{"id":1365,"date":"2021-06-28T21:42:04","date_gmt":"2021-06-29T01:42:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/?p=1365"},"modified":"2021-12-15T06:33:52","modified_gmt":"2021-12-15T11:33:52","slug":"the-tuth-about-heaven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/the-tuth-about-heaven\/","title":{"rendered":"The truth about Heaven"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Does Heaven awaken for you a sense of anticipation, or does it evoke visions of monotonous and<br \/>\nboring inactivity?<\/h3>\n<h3>What is Heaven really like? Is Heaven even something we should spend much time thinking about?<br \/>\nOr should we relegate thoughts of Heaven to the dusty corners of our mind, lest we render ourselves of little earthly good?<\/h3>\n<h3><div class=\"aiovg-player-container\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"><div class=\"aiovg-player aiovg-player-iframe\" style=\"padding-bottom: 56.25%;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/player-embed\/id\/1365\/?mp4=aHR0cHM6Ly9ldmFuZ2VsaWNhbGZpc2hlcnNvZm1lbi5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDYvVGhlLVRydXRoLUFib3V0Li4uLUhlYXZlbi5tcDQ.&#038;poster=aHR0cHM6Ly9ldmFuZ2VsaWNhbGZpc2hlcnNvZm1lbi5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDYvMTU4MzcwNzEwMjAzOS5wbmc.&#038;autoplay=1\" title=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/h3>\n<h3>Here we want to focus on what the Bible teaches about Heaven, and how these teachings should impact the way we live. We will note some of the foundational truths about Heaven revealed in Scripture.<\/h3>\n<h3>We know first of all that Heaven is the spiritual realm in which the glory of God\u2019s presence is manifest, and in which dwell the angels of God, and all believers who have departed this world (Heb. 12:22-24). The few glimpses of Heaven given in Scripture reveal a pervading sense of the holiness of God (Isa. 6; Rev. 4-5), which had an alarming and overwhelming impact on those who were granted such visions (Isa. 6; Dan. 7:9-28). Isaiah, when he saw the Lord sitting on His throne, said, \u201cWoe is me . . . for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.\u201d<br \/>\nWe are also informed that it is a place which human words are inadequate to fully describe.<\/h3>\n<h3><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1375 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/istock-682659052.jpg?resize=393%2C235&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"393\" height=\"235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/istock-682659052.jpg?w=393&amp;ssl=1 393w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/istock-682659052.jpg?resize=300%2C179&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3>Ezekiel could only describe what the glory of Heaven was \u201clike\u201d or \u201cresembles\u201d (Ezek. 1). In reporting on his apparent visit to heaven, the apostle Paul said that he \u201cheard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak\u201d (2 Cor. 12:4). What he saw was not only impermissible but impossible to describe in human terms! Heaven is certainly among those things he described elsewhere as \u201cthings<br \/>\nwhich eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered into the heart of man\u201d (1 Cor. 2:9)! No wonder Paul says in another place that we shall be \u201castonished\u201d when we see the Lord at His coming in glory (2 Thess. 1:10)!<\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/product\/living-an-inspired-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1192 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/image.jpg?resize=305%2C400&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"305\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/image.jpg?w=305&amp;ssl=1 305w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/image.jpg?resize=229%2C300&amp;ssl=1 229w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 305px) 100vw, 305px\" \/><\/a><\/h3>\n<h3>Third, we know that for those who belong to Christ, Heaven is their immediate destination after death. To the thief on the cross, Jesus said, \u201cToday you shall be with me in Paradise\u201d (Luke 23:43).<br \/>\nPaul said that \u201cto be absent from the body (is to be) at home with the Lord\u201d (2 Cor. 5:8), and that should he depart this world, he would \u201cbe with Christ\u201d (Phil. 1:23).<br \/>\nMany wonder if in Heaven we will still be subject to time. But there is really no reason to believe we will not be. To be infinite in relation to time is an attribute only God can possess. We know that Scripture speaks of \u201cmonths\u201d in Heaven (Rev. 22:2) and even \u201cages\u201d to come (Eph. 2:7). Certainly also, the music which will be sung in Heaven requires a temporal mode of existence. It seems apparent also that in Heaven we will be cognizant, to some degree, of what is transpiring on earth.