Sermon Transcript
Reader's Version
Do All “Dogs” Go To Heaven?Sermon by Pastor Gene Simco
I’d like to share a survey that was presented to me. A group of random individuals were asked what they expected to find in heaven. The responses were quite varied, and I will share some of the most common answers with you.
The number one answer? Alcohol. People expected there to be booze in heaven.
The second most common expectation was the reunion with lost loved ones. Apparently, alcohol was considered more important—or perhaps they imagined it as a means to cope. It seems they weren’t too happy about remembering the phrase “until death do us part,” and perhaps believed that was a false promise.
The third expectation involved pets—lost pets, specifically. It’s something many believe they’ll see in heaven, and it seems logical to them. Some spouses may be relieved to know they rank above the pets!
The fourth thing people mentioned was food, or a party. Now, if you know me, I’d be thrilled if there was pizza in heaven, so, I get it.
But the sobering thing about this survey—the truly sobering part—is that not a single participant said they expected to see Jesus.
We’ve examined the consequences of sin, taken a closer look at sin itself, and discussed judgment. We’ve seen that all Christians will be judged, as Jesus Himself taught. We’ve explored this through parables such as the sheep and the goats, and the tree and its fruit. We also considered the prophecy in Revelation, which makes it clear that Jesus will return and judge everyone. Scripture is quite emphatic on this point.
Now, let’s revisit the parable of the sheep and the goats. In this parable, Jesus illustrates the judgment to come, describing how He will separate the flock. The sheep will be placed on His right hand, and the goats on His left.
To the sheep, those on His right hand, Jesus declares: "Good for you, for you will inherit the kingdom that has been prepared for you since the foundation of the world." He then explains why they are being rewarded, saying, "When I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was naked, you clothed me. You visited me when I was sick and in prison," and so forth. In essence, they are entering heaven because of these acts of kindness.
The sheep, puzzled, ask, "When did we ever see you like this?" They repeat the list of conditions Jesus gave, to which He replies, "When you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
Then He turns to the goats, and the situation is reversed. "You did not clothe me, you did not feed me, you gave me nothing to drink, and you did not visit me." The goats respond in confusion, asking, "When did we ever see you like this?" And here is where we pick up.
Matthew 25:44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Let's now turn our attention to the other side of these things and discuss eternal life. Today, we will begin by addressing a fundamental question: What is heaven?
For the purpose of this book or series, we’ll define heaven—or “heavens,” as it is often referred to in Scripture. In Greek, the word used is ‘ouranos’ (ουρανός), and it frequently refers to the Kingdom of Heaven. This is the same term found at the beginning of the Lord's Prayer, familiar to many.
Occasionally, heaven is referred to as “paradise,” which appears about three times in the New Testament. We’ll explore a few of these instances, starting with 2 Corinthians 12, as well as passages from Revelation and Luke. In Luke, we recall the story of the thief on the cross, where Jesus says, "I tell you today, you will be with me in paradise." In this context, Jesus uses "paradise" as a synonym for heaven, possibly referring to a temporary place before His return.
We have seen that heaven is the eternal home for those who have confessed Jesus as Lord and live according to His teachings. Jesus Himself assures us that there are many rooms in His Father’s house and that He has gone ahead of us to prepare a place. The Apostle John, through a prophetic vision, was given a glimpse of the new heaven and the new earth. This new creation possesses the glory of God, and there is no need for the sun or moon, for the Lord Himself is the light. Jesus, who once called Himself the "light of the world," becomes that light for us in heaven. There is no need for a temple, for God's presence is the true sanctuary.
Heaven is the perfect paradise in the presence of God, where the original Garden of Eden is fully restored. We see a river of living water flowing freely, and the Tree of Life is once again available, bearing fruit each month, with leaves that heal the nations. This is a beautiful and vivid image. In the beginning, God prevented humanity from eating from the Tree of Life after the Fall. Now, in heaven, all are free to partake of it.
The reality of heaven is beyond human comprehension and description. We must keep in mind that while reading these prophetic visions, no words can fully capture what heaven will be like. It is a place of "no mores"—no more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow. In heaven, we will be freed from the burdens of this world.
Paul articulates this well in Philippians: being in heaven means being with the Lord, and there will be no more separation. Death will be conquered once and for all. The greatest aspect of heaven is the presence of the Lord Himself. That is the ultimate joy of eternal life.
Heaven is real, and our belief in it is grounded in the explicit promises of Jesus. To deny the reality of heaven is to deny the teachings of Christ. Not only did Jesus ascend to heaven on our behalf, but He is alive and present there, preparing a place for us.
In the previous chapter, we discussed Sheol or Hades, the temporary place where both the good and the bad reside after death. Heaven is sometimes referred to as "Abraham's bosom," and we examined this concept in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. In that parable, Jesus describes a conversation between Father Abraham and the rich man.
If we think back to the sheep and goats metaphor, the rich man is like a goat—he goes to the undesirable side of Sheol, where it is hot and unbearable. He begs for Lazarus, the "good sheep," to dip his finger in water to cool his tongue. However, it is made clear that there is a fixed divide between the two places, and no one can cross from one side to the other.
Abraham’s bosom can be viewed as a type of heaven, a temporary resting place, possibly the same place Jesus referred to when He told the thief on the cross, "Today, you will be with me in paradise." Since the new heavens and the new earth have not yet been established, this could be understood as a provisional paradise.
In Philippians, Paul speaks of going "home to be with the Lord." He does not explicitly mention heaven, likely because the final, fully realized heaven—the new heavens and new earth—has not yet been revealed. Therefore, paradise may include this temporary realm, a place that is described both mysteriously in some passages and more explicitly in others.
We encounter the concept of different levels of heaven, such as the "second" and "third" heavens. This suggests there is more than one type of heaven. For instance, the book of Hebrews affirms this idea in Hebrews 7, where it says that Jesus, our High Priest, is exalted above the heavens. In other words, Jesus dwells in heaven, beyond the heavens we know.
