A.Dear Christians, although we walk here on earth today, let us remember that our citizenship is in heaven.
1.Paul wrote, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20).
2.Likewise, in Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul wrote that the Gentiles in Christ have been made “fellow citizens with the saints” (v. 19) in the household of God along with the believing Jews.
B.Because we are citizens of heaven, we should behave as strangers and pilgrims in this world.
1.In spiritual terms, let us understand that the word “world” means the current state of mankind in alienation and opposition to God.It is this world to which Christians must be strangers.
2.The verse quoted above from Philippians was written to present the contrasting behaviors between citizens of this world and citizens of heaven (see Phil. 3:17-21).This same contrast is presented in Philippians 2:14-16 and 1Peter 2:11-12.
3.This contrasting conduct is the result of a Christian’s faith that his eternal destination is heaven, not the earth.
a.Notice 2Peter 3:11-14.Because Christians believe that this earth shall be destroyed in fire, they behave themselves in ways befitting the “new heavens and a new earth” that God will provide.This is faith, “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).
b.Jesus advised His disciples, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:20-21).
C.Yet sometimes we behave as if we belong in this world.Do we really believe that we can live as citizens of this world and receive the benefits of heaven’s citizenship?
1.The truth is that we cannot have dual citizenship in the world and in heaven.We must make a choice.“You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:24).
2.The love of the things in the world (lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, boastful pride of life) and the love of God are incompatible (1John 2:15-16).We cannot love both.
3.Lovers of this world have chosen to invest themselves in that which is passing away (1John 2:17).They cannot legitimately expect to reap heaven after sowing to the world (Gal. 6:7-8).
D.Therefore, dear Christian, answer this question for yourself: Do you really want heaven?
1.If you choose the things of the world over the things of God now, then how are you demonstrating that you want to live in heaven for eternity?
2.Is your true desire for the coming of the Lord, or is it for the world to go on forever?
3.Is your concept of heaven according to the word of God, or is it according to your own desires?
4.Do you simply prefer the idea of heaven to the idea of hell?
5.Let each of us attempt to answer these questions honestly by considering our own behavior, desires, beliefs, and what the word of God says about heaven.
II.WHAT IS HEAVEN?
A.Men have put forth many ideas of heaven.
1.For many, their concept of heaven is a place that has all the pleasures of the world without any of the suffering.
a.Some picture themselves in heaven doing all the things they like to do on earth.They light-heartedly imagine those who have already passed away carrying on in heaven the things they liked best on earth.
b.Although heaven will certainly be pleasant, nothing in Scripture indicates that the earth has been made in the image of heaven.This is simply the product of man projecting his love of the world into his concept of heaven.
2.There are many varied ideas of heaven that are taught in the religions of men.
a.A very common idea is that the faithful dead become angels in heaven, but there is no Scriptural evidence that this is true.
b.Catholic doctrine teaches that the very best men become saints in heaven and are given influence over the affairs of the earth.This is not the Bible’s teaching regarding saints.
c.Mormon doctrine teaches that Mormons will become gods in heaven, and that God Himself is only an exalted man.This has no foundation in the Bible.
3.Many other ideas of heaven could be noted, but none of them are valid if they are not based on the word of God.
B.Rather than conforming to the ideas of men, let us believe the Bible’s revelation about heaven.
1.Heaven is the dwelling place of the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.Notice these words of Jesus from the gospel of John:
a.“For I have come down from heaven…” (John 6:38)
b.“…I proceeded forth and have come from God…” (John 8:42)
c.“I came forth from the Father, and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again, and going to the Father.” (John 16:28)
d.“When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness of Me.” (John 15:26)
e.See also John 6:32-38; 7:28-29; 8:23; 14:28; 16:5-7; Acts 1:11; 2:33-34; 1Peter 1:12; 3:22 .
2.In heaven, God has reserved a reward for His faithful children.
a.“…the hope laid up for you in heaven…” (Col. 1:5)
b.“…an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you…” (1Pet. 1:4)
3.The place of that reward is described as a dwelling place, such as a city or a “new earth.”
a.“…he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” (Heb. 11:10)
b.“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” (Heb. 11:16)
c.“For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” (Heb. 13:14)
d.“But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” (2Pet. 3:13).
4.Chapters 21 and 22 of Revelation describe in figurative terms this dwelling place, as well as those who will receive it and what they will do there.
a.It is called “a new heaven and a new earth” and “the holy city, new Jerusalem” (21:1-2).
b.God will dwell with His people in that place (21:3, 22-23; 22:3-4).
c.Inheritors of that place will be those who overcome the world through Christ (21:7, 27).
d.There will be no sin and no sinners in that place (21:8, 27).
e.It will be a beautiful place filled with the glory of God (21:9-26, 22:5).
f.Those who dwell there will have access to the “tree of life” (22:2).
g.They shall be bond-servants of God, and they will “reign forever and ever” (22:3,5).
5.This reward and this dwelling place will be realized after the resurrection and Judgment.
a.The events of the resurrection are described in 1Thessalonians 4:13-17.
b.The importance of the resurrection is explained in 1Corinthians 15.
c.The Judgment is described in Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 2:5-10; 2Thessalonians 1:5-10.
6.This is not all that the Bible has to say about our reward in heaven, but it is sufficient for us to know what heaven really is and what it is not.
III.DO YOU REALLY WANT HEAVEN?
A.Now that we have considered the Bible’s explanation of heaven, is this what you really want?
1.Do you want to live in a place where there are no worldly pleasures?
2.Do you want to live in a place where there is no sin and there are no sinners?
3.Do you want to be in the presence of the saints forever?
4.Do you want to live in the presence of God always, serving Him as His bond-servant forever?
B.If you think you want heaven, does your life reflect that desire?
1.Do you love the pleasures of this world?
2.Do you embrace this world of sin?Do you love the company of sinners?
3.Do you take every opportunity to be with God’s people in worship and fellowship?
4.Do you seek after God always, serving Him with all your being, or do you sometimes take a break from service to God?
C.Do you really want heaven?The way you live your life on earth gives the true answer.“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14)
