Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1–8; 22:1–5

Will You Be Happy in Heaven?

I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)

 

Let me ask a question that may at first sound strange: Will you be happy in heaven? I know it may seem ridiculous to ask if someone will enjoy being in a place of bliss, felicity and delight, but bear with me. The Bible describes heaven in ways that make me question whether many who blithely say they want to go, have actually thought the matter through. Other religions describe heaven in terms of sensual delights, doing whatever we want, and having all our desires satisfied, but the Bible does not paint this kind of a picture. As I have studied what the Bible says about heaven, I realize that if some of those who glibly say they want to go, actually end up there, they will discover heaven to be one hell of a place! (I did not swear when I said that.)

Though it may be impossible to ascertain whether or not someone else will be happy in heaven, it shouldn’t be impossible for you. Let’s examine some of the biblical data that describes heaven and then ask the question, will you be happy in a place like that?

,. Heaven is a place of ceaseless worship and praise. When John had his vision of heaven he saw myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! (Revelation 5:12). One of the primary activities of those in heaven will be worshipping the Lamb. I know people who say they want to go to heaven but who during Sunday morning worship look miserable! They count light bulbs, watch the crowd, doodle on their bulletin, and never enter into the songs or praise or prayers of thanksgiving. Some of these will explain they don’t like the style of worship their church has adopted. But think about what styles will be like in heaven where worship will include people from every tribe, nation, ethnicity and age group! There, you will be worshipping with drums, pipe organs, bagpipes, sitars and kazoos! Anglicans, Pentecostals, Fundamentalists, Eastern Ortho- dox and Presbyterians will be standing around you, and some will be dancing while others quietly kneel. Are you sure you want to go?

,. Heaven is a place of purity and light. There is no sun or moon in heaven because “the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23).

This means there are no dark corners and no places to hide. Nothing unclean will be allowed in the City of God (Revelation 21:27). All the jokes will be clean, and all the entertainment family friendly. The walls of the city will be made of clear glass (Revelation 21:18). Everyone will live  openly,  transparently,  because they love the light! Will you be happy in a place like that?

,. Heaven is a place of reconciling love. Like the elder brother who refused to come into the feast the father had thrown for the prodigal son because of his hatred toward his brother, those who harbor prejudice, bitterness, and contempt toward others will be miserable in a place where all is forgiven. Think about the person most difficult for you to love. Now imagine that this person becomes a Christian and goes to heaven when they die. God is saving a place for you at his table, right next to that person! Are you sure you still want to go?

Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. For those unprepared, heaven would be hell! You can prepare for that wonderful place Jesus has prepared for you by learning to worship, loving the light, and forgiving all those who have wronged you.

 

I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven. —A. W. Tozer

 

point to ponder • How do you envision heaven?

prayer focus • For a deeper love of worship, light, and the ability to forgive.