We also see this clearly in Second Corinthians, where Paul refers to different levels of heaven, and both "heaven" and "paradise" are mentioned in the Greek. The context of Second Corinthians is twofold. First, Paul is addressing the fact that the Corinthians are delaying an offering they had pledged to give to the church in Jerusalem. Second, there are false teachers—referred to sarcastically as "super-apostles"—causing trouble within the church. False teachers are a major issue throughout the New Testament, frequently addressed in various letters.
In this passage, Paul begins listing his qualifications, but he does so reluctantly. Rather than boasting of his accomplishments, he recounts the many hardships and sufferings he has endured for the sake of the gospel. As part of this, he shares the profound experiences he has had, including his reference to the "third heaven."
2 Corinthians 12:1 This boasting will do no good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I [I know a man] was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. 3 Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know 4 that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.
There is likely a reason for not revealing everything to us, or perhaps it is simply too magnificent for us to fully comprehend, making it impossible to articulate. However, if there is a "third heaven," it stands to reason that there must also be a first and second heaven.
The first heaven is most likely the sky—the heavens we see, with the clouds. The second heaven is probably outer space, the realm of celestial bodies such as the stars, the sun, and the moon.
The third heaven, however, is a location that is not fully revealed to us. It is understood to be the dwelling place of God, perhaps the destination we refer to when we speak of "going to be with the Lord." In this context, both "heaven" and "paradise" are used, and they may refer to the very same place.
There are some false teachings surrounding this point, and though I won’t spend too much time on it, certain charismatic groups occasionally refer to the second heaven as Satan’s domain. This interpretation stems from a misunderstanding of language in Ephesians, where it mentions "the ruler of the kingdom of the air." However, Scripture makes it clear that Satan is the "god of this world" (lowercase 'g'). We see phrases like, "meeting the Lord in the air" as likely being an idiom.
According to these groups, there are "second heaven revelations" which must be distinguished from "third heaven revelations" that come directly from God. The issue with this teaching is that it implies the existence of new revelations, which is not supported by biblical Christianity. These groups categorize demons as operating in the first and second heavens, delivering false prophecies that believers are expected to discern. However, this concept lacks a biblical foundation. Why? Because we already have the ultimate revelation from God in the form of His Word—the Bible. There is no need for a new word from God when we have the complete and authoritative Word in Scripture.
This kind of teaching can easily lead to deception. Which brings us to an important question: how do we enter heaven? As we’ve seen, it is only through Jesus. John 14:6 clearly tells us that Jesus is the only way to heaven. We will examine that further in a moment, but first, let’s back up a bit.
John 14:1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
So here we see that depiction of heaven as a home. But the main point is that Jesus is the only way to that home. In Acts 4, when Peter and John were preaching, Peter made that very statement:
Acts 4:12 “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
The first thing is acknowledging that Jesus is Lord, that He is the only way, and believing in Him. We see this when we go, go to the book of Romans:
Romans 10:9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
In examining this passage, we observe that belief or faith is emphasized, along with another important element—confession or declaration, as noted in some versions. This is significant because it suggests an action on our part.
However, it is important to consider verse 10 more closely. If we examine more literal translations, which adhere more closely to the original Greek, we gain additional insight. For instance, the English Lexham Bible (ELB) provides a translation that highlights this aspect. By referring to such translations, we can better understand the nuances of the passage.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.
So let's look at that carefully here. Faith equals righteousness, but then confession results in salvation. Really interesting. So let's just examine the first component here, faith.
Ephesians 2:8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
We are saved through God's grace and our faith in Jesus Christ. Now it's important to look at the full counsel of God's word, because like declaring, it wasn't just faith being talked about. When we examine it carefully, if we keep reading, we see something similar.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Just as in Romans, Ephesians 2:10 also makes an important point: while we are saved by grace, it is crucial to clarify that we are not saved by our works or good deeds. However, the verse indicates that we are created for good works, suggesting that these works will naturally follow if we are truly saved.
We need to remember that, as discussed in Titus, our actions can either affirm or deny our faith. There are key components to consider: faith, confession, and the manifestation of these in our actions. Proclaiming Him is an essential part of not denying Him. As Titus instructs, we should not deny Him in word or deed.
In Galatians 5, we examined the consequences of living according to the flesh and found that those who engage in such behaviors—essentially, those who deny Him through their actions—will not inherit the kingdom of God. This is a sobering reality, and it is not an isolated theme. The same message is reiterated in other parts of Scripture, including 1 Corinthians 6, where it is stated again that those who practice such deeds and deny Him through their actions will not inherit the kingdom of God.
If we keep reading Ephesians, we see that as well:
Ephesians 5:1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
We see again the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven and the notion that certain behaviors may lead to exclusions. Our actions can deny Him, and Christ, as the ultimate sacrifice, must not be rejected through sin. If we reject Him in this life, it follows that we would be rejected in the life to come. It also stands to reason that if we reject Christ here on earth, we would not desire to spend eternity with Him in heaven.
he Bible also instructs us to demonstrate our faith through our actions – or, “prove” it by the way you live. In Matthew 3, we encounter John the Baptist, who, as the forerunner to the Messiah, is preparing the way for Jesus. In Matthew 3:7, John sees the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to him and rebukes them, saying:
Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
This passage underscores the importance of demonstrating genuine repentance and faith through our actions, rather than relying solely on heritage or empty claims. The concept of the "bad tree" that does not bear good fruit, which was discussed in the previous chapter, is consistent with teachings found in other parts of the New Testament, such as in the Book of Acts and the Epistle of James.
Acts 26:20 I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do.
James 3:13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.
And remember the woman caught in adultery, adultery in John 8. Jesus saved her and expected a response: don't sin anymore. And we talked about that tree, and it's fruit – if we go to the Gospel of Luke, in his version, we see this:
Luke 6:43 “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 44 A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. 45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. 46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?
Jesus addresses those who might say they are Christians, but don't show it. Why do you call me Lord, if you don't obey me, and we can extend that thought to something very serious here: If Jesus is not your Lord, then he's not your savior either.
The first key to entering heaven is genuine faith. The second key is obedience; we must not deny Him through our actions. If we revisit John 14 and continue with the passage, we can further understand these principles. We have touched on some of these concepts in the chapter about the Trinity. Here, they come together more fully, providing a clearer picture of how faith and obedience intersect in our journey to heaven.