<\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/product\/gratitude-for-today\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1204 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/ceb15f13-ce5c-483a-b770-c5b6b1fda0ce.jpg?resize=576%2C747&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"747\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/ceb15f13-ce5c-483a-b770-c5b6b1fda0ce.jpg?w=576&amp;ssl=1 576w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/ceb15f13-ce5c-483a-b770-c5b6b1fda0ce.jpg?resize=416%2C540&amp;ssl=1 416w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/ceb15f13-ce5c-483a-b770-c5b6b1fda0ce.jpg?resize=231%2C300&amp;ssl=1 231w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><\/h3>\n<h3>When Moses and Elijah met the Lord on the Mount of Transfiguration, it\u2019s recorded that they discussed Jesus\u2019 coming return to glory (Luke 9:30-31). And during the coming tribulation period we are told that the saints in Heaven will be anxiously awaiting the completion of God\u2019s purposes on<br \/>\nearth (Rev. 6:10-11). Until His kingdom comes, even in Heaven the question will be asked, \u201cHow long, O Lord?\u201d (as these saints are recorded as imploring).<\/h3>\n<h3>Oswald Sanders said: \u201cGod has not told us all we\u2019d like to know, but He has told us all we need to know\u201d about Heaven {2}. So, let\u2019s look closer now at more of what the Bible does tell us about existence in heaven. What Will Life in Heaven Be Like? Spiritual Changes!<br \/>\nMark Twain once sarcastically asserted that in Heaven, for twelve hours every day we will all sing one hymn over and over again.{3} Hardly an inviting thought! The Bible, however, paints a much different picture of what life in Heaven will be like. Consider just a few of Heaven\u2019s most significant<br \/>\ncharacteristics.<\/h3>\n<h3><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1376 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/silhouettes-of-future-city-4k-bp-1280x2120-1.jpg?resize=1280%2C2120&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"2120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/silhouettes-of-future-city-4k-bp-1280x2120-1.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/silhouettes-of-future-city-4k-bp-1280x2120-1.jpg?resize=600%2C994&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/silhouettes-of-future-city-4k-bp-1280x2120-1.jpg?resize=181%2C300&amp;ssl=1 181w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/silhouettes-of-future-city-4k-bp-1280x2120-1.jpg?resize=618%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 618w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/silhouettes-of-future-city-4k-bp-1280x2120-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1272&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/silhouettes-of-future-city-4k-bp-1280x2120-1.jpg?resize=927%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 927w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/silhouettes-of-future-city-4k-bp-1280x2120-1.jpg?resize=1237%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1237w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3>First, we know that our transition to heaven will result in a change in our spiritual nature. Paul spoke of \u201cthe hope of righteousness\u201d for which we wait (Gal. 5:5); the expectation of being made wholly righteous. In Romans chapter 7 he spoke of being released from the internal struggle against<br \/>\nindwelling sin, through being set free from our mortal body (Rom. 7:23-24). John said that when Jesus appears, \u201cwe shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is\u201d (1 John 3:2). Even now, we are told that as we behold \u201cthe glory of the Lord\u201d we are gradually transformed into His image (2<br \/>\nCor. 3:18).<\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/product\/way-to-god\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1207 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/2940014086141_p0_v1_s600x595-1.jpg?resize=461%2C595&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"461\" height=\"595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/2940014086141_p0_v1_s600x595-1.jpg?w=461&amp;ssl=1 461w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/2940014086141_p0_v1_s600x595-1.jpg?resize=416%2C537&amp;ssl=1 416w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/2940014086141_p0_v1_s600x595-1.jpg?resize=232%2C300&amp;ssl=1 232w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px\" \/><\/a><\/h3>\n<h3>One day we will see Him \u201cjust as He is.\u201d And when we do, there will be something about our vision of Him that will purify our hearts from all sin and bond us eternally to Him! One result of this transformation will be the perfecting of our relationships with one another. On earth, even among the most mature of us, our relationships are hindered by barriers created by fear, pride, jealousy, and shame. But the Bible says that \u201cperfect love casts out fear\u201d (1 John 4:18).<\/h3>\n<h3>When we fully apprehend the perfect love which God has for us, and are cleansed from the sin that presently indwells us, our relationships with one another will finally be what God intended them to be. Second, in Heaven our comprehension of the nature of God will be greatly expanded. The apostle<br \/>\nPaul says that \u201cthough now we see through a glass darkly,\u201d then we shall \u201csee face to face\u201d and \u201cshall know fully, as we are known\u201d (1 Cor. 13:12). It is this knowledge I am convinced that will move us to spontaneously join the heavenly chorus in singing hymns of praise to Almighty God.<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>From the few glimpses of heavenly worship we are granted in Scripture, we learn that our praise of God will focus both on who He is\u2013the eternal, holy, almighty God (cf. Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8)\u2013and on what He has done (Rev. 4:11; 5:9-14). If our worship of God is muted now, it is at least partially because we do not yet fully comprehend the greatness of His glory and the awesomeness of His creative and redemptive work. But in Heaven we will gain much clearer insight into the wisdom of God displayed in the intricacies of His creation, and of His marvelous purposes manifest in His redeeming work.<\/h3>\n<h3><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1372 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/775774_futuristic-city-wallpapers_1920x1080_h.jpg?resize=480%2C800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/775774_futuristic-city-wallpapers_1920x1080_h.jpg?w=480&amp;ssl=1 480w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/775774_futuristic-city-wallpapers_1920x1080_h.jpg?resize=416%2C693&amp;ssl=1 416w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/775774_futuristic-city-wallpapers_1920x1080_h.jpg?resize=180%2C300&amp;ssl=1 180w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3>Some have wondered how we could be happy in heaven knowing that some of God\u2019s creatures are enduring His eternal judgment. It seems apparent, however, that in Heaven we will gain a much clearer perspective on the justice of God (cf. Rev. 18:20; 19:1-4). Perhaps the most perfect happiness<br \/>\nof Heaven is impossible apart from some element of sorrow over the eternal loss of those who have\u00a0 rejected God\u2019s grace. No doubt, however, many of the mysteries of life and of God\u2019s ways in our individual lives will be more clearly understood, prompting us to join in His praise.<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Finally, there is every reason to believe that there will be opportunity for growth in Heaven . . . not\u00a0growth toward perfection, but growth in perfection. As a man, Jesus was indeed perfect. Yet Scripture tells us that He \u201cgrew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man.\u201d Scripture also tells us that one of the three virtues that will abide forever is hope (1 Cor. 13:13). And what is hope but the expectation of better and better things yet to come . . . the prospect of all for whom<br \/>\nHeaven is our eternal home!<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>What Will Life in Heaven Be Like? Physical Changes!<br \/>\nGeorge Bernard Shaw one said, \u201cHeaven, as conventionally conceived, is a place so inane, so dull, so useless, so miserable, that nobody has ever ventured to describe a whole day in heaven, though plenty of people have described a day at the seashore\u201d {4}. The interesting thing about Shaw\u2019s<br \/>\nstatement is that he was right . . . at least when it comes to Heaven as it is \u201cconventionally conceived!\u201d{5} But the Bible informs us that the life that awaits us is not only \u201cbetter\u201d than<br \/>\nanything we could ever dream of here, or even \u201cmuch better,\u201d but according to the apostle Paul, \u201cvery much better\u201d (Phil. 1:23)! Now we want to continue our consideration of some of these \u201cvery much better\u201d things that await us in Heaven.<br \/>\nFirst, once God\u2019s purposes for life on earth are through, our physical bodies will be resurrected to a new order of life.<\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/product\/love-life-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1195 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/image-1.jpg?resize=327%2C400&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"327\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/image-1.jpg?w=327&amp;ssl=1 327w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/image-1.jpg?resize=245%2C300&amp;ssl=1 245w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 327px) 100vw, 327px\" \/><\/a><\/h3>\n<h3>Philippians 3:20 tells us that the Lord Jesus himself will \u201ctransform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory\u201d (Phil. 3:21). In 1 Corinthians 15, the<br \/>\nrelationship between our present mortal body and our future resurrection body is likened to that between a seed and the plant that comes to be when it is sown in the ground and \u201cdies\u201d (1 Cor. 15:35-38). When a plant rises from the soil, it brings into actuality all the potential that was packed in the seed from which it grew. When our bodies are transformed, they will possess in actuality all that we can now only dream of being capable of.<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>Not only will our bodies be freed from illness and aging, but our capacities will be immensely expanded and transformed! Paul describes it as a body that is \u201cspiritual, honorable, imperishable, and powerful!\u201d The second \u201cvery much better\u201d thing that will await us is the creation of a new heaven and earth in which we shall live with Christ forever. Jesus referred to this transformation of the creation as \u201cthe regeneration\u201d (Matt. 19:28) the same term used to describe the new birth of a believer. Paul described it as the time when it will be \u201cset free from its slavery to corruption\u201d (Rom. 8:21).