on TV.