John 14:15 “If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. 19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. 20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” 22 Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” 23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.
Here are some important keys: Jesus says that all who love Him will obey Him. This is a clear indicator of genuine love for Jesus—those who truly love Him will not deny Him through their actions. As a result, the Father will love them, and He, along with Jesus, will come and make their home with them. This underscores the importance of obedience; not denying Him through our actions is crucial. Jesus emphasizes this repeatedly, teaching plainly that obedience is required.
This theme of obedience versus mere faith resonates throughout Scripture. Recall the parable of the sheep and the goats and the teachings about the tree and its fruit. Jesus consistently links obedience and deeds with genuine faith. This redundancy highlights the importance of aligning our actions with our beliefs. Similarly, if we revisit the passage from 1 Peter that we examined in the last chapter, we find further reinforcement of this principle.
1 Peter 4:17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?”
Once again, we see the emphasis on obedience. Hearing the gospel alone is not sufficient; we must also obey it. The fate of those who do not obey God's good news is severe. Obedience is crucial for entering heaven, as highlighted in Hebrews 10. While we are indeed saved by grace through faith, our actions are a reflection of that faith.
Revelation describes the final new heaven and new earth and presents a stark warning: cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshippers, and liars will face the fiery lake of sulfur, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8). The passage further states that nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will enter (Revelation 21:27).
While salvation is by grace, there are numerous warnings about the importance of our actions, particularly concerning entry into heaven. It is worth noting the inclusion of liars, as discussed in the previous chapter; some may falsely claim to be Christian. These deeds have serious consequences, and we will discuss the implications for those who act out of fear or disobedience later on.
So, how can we be certain of our place in heaven? We can revisit the concept of the Trinity. Although we will explore baptism in greater detail in later chapters, it is crucial to note that baptism involves the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The role of the Holy Spirit in this process is significant and will be discussed further in our chapter on baptism.
Baptism is more than just a physical act of being immersed in water. We will examine this more thoroughly later on, including what Jesus says in John 3. However, it is important to recognize that certain steps precede baptism. These prerequisites include believing in our hearts, confessing or declaring our faith, and repenting, which involves turning from sin and demonstrating change. Paul emphasizes this in Acts, where he calls for repentance and a life that proves our faith.
When Jesus is tempted in the wilderness, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark, He later comes to Galilee and begins His ministry with a message that aligns with these principles.
Mark 1:15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
In this passage, we again see the emphasis on belief and repentance. Repentance, which involves obedience, is crucial. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, just as He did. If we keep reading the Gospel of Mark, Jesus makes His first prediction of His suffering. Peter, uncomfortable with this prediction, begins to reprimand Jesus, perhaps reluctant to accept the idea of suffering and self-denial. In response, Jesus turns to His disciples and rebukes Peter, saying, "Get behind me, Satan" (Mark 8:33). Some translations render this as "Get away from me, Satan." Jesus points out that Peter's perspective is not aligned with God's viewpoint. It is striking that Jesus refers to Peter as Satan in this context, highlighting the seriousness of the misunderstanding.
Mark 8:34 Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. 36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? [(eternal) life] 37 Is anything worth more than your soul?
In considering the prerequisites for baptism, Jesus outlines key requirements for being His follower. Belief is implied, as established earlier in Mark 1. Additionally, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, which involves repentance—turning away from selfish and sinful ways, and taking up our cross, emulating His example.
You might wonder if this means that all Christians are required to face martyrdom for Jesus. While some may, as we saw in Revelation with the martyrs who were beheaded for their faith, these individuals are part of the first resurrection and reign with Jesus for a thousand years. This is certainly a significant and positive outcome.
However, the primary emphasis is on not denying Jesus. It is crucial that we do not deny Him through our words or actions. Immediately following the passage in Mark 8, Jesus continues with this important teaching:
Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
We must consistently declare Jesus and not deny Him. Referring back to Revelation, we observe that those who will not enter include liars, practitioners of witchcraft, and cowards—those who have denied Him. The inclusion of "cowards" is particularly notable, as it refers to those who have not stood firm in their faith.
In Revelation, we also see Michael the Archangel defeating the devil, represented as the dragon. Following this victory, the passage continues:
Revelation 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
In Revelation, we see that those who remain steadfast in their testimony and are not afraid to declare Jesus, even in the face of persecution, are honored. Conversely, those who trade their allegiance to Jesus for comfort in this life, thereby neglecting the prerequisites of belief and confession, forfeit their place in heaven. It is crucial that we declare Jesus both in word and deed.
This can seem challenging, but we are not left to face it alone. Through baptism into the Trinity, we receive a significant aid: the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit assists us in producing good fruit and provides assurance of our salvation. He serves as a seal of our salvation and offers comfort and encouragement, especially during trials. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives confirms our assurance of entry into heaven.
Many questions arise regarding salvation, some of which we addressed in the previous chapter. These discussions are closely related. For instance, the question of whether everyone is assured entry into heaven, often referred to as universalism, has been examined. As we discussed, this is not the case. The fundamental prerequisite for entry into heaven is belief in Jesus, recognizing Him as the sole path to salvation.
Another question that often arises is whether people in heaven can see us, or if they are watching over us. We’ve already addressed the issue of praying to people in heaven, which Jesus addressed through His parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. This parable makes it clear that such practices are not endorsed.
I recall a personal experience related to this. As my father approached his final days, I sought reconciliation with him, as Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in His teachings. We resolved our issues before he passed away. I jokingly said to him, “If Hebrews 12 is true and you can see me from heaven, just stay out of the bedroom and the bathroom.” Humor aside, Hebrews 12:1 mentions being surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses,” but this phrase might be idiomatic rather than literal. It does not explicitly suggest that these witnesses observe our daily lives or that we should pray to them.