<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>In the Revelation we are told that in the new creation there will be \u201cno more sorrow, pain or death\u201d (Rev. 21:4). And in Isaiah\u2019s prophecy we read that the glories of the new creation will be so marvelous that \u201cthe former things shall not be remembered or come to mind\u201d (Isa. 65:17)! Not only will the<br \/>\nsufferings of this present life fade in comparison to the glory of this new world order (Rom. 8:18), but even the most wonderful of life\u2019s experiences will be so overshadowed by our new life that they will barely survive in our memory!<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>When the apostle John was given a vision of life in the new<br \/>\ncreation, he was so overwhelmed that he had to be reminded to record what he was witnessing (Rev. 21:5), and to be assured twice that what he was beholding would really come to pass (Rev. 21:5; 22:6)!<br \/>\nAnd how will we occupy our time in this new order of life? The Scriptures tell us that in addition to engaging in united worship of God, we will serve (Rev. 22:3) and reign with Christ (Rev. 20:6; 22:5).<br \/>\nThe domain over which we will reign will no doubt encompass all of creation, for we\u2019re told that for Christ \u201call things have been created\u201d (Col. 1:16), and that with Him we will inherit \u201call these things\u201d (Rev. 21:7)! Though in many respects there will be a certain continuity between our present and future life, many tasks and occupations of the present order will no longer be needed. The enterprises in which we will engage will be totally creative and productive far more fulfilling and<br \/>\nexciting than anything we know on earth today!<\/h3>\n<h3><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1373 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/The-Kardashev-Scale_-How-Far-human-Can-go_-__-Most-Advance-Civilization%F0%9F%98%B3-__-Use-Earphones-To-Feel-2-20-screenshot-1.png?resize=854%2C450&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"854\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/The-Kardashev-Scale_-How-Far-human-Can-go_-__-Most-Advance-Civilization%F0%9F%98%B3-__-Use-Earphones-To-Feel-2-20-screenshot-1.png?w=854&amp;ssl=1 854w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/The-Kardashev-Scale_-How-Far-human-Can-go_-__-Most-Advance-Civilization%F0%9F%98%B3-__-Use-Earphones-To-Feel-2-20-screenshot-1.png?resize=600%2C316&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/The-Kardashev-Scale_-How-Far-human-Can-go_-__-Most-Advance-Civilization%F0%9F%98%B3-__-Use-Earphones-To-Feel-2-20-screenshot-1.png?resize=300%2C158&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/The-Kardashev-Scale_-How-Far-human-Can-go_-__-Most-Advance-Civilization%F0%9F%98%B3-__-Use-Earphones-To-Feel-2-20-screenshot-1.png?resize=768%2C405&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 854px) 100vw, 854px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3>What Will Life in Heaven Be Like? The Prospect of Heavenly Reward So far in our discussion on Heaven we have noted aspects of our heavenly experience that will be true for all of us who will ultimately make it our home.<br \/>\nWe want to focus now on the fact that there are some things about Heaven that will not be equally enjoyed by all.<br \/>\nJesus on more than one occasion stated that not all who enter Heaven will enjoy its blessings to the same degree. Not that there will be any judgment or punishment for those who are heaven bound.<\/h3>\n<h3>\u201cThere is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus\u201d (Rom. 8:1). But Jesus did say that in His kingdom \u201cmany who are first shall be last, and the last first\u201d (cf. Matt. 19:30).<br \/>\nThe apostle John stated that it was possible for believers to enter Christ\u2019s presence \u201cwith confidence,\u201d or \u201cto shrink away from Him in shame\u201d (1 John 2:28). Peter wrote that it was possible for us to enter Heaven triumphantly, or in a \u201cstumbling\u201d fashion (2 Pet. 1:10-11). The apostle Paul said that we can either be \u201crewarded,\u201d or \u201csuffer loss\u201d; that it is possible to be \u201csaved, yet so as through fire\u201d (1 Cor. 3:13-15).<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>Perhaps the \u201cfire\u201d referred to here is a reference to the searching gaze of the glorified Christ, whose eyes John described as \u201ca flame of fire\u201d (Rev. 1:14). \u201cWe must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad\u201d (2 Cor. 5:10). The word for \u201cbad\u201d in this case refers not merely to what is \u201cevil\u201d but to what from God\u2019s perspective is \u201cworthless.\u201d Not only will our \u201cworks\u201d be evaluated, but also the very motives of our heart (1 Cor. 4:5). The Scriptures tell us that praise will come from God to every believer (1 Cor. 4:5), but for some there will be more, and for others less.