Part 4:  Questions about Heaven

Scripture Lesson for the Day: Selected Passages

Cornerstone Text:  “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life”

(Revelation 21:27, NIV).

Who will inhabit Heaven?

“If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15, NIV).

“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life”

(Revelation 21:27, NIV).

What will our relationships with each other be like in Heaven?  (Luke 20:33-38, NLT;

1 Thessalonians 5:13-14, 16-18, the Message)

“Those whom you laid in the grave with many tears are in good keeping: you will yet see them again with joy.  Believer it, think it, rest on it.  It is all true”

(Bishop J.C. Ryle, Heaven, 84).

“We have not lost dear ones who have departed from this life, but have merely sent them ahead of us, so we also shall depart and shall come to that life where they will be more than ever dear as they will be better known to us, and where we shall love them without fear of parting”  (Augustine,  Quoted in the book entitled,  Heaven: A History, 60).

What will we do in Heaven?

“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen” (Revelation 1:5b-6, NIV).

What will our relationship with God be like in Heaven?

“No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him.  And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads.  And there will be no night there-no need for lamps or sun-for the Lord God will shine on them.  And they will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:3-5, NLT).

 

How should we live today, in light of what we know about Heaven?

“Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life?  Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival.  The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day – but we’ll hardly notice.  We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.  So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace” (2 Peter 3:11-14, the Message).

Closing Challenge:  “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’  And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’  Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17, NIV).