Some might point to the interaction between Saul and Samuel in 1 Samuel 28, where Saul consults a medium who brings up Samuel’s spirit from the dead. However, this event is problematic for several reasons. The Torah, which Saul and Samuel were under, explicitly forbids consulting mediums, as seen in Leviticus, for example: Leviticus 20:27 “‘A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.’”. Saul’s consultation with the medium was itself a sin, and the medium feared for her life, indicating the serious nature of such practices. Additionally, as it pertains to us today, in the New Testament, Revelation and other scriptures, including Galatians 5, condemn practices related to witchcraft and sorcery. Samuel’s appearance did not change Saul’s fate, and he did not receive a favorable outcome. This serves as another example similar to the events surrounding Judas Maccabeus praying for the dead – just because we see someone doing something that they think is a good idea in the Bible, it doesn’t mean we should draw doctrine from those actions. We must also recall Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Jesus stated that there was no communication – or warning between the rich man and his brothers. While this may seem like a nice thing – to have loved ones watching over us – or to be able to pray to them, we must keep reminding ourselves that heaven is a place beyond anything we can imagine or love here. We have direct access to God, so why would we seek help from anyone else in heaven?
Another question that often arises about heaven is, “What will we look like?” In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses the topic of resurrection and explains that our heavenly bodies will differ significantly from our earthly bodies. Earthly bodies are characterized by mortality and decay, while resurrection bodies will be immortal and incorruptible. Our current bodies are prone to weakness, but the resurrected bodies will be strong and enduring. This change is illustrated by the analogy of a seed: just as a different type of plant emerges from the seed buried in the ground, our new bodies will be distinct from our current ones.
1 Corinthians 15:35 But someone may ask, “How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?” 36 What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first. 37 And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting.
It's important to note, however, that this does not justify neglecting or mistreating our earthly bodies. As Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 3 and 6, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be respected and cared for accordingly.
Another common question is whether we will be married in heaven. This question is addressed by Jesus in Mark 12. In this passage, the Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection, pose a question to Jesus in an attempt to trap Him. They present a scenario in which a woman has been married to seven different husbands, each of whom has died without her having any children. They ask Jesus whose wife she will be in the resurrection.
Jesus responds by saying that in the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven. This means that the institution of marriage, as we know it on Earth, will not exist in heaven. The reality of heaven surpasses our current understanding, and relationships there will be fundamentally different from what we experience now.
Another common question is whether we will see our pets in heaven. While the Bible does not provide explicit teaching on this subject, it does offer some intriguing insights. In Genesis, animals are described as good, and in Revelation, there is the promise of a new creation and a new earth. Additionally, passages in Isaiah 11 and 65 describe a future where animals live in harmony with humanity and with one another.
However, the Bible does not clearly state that animals will be present in the new heaven or the new earth. There is no specific reason given in Scripture to rule out the possibility of animals, or even our beloved pets, being a part of this new creation. It is important to recognize the distinction between humanity and animals. While both are created by God and possess life, only humanity is described as being created in the image and likeness of God. This image is often associated with possessing a soul.
That said, nothing in the concept of being made in God's image would preclude God from bringing animals back to life or including them in the new earth. Psalm 49:12 and 14 describe the fate of the wicked as perishing like animals and being led to Sheol (the place of the dead). This passage could be interpreted in various ways: perhaps the fact that they perish means they won’t be in the afterlife – or the fact that they are in Sheol means they will, and this does open up the possibility that animals could have a place in the afterlife.
Ultimately, the Bible assures us that heaven will far surpass anything we experience on earth. While our love for pets and loved ones is real, heaven promises to be a paradise beyond our current imagination. Our focus should remain on faith in Jesus, who promises eternal life to those who believe and obey Him.
If we go back to Hebrews and we look at those people of faith - that great cloud or crowd of witnesses that it was being talked about. They were looking forward to something better.
Hebrews 11:13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
This aligns with John 14, where Jesus promises to prepare a place for believers in His Father’s house. This assurance of a heavenly home is a central promise for Christians.
In Hebrews 11, we see Moses as an example of faith, making choices based on his future reward rather than immediate pleasures. Moses gave up the treasures of Egypt and chose to suffer with God's people because he was looking ahead to the “great reward,” which aligns with the idea of heaven or paradise. His focus was on the unseen, the promise of God, which is echoed in the New Testament understanding of faith.
Hebrews 12 then continues this theme by referencing the “great cloud of witnesses” who have exemplified faith. This cloud of witnesses can be seen as a metaphorical support system, or encouraging example emphasizing the importance of living a life of faith and perseverance. Just as Moses kept his eyes on the invisible God, believers are encouraged to do the same, understanding that their struggles and sacrifices are part of a greater, eternal reward.
These themes underscore the consistency in Scripture regarding the promises of God and the importance of maintaining faith and focus on what lies ahead, even amid present trials.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd [cloud] of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
We get to that heavenly home that God prepares for us by fixing our eyes on Jesus - and note the sin that so easily trips us up. We’ve seen the effects of sin before. In Revelation, we see a description of this eternal home.
Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.
No matter what we're going through in this earthly existence, if Jesus is your Lord, you can place your hope in an eternal home where there will be no more death, no more sickness, no more crying, and no more pain. It will be an eternal home at peace with our Lord, where He will make everything new, including these decaying bodies that we live in. Again, there will be no more sickness, no more doctor visits—just absolute perfection in the presence of our Lord Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.
Paul’s encouragement provides a profound perspective on our current trials. We can look forward with hope to the eternal home that awaits us, knowing that the suffering we endure now is preparing us for an eternal glory far beyond our current understanding.
So, regardless of the challenges and difficulties we face, we can remain confident in the promise of a perfect, eternal home with our Lord Jesus, where all things will be made new.
Everything here is temporary—our trials, our bodies, our possessions—but heaven is eternal. This is a place where there are no spots or blemishes. As far as our possessions are concerned, there are no worries: no rust to decay our treasures, no moths to eat them, and no thieves to steal them. All those worries are gone.
In light of this, be encouraged. Whatever you're going through, remember it will not last forever. We look forward to an eternal home that surpasses anything we suffer here, any good we have here, or any bad we endure. It is a true paradise found only in Jesus Christ.
Let’s pray:Lord, I thank You for everyone engaging in Your word and everyone reading this. I ask that, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, You help us see beyond our current struggles and focus on the eternal home You have promised and prepared for us. Purify us and fill us with Your love and Your Holy Spirit, and with the fruits of that Spirit, so that we may be vessels for Your glory. We ask these things in Jesus's name. Amen.