<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>What is the nature of the reward that may be won or lost? Many passages speak of our heavenly reward in terms of the responsibility with which we will be entrusted by God when we reign with Christ in the new heaven and new earth. In Jesus\u2019 parable of the talents, He spoke of rewarding those who had been faithful by putting them \u201cin charge of many things\u201d in His kingdom (Matt. 25:21 23). In another place He spoke of putting some of us in places of authority over cities in His kingdom (Luke 19:17,19). To those who had stood by Him in His earthly trials, Jesus promised to place them<br \/>\n\u201con thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel\u201d in His future kingdom, as well as to seat them at His side at His table (Luke 22:28-30)! Not only would they be worthy of being entrusted with greater responsibility, but also capable of enjoying the closest fellowship with Christ!<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>In many passages heavenly rewards are likened to the \u201ccrowns\u201d worn by victors in athletic contests.<br \/>\nWhether literal or metaphorical, these crowns represent different aspects of our heavenly reward.<br \/>\nThe \u201ccrown of life\u201d is promised to those who persevere under trial (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10), the \u201ccrown of righteousness\u201d to those who long for Christ\u2019s return (2 Tim. 4:8), an \u201cincorruptible crown\u201d to those who exercise self control (1 Cor. 9:25), the \u201ccrown of rejoicing\u201d to those who lead others to<br \/>\nChrist (1 Thess. 2:19), and the \u201ccrown of glory\u201d to those who serve unselfishly as spiritual leaders (1 Pet. 5:2-4).<br \/>\nThe most important fact about our heavenly rewards is that they are based not on our position or ability, but on our faithfulness. Time and again Jesus told His followers that \u201che who is faithful in a little thing, will be faithful also in much\u201d (Luke 16:10; 19:17).<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>What Difference Does Heaven Make?<br \/>\nBefore we conclude, we want to think about just a few of the ways in which our life on earth should be impacted by what we believe about Heaven.<br \/>\nFirst, the hope of Heaven transforms our perspective on the disappointments and sufferings of this life. D. A. Carson was right when he wrote: \u201cThere is nothing in Scripture to encourage us to think we should always be free from the vicissitudes that plague a dying world\u201d {6}. But one thing the<br \/>\nhope of Heaven can do is help us to put the \u201cdark side\u201d of life in perspective. Paul wrote: \u201cFor I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us\u201d (Rom. 8:18). The glory to come will be immeasurably greater than the depth of<br \/>\nany sorrow we may know today!<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>But Scripture also tells us that our present sufferings actually play a role in preparing us for that glory to come! As the apostle put it: \u201cFor momentary, light affliction is producing in us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison\u201d (2 Cor. 4:17). The very qualities and virtues that will fit<br \/>\nus for Heaven are today being woven into our soul through the many afflictions of our present life . . . freeing us from the bonds of self-indulgence, creating in us a heart of compassion for others, and prodding us to draw ever closer to the One whose presence we shall enjoy for eternity to come.<br \/>\nSecond, the hope of Heaven transforms our perspective on the true nature of success. On every side we hear the message that the \u201cgood life\u201d consists in the accumulation of material possessions, the acquisition of power, or the enjoyment of sensual pleasure. Scripture does encourage us to enjoy the<br \/>\nmany good things of life with which we may be blessed (1 Tim. 6:17); but the hope of Heaven should remind us that this world and all that is in it is passing away, that its glory is for only a season (1 John 2:15 17), that we truly are \u201cstrangers and aliens\u201d in this world (1 Pet. 2:11).<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>That\u2019s why it exhorts us to set our minds and hearts on Heaven and to seek the things that are above (Col. 3:1-3). God is urging us to turn aside from what in His eyes are \u201ctrivial pursuits\u201d that end only in emptiness, and to devote ourselves to those ambitions that will yield fruit that will accompany us<br \/>\ninto the next world. When Jesus said to \u201cseek first His kingdom and His righteousness,\u201d He was encouraging us to make these things our highest priority in life.<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>Finally, the hope of Heaven transforms our perspective on death. The Scriptures nowhere teach that as believers we are immune from or should deny the reality of the sorrow that death can bring. But in Christ, we share in His victory over death! We grieve, but we grieve not as those who have no<br \/>\nhope (1 Thess. 4:13), rather as those who are certain of our reunion with loved ones who have gone before, of receiving a glorious body that will never weaken or decay, of entering a wonderful new life beyond our fondest dreams, and of forever being with the Lord!<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>At the end of his beloved \u201cNarnia Tales\u201d C. S. Lewis describes the events that transpire as the characters in his story enter Heaven: \u201c(T)he things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the<br \/>\ntitle page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.