Scripture Texts: Revelation 7:9, 13-14; 21:4, 27; 22:1-5

In Heaven there is no death, tears, pain, sorrow, hunger, or night, because there is no sin. People will be there from every nation and class. All will be pure, holy, and happy. Best of all, God and Jesus are there.

Although most of the Scriptures we are studying in this lesson refer to the true Church of God, we learn that the church is the closest thing to Heaven that we can relate to today. The fact is that the Church of God is separated by the river of life into its two phases: The family of God on earth and those who have already crossed over into the Heavenly phase. To enter Heaven, to live eternally, we must be saved here and have our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

MEMORY VERSE: Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (Revelation 22:14).

The Saints in White Robes

Revelation 7:9, 13-14 Both hell and Heaven are real, and both are eternal. This alone should turn every mind to sober thought. In this lesson we are going to look at the happy place, Heaven. God gave John visions of Heaven. John said I beheld ... a great multitude ... of all nations ... The Gospel is universal. The invitation is to whosoever will. Some of all classes of people will be in Heaven. Before the throne, and before the Lamb—close to God and Jesus forever with no tempter to blight our joy. This is what makes it Heaven. The Lamb is Christ, so-called because He is the antitype (or fulfillment) of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12; 1 Corinthians 5:7). White robes—see Revelation 19:8. The robes and palms are symbolic, meaning holiness and victory. Made them white in the blood of the Lamb. This must be done in this life, before we reach the Judgment. This is salvation that is obtained only through the blood of Christ. They which came out of great tribulation—this is also in this life. Living for Jesus means accepting endurance, sacrifice, trials, and persecution here.

Sin Cannot Enter Heaven

Revelation 21:4 No more death—because Jesus tasted death for every man (Hebrews 2:9). Jesus made it possible for every man to obtain everlasting, eternal life which must begin here in this life. No sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. Why? Because the former things are passed away. Saints will have new bodies like that of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:20; Philippians 3:21). Earth's trials, hindrances, and temptations will be gone because the tempter will not be there.

Revelation 21:27 No wise enter into it any thing that defileth. To let sin or sinners in would spoil Heaven, would make it hell. Only those written in the Lamb's book of life can enter. This book is the list of those who Christ knows have been washed and made holy in this life. Matthew 7:22-23 tells of those whom He will say He never knew.

 Heaven and Church Are Much Alike

Revelation 22:1-3 Water of life. The Bible speaks little about Heaven. However, by Christ's revelation of His church to mankind, He reveals much about Heaven. On either side of the river, was there the tree of life—the tree that was removed from man when sin entered, and returned when Jesus died and made it possible for mankind to enter into salvation, eternal life. That which began on this side of the river of life is now to be enjoyed forever and ever on the other side. Yielded her fruit every month—a good supply. The leaves ... for the healing—was able to heal all manner of sins for all people in all places and walks of life. No more curse—Christ took the curse of sin away (Galatians 3:13) by giving us power over sin which the Law could not do.

Revelation 22:4-5 They shall see his face—our greatest expectation fulfilled—to see his face. His name shall be in their foreheads—the Presence of God, owned by Him. No night there—there can be no darkness where God is. He is light greater than the sun. And they shall reign for ever and ever. Heaven will last eternally (Matthew 25:46; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Reigning signifies victory, freedom, and power over all enemies.

Bible descriptions of Heaven are filled with words about God. His Presence is the foremost blessing of that happy place. The saved know that this is what makes it happy, that any place where He abides is good and without Him could not be good. They have tasted that the Lord is gracious, have had a foretaste of Heaven here on earth, and desire only more of it. At this time, my mind goes to an old song that most of us have heard many times, part of which says, "Where Jesus is, 'tis Heaven there." Spirit-filled people understand to a small degree what it will be for the glory of God to lighten it, for that glory is already the light of their hearts. The Holy Spirit within is the earnest (down payment or promise) of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14) while we wait to enter Heaven. The possession of the Holy Spirit is a foretaste, a bit of Heaven given beforehand as a token of what is to come. Heaven will be like that, only more and better. At home with God forever! That is Heaven, the saints' new home.

JUST A THOUGHT

Wouldn't the world be a better place to live if people
generally cared for their souls as
they do for their looks?

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