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Copyright © Gene SimcoMost Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.Scriptures in brackets reflect the original Biblical languages.
I’d like to share a survey that was presented to me. A group of random individuals were asked what they expected to find in heaven. The responses were quite varied, and I will share some of the most common answers with you.
The number one answer? Alcohol. People expected there to be booze in heaven.
The second most common expectation was the reunion with lost loved ones. Apparently, alcohol was considered more important—or perhaps they imagined it as a means to cope. It seems they weren’t too happy about remembering the phrase “until death do us part,” and perhaps believed that was a false promise.
The third expectation involved pets—lost pets, specifically. It’s something many believe they’ll see in heaven, and it seems logical to them. Some spouses may be relieved to know they rank above the pets!
The fourth thing people mentioned was food, or a party. Now, if you know me, I’d be thrilled if there was pizza in heaven, so, I get it.
But the sobering thing about this survey—the truly sobering part—is that not a single participant said they expected to see Jesus.
We’ve examined the consequences of sin, taken a closer look at sin itself, and discussed judgment. We’ve seen that all Christians will be judged, as Jesus Himself taught. We’ve explored this through parables such as the sheep and the goats, and the tree and its fruit. We also considered the prophecy in Revelation, which makes it clear that Jesus will return and judge everyone. Scripture is quite emphatic on this point.
Now, let’s revisit the parable of the sheep and the goats. In this parable, Jesus illustrates the judgment to come, describing how He will separate the flock. The sheep will be placed on His right hand, and the goats on His left.
To the sheep, those on His right hand, Jesus declares: "Good for you, for you will inherit the kingdom that has been prepared for you since the foundation of the world." He then explains why they are being rewarded, saying, "When I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was naked, you clothed me. You visited me when I was sick and in prison," and so forth. In essence, they are entering heaven because of these acts of kindness.
The sheep, puzzled, ask, "When did we ever see you like this?" They repeat the list of conditions Jesus gave, to which He replies, "When you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
Then He turns to the goats, and the situation is reversed. "You did not clothe me, you did not feed me, you gave me nothing to drink, and you did not visit me." The goats respond in confusion, asking, "When did we ever see you like this?" And here is where we pick up.
Matthew 25:44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Let's now turn our attention to the other side of these things and discuss eternal life. Today, we will begin by addressing a fundamental question: What is heaven?
For the purpose of this book or series, we’ll define heaven—or “heavens,” as it is often referred to in Scripture. In Greek, the word used is ‘ouranos’ (ουρανός), and it frequently refers to the Kingdom of Heaven. This is the same term found at the beginning of the Lord's Prayer, familiar to many.
Occasionally, heaven is referred to as “paradise,” which appears about three times in the New Testament. We’ll explore a few of these instances, starting with 2 Corinthians 12, as well as passages from Revelation and Luke. In Luke, we recall the story of the thief on the cross, where Jesus says, "I tell you today, you will be with me in paradise." In this context, Jesus uses "paradise" as a synonym for heaven, possibly referring to a temporary place before His return.
We have seen that heaven is the eternal home for those who have confessed Jesus as Lord and live according to His teachings. Jesus Himself assures us that there are many rooms in His Father’s house and that He has gone ahead of us to prepare a place. The Apostle John, through a prophetic vision, was given a glimpse of the new heaven and the new earth. This new creation possesses the glory of God, and there is no need for the sun or moon, for the Lord Himself is the light. Jesus, who once called Himself the "light of the world," becomes that light for us in heaven. There is no need for a temple, for God's presence is the true sanctuary.
Heaven is the perfect paradise in the presence of God, where the original Garden of Eden is fully restored. We see a river of living water flowing freely, and the Tree of Life is once again available, bearing fruit each month, with leaves that heal the nations. This is a beautiful and vivid image. In the beginning, God prevented humanity from eating from the Tree of Life after the Fall. Now, in heaven, all are free to partake of it.
The reality of heaven is beyond human comprehension and description. We must keep in mind that while reading these prophetic visions, no words can fully capture what heaven will be like. It is a place of "no mores"—no more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow. In heaven, we will be freed from the burdens of this world.
Paul articulates this well in Philippians: being in heaven means being with the Lord, and there will be no more separation. Death will be conquered once and for all. The greatest aspect of heaven is the presence of the Lord Himself. That is the ultimate joy of eternal life.
Heaven is real, and our belief in it is grounded in the explicit promises of Jesus. To deny the reality of heaven is to deny the teachings of Christ. Not only did Jesus ascend to heaven on our behalf, but He is alive and present there, preparing a place for us.
In the previous chapter, we discussed Sheol or Hades, the temporary place where both the good and the bad reside after death. Heaven is sometimes referred to as "Abraham's bosom," and we examined this concept in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. In that parable, Jesus describes a conversation between Father Abraham and the rich man.
If we think back to the sheep and goats metaphor, the rich man is like a goat—he goes to the undesirable side of Sheol, where it is hot and unbearable. He begs for Lazarus, the "good sheep," to dip his finger in water to cool his tongue. However, it is made clear that there is a fixed divide between the two places, and no one can cross from one side to the other.
Abraham’s bosom can be viewed as a type of heaven, a temporary resting place, possibly the same place Jesus referred to when He told the thief on the cross, "Today, you will be with me in paradise." Since the new heavens and the new earth have not yet been established, this could be understood as a provisional paradise.
In Philippians, Paul speaks of going "home to be with the Lord." He does not explicitly mention heaven, likely because the final, fully realized heaven—the new heavens and new earth—has not yet been revealed. Therefore, paradise may include this temporary realm, a place that is described both mysteriously in some passages and more explicitly in others.
We encounter the concept of different levels of heaven, such as the "second" and "third" heavens. This suggests there is more than one type of heaven. For instance, the book of Hebrews affirms this idea in Hebrews 7, where it says that Jesus, our High Priest, is exalted above the heavens. In other words, Jesus dwells in heaven, beyond the heavens we know.
We also see this clearly in Second Corinthians, where Paul refers to different levels of heaven, and both "heaven" and "paradise" are mentioned in the Greek. The context of Second Corinthians is twofold. First, Paul is addressing the fact that the Corinthians are delaying an offering they had pledged to give to the church in Jerusalem. Second, there are false teachers—referred to sarcastically as "super-apostles"—causing trouble within the church. False teachers are a major issue throughout the New Testament, frequently addressed in various letters.
