By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read Philippians 3:12-21

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).

The Rev. Ron Purkey

Heaven Is A Real Place. When my wife and I were moving to a new home, we wanted to know all about the community to which we were moving. And since true Christian believers will spend eternity some place, we ought to know something about it.

The information concerning heaven is found in the word of God (the Bible). When we talk about heaven, earth grows shabby by comparison. Our sorrows and problems here seem so much less, when we have keen anticipation of the future.

In a certain sense the true Christian has heaven here on earth. He has peace of soul, peace of conscience, and peace with God. In the midst of troubles and difficulties he can smile. He has a spring in his step, a joy in his soul, a smile on his face. But the Bible also promises the true Christian a heaven in the life hereafter.

Some Facts About Heaven. (1) An important fact about heaven is that it will be far more glorious than anything we can ever imagine! When God gave the Apostle John a glimpse of Jesus in his heavenly glory, John was so overwhelmed that he “fell at his feet as though dead” (see Revelation 1:17).

(2) One reason heaven is glorious is because it is absolutely perfect. In this present world we are surrounded by sin and decay and death — but it won’t be true in heaven. This world also is racked by violence and wars and natural disasters — but again, it won’t be true in heaven. The Bible says, “Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (see Micah 4:3).

(3) But heaven is glorious most of all because it is the dwelling place of God. We can barely imagine this — but it’s true! The Bible says, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them” (see Revelation 21:3).

(4) Will heaven be like this world? The Bible says that in some ways it will be. We won’t feel like strangers; we’ll finally be home. But in other ways heaven will be wonderful and perfect beyond measure. Why would anyone not want to go there?

The Greatest Fact About Heaven. That you and I can go there is the greatest fact! Only one thing will keep people out of heaven, and that is their sin. But the Lord Jesus Christ came to open heaven’s door for us, and he did this by taking upon himself the judgment that we deserve. Why not put your trust and faith in him today? (See John 3:16).

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.