\u201d{7}<\/h3>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_1365\" class=\"pvc_stats total_only  \" data-element-id=\"1365\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"far\" data-icon=\"chart-bar\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chart-bar fa-w-16 fa-2x\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M396.8 352h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V108.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v230.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm-192 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V140.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v198.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm96 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V204.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v134.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zM496 400H48V80c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16H16C7.16 64 0 71.16 0 80v336c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h464c8.84 0 16-7.16 16-16v-16c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16zm-387.2-48h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8v-70.4c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v70.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8z\" class=\"\"><\/path><\/svg><\/i> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif?resize=16%2C16&#038;ssl=1\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Does Heaven awaken for you a sense of anticipation, or does it evoke visions of monotonous and boring inactivity? What is Heaven really like? Is Heaven even something we should spend much time thinking about? Or should we relegate thoughts of Heaven to the dusty corners of our mind, lest we render ourselves of little &hellip;<\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_1365\" class=\"pvc_stats total_only  \" data-element-id=\"1365\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"far\" data-icon=\"chart-bar\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chart-bar fa-w-16 fa-2x\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M396.8 352h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V108.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v230.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm-192 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V140.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v198.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm96 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V204.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v134.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zM496 400H48V80c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16H16C7.16 64 0 71.16 0 80v336c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h464c8.84 0 16-7.16 16-16v-16c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16zm-387.2-48h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8v-70.4c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v70.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8z\" class=\"\"><\/path><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1379,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-questions-weve-all-had"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/The-Kardashev-Scale_-How-Far-human.jpg?fit=717%2C420&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1329,"url":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/you-wont-be-allowed-into-heaven-without-this\/","url_meta":{"origin":1365,"position":0},"title":"You Won&#8217;t be Allowed Into Heaven Without This","author":"Evangelical Fisherman","date":"04\/23\/2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Many believe that if they try hard in this life to do good, that God will accept them into heaven when they die. Yet the Bible makes clear that getting into heaven is not something we can accomplish in our own power.\u00a0Ephesians 2:8-9\u00a0clearly teach, \"For by grace you have been\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;IF YOU ARE&quot;","block_context":{"text":"IF YOU ARE","link":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/topics\/if-you-are\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/What-If-We-Became-a-Type-II-Civilization_-0-12-screenshot.png?fit=854%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/What-If-We-Became-a-Type-II-Civilization_-0-12-screenshot.png?fit=854%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/What-If-We-Became-a-Type-II-Civilization_-0-12-screenshot.png?fit=854%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/What-If-We-Became-a-Type-II-Civilization_-0-12-screenshot.png?fit=854%2C480&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1155,"url":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/why-will-god-release-satan-at-the-end-of-the-millennium\/","url_meta":{"origin":1365,"position":1},"title":"Why Will God Release Satan at the End of the Millennium","author":"Evangelical Fisherman","date":"03\/14\/2021","format":false,"excerpt":"We may not know every reason why God chooses to allow Satan to be released and have one more battle, but the main reason is clear\u2014God will use this final release of Satan to mark an end of evil and sin. With sin and Satan removed, the curse of sin\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;QUESTIONS WE'VE ALL HAD&quot;","block_context":{"text":"QUESTIONS WE'VE ALL