In this passage, Paul begins listing his qualifications, but he does so reluctantly. Rather than boasting of his accomplishments, he recounts the many hardships and sufferings he has endured for the sake of the gospel. As part of this, he shares the profound experiences he has had, including his reference to the "third heaven."
2 Corinthians 12:1 This boasting will do no good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I [I know a man] was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. 3 Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know 4 that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.
There is likely a reason for not revealing everything to us, or perhaps it is simply too magnificent for us to fully comprehend, making it impossible to articulate. However, if there is a "third heaven," it stands to reason that there must also be a first and second heaven.
The first heaven is most likely the sky—the heavens we see, with the clouds. The second heaven is probably outer space, the realm of celestial bodies such as the stars, the sun, and the moon.
The third heaven, however, is a location that is not fully revealed to us. It is understood to be the dwelling place of God, perhaps the destination we refer to when we speak of "going to be with the Lord." In this context, both "heaven" and "paradise" are used, and they may refer to the very same place.
There are some false teachings surrounding this point, and though I won’t spend too much time on it, certain charismatic groups occasionally refer to the second heaven as Satan’s domain. This interpretation stems from a misunderstanding of language in Ephesians, where it mentions "the ruler of the kingdom of the air." However, Scripture makes it clear that Satan is the "god of this world" (lowercase 'g'). We see phrases like, "meeting the Lord in the air" as likely being an idiom.
According to these groups, there are "second heaven revelations" which must be distinguished from "third heaven revelations" that come directly from God. The issue with this teaching is that it implies the existence of new revelations, which is not supported by biblical Christianity. These groups categorize demons as operating in the first and second heavens, delivering false prophecies that believers are expected to discern. However, this concept lacks a biblical foundation. Why? Because we already have the ultimate revelation from God in the form of His Word—the Bible. There is no need for a new word from God when we have the complete and authoritative Word in Scripture.
This kind of teaching can easily lead to deception. Which brings us to an important question: how do we enter heaven? As we’ve seen, it is only through Jesus. John 14:6 clearly tells us that Jesus is the only way to heaven. We will examine that further in a moment, but first, let’s back up a bit.
John 14:1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
So here we see that depiction of heaven as a home. But the main point is that Jesus is the only way to that home. In Acts 4, when Peter and John were preaching, Peter made that very statement:
Acts 4:12 “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
The first thing is acknowledging that Jesus is Lord, that He is the only way, and believing in Him. We see this when we go, go to the book of Romans:
Romans 10:9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
In examining this passage, we observe that belief or faith is emphasized, along with another important element—confession or declaration, as noted in some versions. This is significant because it suggests an action on our part.
However, it is important to consider verse 10 more closely. If we examine more literal translations, which adhere more closely to the original Greek, we gain additional insight. For instance, the English Lexham Bible (ELB) provides a translation that highlights this aspect. By referring to such translations, we can better understand the nuances of the passage.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.
So let's look at that carefully here. Faith equals righteousness, but then confession results in salvation. Really interesting. So let's just examine the first component here, faith.
Ephesians 2:8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
We are saved through God's grace and our faith in Jesus Christ. Now it's important to look at the full counsel of God's word, because like declaring, it wasn't just faith being talked about. When we examine it carefully, if we keep reading, we see something similar.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Just as in Romans, Ephesians 2:10 also makes an important point: while we are saved by grace, it is crucial to clarify that we are not saved by our works or good deeds. However, the verse indicates that we are created for good works, suggesting that these works will naturally follow if we are truly saved.
We need to remember that, as discussed in Titus, our actions can either affirm or deny our faith. There are key components to consider: faith, confession, and the manifestation of these in our actions. Proclaiming Him is an essential part of not denying Him. As Titus instructs, we should not deny Him in word or deed.
In Galatians 5, we examined the consequences of living according to the flesh and found that those who engage in such behaviors—essentially, those who deny Him through their actions—will not inherit the kingdom of God. This is a sobering reality, and it is not an isolated theme. The same message is reiterated in other parts of Scripture, including 1 Corinthians 6, where it is stated again that those who practice such deeds and deny Him through their actions will not inherit the kingdom of God.
If we keep reading Ephesians, we see that as well:
Ephesians 5:1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
We see again the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven and the notion that certain behaviors may lead to exclusions. Our actions can deny Him, and Christ, as the ultimate sacrifice, must not be rejected through sin. If we reject Him in this life, it follows that we would be rejected in the life to come. It also stands to reason that if we reject Christ here on earth, we would not desire to spend eternity with Him in heaven.
he Bible also instructs us to demonstrate our faith through our actions – or, “prove” it by the way you live. In Matthew 3, we encounter John the Baptist, who, as the forerunner to the Messiah, is preparing the way for Jesus. In Matthew 3:7, John sees the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to him and rebukes them, saying:
Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
This passage underscores the importance of demonstrating genuine repentance and faith through our actions, rather than relying solely on heritage or empty claims. The concept of the "bad tree" that does not bear good fruit, which was discussed in the previous chapter, is consistent with teachings found in other parts of the New Testament, such as in the Book of Acts and the Epistle of James.
Acts 26:20 I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do.
James 3:13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.
And remember the woman caught in adultery, adultery in John 8. Jesus saved her and expected a response: don't sin anymore. And we talked about that tree, and it's fruit – if we go to the Gospel of Luke, in his version, we see this:
Luke 6:43 “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 44 A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. 45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. 46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?
Jesus addresses those who might say they are Christians, but don't show it. Why do you call me Lord, if you don't obey me, and we can extend that thought to something very serious here: If Jesus is not your Lord, then he's not your savior either.
The first key to entering heaven is genuine faith. The second key is obedience; we must not deny Him through our actions. If we revisit John 14 and continue with the passage, we can further understand these principles. We have touched on some of these concepts in the chapter about the Trinity. Here, they come together more fully, providing a clearer picture of how faith and obedience intersect in our journey to heaven.
John 14:15 “If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. 19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. 20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” 22 Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” 23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.
Here are some important keys: Jesus says that all who love Him will obey Him. This is a clear indicator of genuine love for Jesus—those who truly love Him will not deny Him through their actions. As a result, the Father will love them, and He, along with Jesus, will come and make their home with them. This underscores the importance of obedience; not denying Him through our actions is crucial. Jesus emphasizes this repeatedly, teaching plainly that obedience is required.
This theme of obedience versus mere faith resonates throughout Scripture. Recall the parable of the sheep and the goats and the teachings about the tree and its fruit. Jesus consistently links obedience and deeds with genuine faith. This redundancy highlights the importance of aligning our actions with our beliefs. Similarly, if we revisit the passage from 1 Peter that we examined in the last chapter, we find further reinforcement of this principle.
1 Peter 4:17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?”
Once again, we see the emphasis on obedience. Hearing the gospel alone is not sufficient; we must also obey it. The fate of those who do not obey God's good news is severe. Obedience is crucial for entering heaven, as highlighted in Hebrews 10. While we are indeed saved by grace through faith, our actions are a reflection of that faith.
Revelation describes the final new heaven and new earth and presents a stark warning: cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshippers, and liars will face the fiery lake of sulfur, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8). The passage further states that nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will enter (Revelation 21:27).
While salvation is by grace, there are numerous warnings about the importance of our actions, particularly concerning entry into heaven. It is worth noting the inclusion of liars, as discussed in the previous chapter; some may falsely claim to be Christian. These deeds have serious consequences, and we will discuss the implications for those who act out of fear or disobedience later on.
So, how can we be certain of our place in heaven? We can revisit the concept of the Trinity. Although we will explore baptism in greater detail in later chapters, it is crucial to note that baptism involves the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The role of the Holy Spirit in this process is significant and will be discussed further in our chapter on baptism.
Baptism is more than just a physical act of being immersed in water. We will examine this more thoroughly later on, including what Jesus says in John 3. However, it is important to recognize that certain steps precede baptism. These prerequisites include believing in our hearts, confessing or declaring our faith, and repenting, which involves turning from sin and demonstrating change. Paul emphasizes this in Acts, where he calls for repentance and a life that proves our faith.
When Jesus is tempted in the wilderness, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark, He later comes to Galilee and begins His ministry with a message that aligns with these principles.
Mark 1:15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
In this passage, we again see the emphasis on belief and repentance. Repentance, which involves obedience, is crucial. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, just as He did. If we keep reading the Gospel of Mark, Jesus makes His first prediction of His suffering. Peter, uncomfortable with this prediction, begins to reprimand Jesus, perhaps reluctant to accept the idea of suffering and self-denial. In response, Jesus turns to His disciples and rebukes Peter, saying, "Get behind me, Satan" (Mark 8:33). Some translations render this as "Get away from me, Satan." Jesus points out that Peter's perspective is not aligned with God's viewpoint. It is striking that Jesus refers to Peter as Satan in this context, highlighting the seriousness of the misunderstanding.
Mark 8:34 Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. 36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? [(eternal) life] 37 Is anything worth more than your soul?
In considering the prerequisites for baptism, Jesus outlines key requirements for being His follower. Belief is implied, as established earlier in Mark 1. Additionally, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, which involves repentance—turning away from selfish and sinful ways, and taking up our cross, emulating His example.
You might wonder if this means that all Christians are required to face martyrdom for Jesus. While some may, as we saw in Revelation with the martyrs who were beheaded for their faith, these individuals are part of the first resurrection and reign with Jesus for a thousand years. This is certainly a significant and positive outcome.
However, the primary emphasis is on not denying Jesus. It is crucial that we do not deny Him through our words or actions. Immediately following the passage in Mark 8, Jesus continues with this important teaching:
Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
We must consistently declare Jesus and not deny Him. Referring back to Revelation, we observe that those who will not enter include liars, practitioners of witchcraft, and cowards—those who have denied Him. The inclusion of "cowards" is particularly notable, as it refers to those who have not stood firm in their faith.
In Revelation, we also see Michael the Archangel defeating the devil, represented as the dragon. Following this victory, the passage continues:
Revelation 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
In Revelation, we see that those who remain steadfast in their testimony and are not afraid to declare Jesus, even in the face of persecution, are honored. Conversely, those who trade their allegiance to Jesus for comfort in this life, thereby neglecting the prerequisites of belief and confession, forfeit their place in heaven. It is crucial that we declare Jesus both in word and deed.
This can seem challenging, but we are not left to face it alone. Through baptism into the Trinity, we receive a significant aid: the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit assists us in producing good fruit and provides assurance of our salvation. He serves as a seal of our salvation and offers comfort and encouragement, especially during trials. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives confirms our assurance of entry into heaven.
Many questions arise regarding salvation, some of which we addressed in the previous chapter. These discussions are closely related. For instance, the question of whether everyone is assured entry into heaven, often referred to as universalism, has been examined. As we discussed, this is not the case. The fundamental prerequisite for entry into heaven is belief in Jesus, recognizing Him as the sole path to salvation.
Another question that often arises is whether people in heaven can see us, or if they are watching over us. We’ve already addressed the issue of praying to people in heaven, which Jesus addressed through His parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. This parable makes it clear that such practices are not endorsed.
I recall a personal experience related to this. As my father approached his final days, I sought reconciliation with him, as Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in His teachings. We resolved our issues before he passed away. I jokingly said to him, “If Hebrews 12 is true and you can see me from heaven, just stay out of the bedroom and the bathroom.” Humor aside, Hebrews 12:1 mentions being surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses,” but this phrase might be idiomatic rather than literal. It does not explicitly suggest that these witnesses observe our daily lives or that we should pray to them.