HAD","link":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/topics\/questions-weve-all-had\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/61518-1.jpg?fit=748%2C555&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/61518-1.jpg?fit=748%2C555&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/61518-1.jpg?fit=748%2C555&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/61518-1.jpg?fit=748%2C555&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1230,"url":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/10-amazing-things-that-will-happen-to-us-when-we-arrive-in-heaven\/","url_meta":{"origin":1365,"position":2},"title":"10 amazing things that WILL happen to us, when we arrive in Heaven","author":"Evangelical Fisherman","date":"03\/19\/2021","format":false,"excerpt":"There will be no sickness, death, pain, or suffering in Heaven (Revelation 21:4). We will be reunited with believers who have gone before us (1 Thessalonians 4:17). All of the questions that we have stored up will fall away in the midst of the glory that will surround us when\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;MIRACULOUS&quot;","block_context":{"text":"MIRACULOUS","link":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/topics\/miraculous\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/2560x1024-dizorb-cityscape-hd-wallpaper.jpg?fit=620%2C465&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/2560x1024-dizorb-cityscape-hd-wallpaper.jpg?fit=620%2C465&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/2560x1024-dizorb-cityscape-hd-wallpaper.jpg?fit=620%2C465&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1465,"url":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/the-book-of-life-why-did-god-allow-us-to-know-about-it-and-what-are-we-supposed-to-do-about-it\/","url_meta":{"origin":1365,"position":3},"title":"THE BOOK OF LIFE &#8211; WHY DID GOD ALLOW US TO KNOW ABOUT IT AND WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO ABOUT IT?","author":"Evangelical Fisherman","date":"09\/17\/2021","format":false,"excerpt":"The Book of Life is\u00a0a record written by God before the creation of the world, listing people who will live forever in the kingdom of heaven. The term appears in both the Old Testament and New Testament. The Book of Life aims to be the curation of the best and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;QUESTIONS WE'VE ALL HAD&quot;","block_context":{"text":"QUESTIONS WE'VE ALL HAD","link":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/topics\/questions-weve-all-had\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/robot-using-a-supercomputer-patrick-landmannscience-photo-library.jpg?fit=714%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/robot-using-a-supercomputer-patrick-landmannscience-photo-library.jpg?fit=714%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/robot-using-a-supercomputer-patrick-landmannscience-photo-library.jpg?fit=714%2C600&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/robot-using-a-supercomputer-patrick-landmannscience-photo-library.jpg?fit=714%2C600&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1493,"url":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/is-there-companionship-in-heaven-or-marriage-on-the-new-earth\/","url_meta":{"origin":1365,"position":4},"title":"Is There Companionship In Heaven Or Marriage On The New Earth?","author":"Evangelical Fisherman","date":"11\/09\/2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Adam and Jesus are not the only ones who will have eternal companions in Heaven, because fellowship and companionship is the purpose of this creation.\u00a0 You see, when God made Eve for Adam, it was not as though He made another apple.\u00a0 It was as though He cut one apple\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;QUESTIONS WE'VE ALL HAD&quot;","block_context":{"text":"QUESTIONS WE'VE ALL HAD","link":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/topics\/questions-weve-all-had\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/dating.jpg?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1490,"url":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/what-3-things-happen-to-people-if-they-go-to-heaven\/","url_meta":{"origin":1365,"position":5},"title":"WHAT 3 THINGS HAPPEN TO PEOPLE IF THEY GO TO HEAVEN","author":"Evangelical Fisherman","date":"11\/09\/2021","format":false,"excerpt":"In Colossians 3:2 we are told to: \"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.\" Too many people and Christians are so earthly-minded that they are of no heavenly good. Jesus told to us to \u201clay up treasures in heaven.\u201d Matthew 6:20. In view of the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;QUESTIONS WE'VE ALL HAD&quot;","block_context":{"text":"QUESTIONS WE'VE ALL HAD","link":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/topics\/questions-weve-all-had\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/steps.png?fit=500%2C491&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1365"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1365\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1378,"href":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1365\/revisions\/1378"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evangelicalfishersofmen.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}