Some might point to the interaction between Saul and Samuel in 1 Samuel 28, where Saul consults a medium who brings up Samuel’s spirit from the dead. However, this event is problematic for several reasons. The Torah, which Saul and Samuel were under, explicitly forbids consulting mediums, as seen in Leviticus, for example: Leviticus 20:27 “‘A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.’”. Saul’s consultation with the medium was itself a sin, and the medium feared for her life, indicating the serious nature of such practices. Additionally, as it pertains to us today, in the New Testament, Revelation and other scriptures, including Galatians 5, condemn practices related to witchcraft and sorcery. Samuel’s appearance did not change Saul’s fate, and he did not receive a favorable outcome. This serves as another example similar to the events surrounding Judas Maccabeus praying for the dead – just because we see someone doing something that they think is a good idea in the Bible, it doesn’t mean we should draw doctrine from those actions. We must also recall Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Jesus stated that there was no communication – or warning between the rich man and his brothers. While this may seem like a nice thing – to have loved ones watching over us – or to be able to pray to them, we must keep reminding ourselves that heaven is a place beyond anything we can imagine or love here. We have direct access to God, so why would we seek help from anyone else in heaven?
Another question that often arises about heaven is, “What will we look like?” In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses the topic of resurrection and explains that our heavenly bodies will differ significantly from our earthly bodies. Earthly bodies are characterized by mortality and decay, while resurrection bodies will be immortal and incorruptible. Our current bodies are prone to weakness, but the resurrected bodies will be strong and enduring. This change is illustrated by the analogy of a seed: just as a different type of plant emerges from the seed buried in the ground, our new bodies will be distinct from our current ones.
1 Corinthians 15:35 But someone may ask, “How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?” 36 What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first. 37 And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting.
It's important to note, however, that this does not justify neglecting or mistreating our earthly bodies. As Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 3 and 6, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be respected and cared for accordingly.
Another common question is whether we will be married in heaven. This question is addressed by Jesus in Mark 12. In this passage, the Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection, pose a question to Jesus in an attempt to trap Him. They present a scenario in which a woman has been married to seven different husbands, each of whom has died without her having any children. They ask Jesus whose wife she will be in the resurrection.
Jesus responds by saying that in the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven. This means that the institution of marriage, as we know it on Earth, will not exist in heaven. The reality of heaven surpasses our current understanding, and relationships there will be fundamentally different from what we experience now.
Another common question is whether we will see our pets in heaven. While the Bible does not provide explicit teaching on this subject, it does offer some intriguing insights. In Genesis, animals are described as good, and in Revelation, there is the promise of a new creation and a new earth. Additionally, passages in Isaiah 11 and 65 describe a future where animals live in harmony with humanity and with one another.
However, the Bible does not clearly state that animals will be present in the new heaven or the new earth. There is no specific reason given in Scripture to rule out the possibility of animals, or even our beloved pets, being a part of this new creation. It is important to recognize the distinction between humanity and animals. While both are created by God and possess life, only humanity is described as being created in the image and likeness of God. This image is often associated with possessing a soul.
That said, nothing in the concept of being made in God's image would preclude God from bringing animals back to life or including them in the new earth. Psalm 49:12 and 14 describe the fate of the wicked as perishing like animals and being led to Sheol (the place of the dead). This passage could be interpreted in various ways: perhaps the fact that they perish means they won’t be in the afterlife – or the fact that they are in Sheol means they will, and this does open up the possibility that animals could have a place in the afterlife.
Ultimately, the Bible assures us that heaven will far surpass anything we experience on earth. While our love for pets and loved ones is real, heaven promises to be a paradise beyond our current imagination. Our focus should remain on faith in Jesus, who promises eternal life to those who believe and obey Him.
If we go back to Hebrews and we look at those people of faith - that great cloud or crowd of witnesses that it was being talked about. They were looking forward to something better.
Hebrews 11:13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
This aligns with John 14, where Jesus promises to prepare a place for believers in His Father’s house. This assurance of a heavenly home is a central promise for Christians.
In Hebrews 11, we see Moses as an example of faith, making choices based on his future reward rather than immediate pleasures. Moses gave up the treasures of Egypt and chose to suffer with God's people because he was looking ahead to the “great reward,” which aligns with the idea of heaven or paradise. His focus was on the unseen, the promise of God, which is echoed in the New Testament understanding of faith.
Hebrews 12 then continues this theme by referencing the “great cloud of witnesses” who have exemplified faith. This cloud of witnesses can be seen as a metaphorical support system, or encouraging example emphasizing the importance of living a life of faith and perseverance. Just as Moses kept his eyes on the invisible God, believers are encouraged to do the same, understanding that their struggles and sacrifices are part of a greater, eternal reward.
These themes underscore the consistency in Scripture regarding the promises of God and the importance of maintaining faith and focus on what lies ahead, even amid present trials.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd [cloud] of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
We get to that heavenly home that God prepares for us by fixing our eyes on Jesus - and note the sin that so easily trips us up. We’ve seen the effects of sin before. In Revelation, we see a description of this eternal home.
Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.
No matter what we're going through in this earthly existence, if Jesus is your Lord, you can place your hope in an eternal home where there will be no more death, no more sickness, no more crying, and no more pain. It will be an eternal home at peace with our Lord, where He will make everything new, including these decaying bodies that we live in. Again, there will be no more sickness, no more doctor visits—just absolute perfection in the presence of our Lord Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.
Paul’s encouragement provides a profound perspective on our current trials. We can look forward with hope to the eternal home that awaits us, knowing that the suffering we endure now is preparing us for an eternal glory far beyond our current understanding.
So, regardless of the challenges and difficulties we face, we can remain confident in the promise of a perfect, eternal home with our Lord Jesus, where all things will be made new.
Everything here is temporary—our trials, our bodies, our possessions—but heaven is eternal. This is a place where there are no spots or blemishes. As far as our possessions are concerned, there are no worries: no rust to decay our treasures, no moths to eat them, and no thieves to steal them. All those worries are gone.
In light of this, be encouraged. Whatever you're going through, remember it will not last forever. We look forward to an eternal home that surpasses anything we suffer here, any good we have here, or any bad we endure. It is a true paradise found only in Jesus Christ.
Let’s pray:Lord, I thank You for everyone engaging in Your word and everyone reading this. I ask that, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, You help us see beyond our current struggles and focus on the eternal home You have promised and prepared for us. Purify us and fill us with Your love and Your Holy Spirit, and with the fruits of that Spirit, so that we may be vessels for Your glory. We ask these things in Jesus's name. Amen.
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Copyright © Gene SimcoMost Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.Scriptures in brackets reflect the original Biblical languages.