Wondering what heaven is like

What is heaven like? Have you ever pondered that question? Hollywood has given us some pictures of what they think heaven is like. Cartoons show men and women sitting on clouds, playing harps and looking down at the people on earth. Movies show souls lost on the earth until they somehow do enough good to go to heaven, then they are whisked up in a beam of light with a angelic choir singing in the background. Is that the heaven you know? Is that what the Bible says about heaven?

Well, we do not have a complete understanding of all that heaven is but the Bible does give us some glimpses into eternity. From these pictures we know some things about heaven.

First we know that mortal bodies cannot go there. 1 Corinthians 15:50, "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable."

Heaven is a different dimension, not designed for a human body, so something must change. Corinthians goes on to say that believers will be changed into something immortal. Then they can enter into God's kingdom.

Second, we know that heaven is a place where priorities are different. Here on earth our priorities are substance, love, family and the important things of life. But the Bible shows that in heaven things are different.

The book of Revelation was given to the Apostle John who wrote what he saw. Revelation 1:19, "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later."

From what John and others write, we have an understanding of the different priorities in heaven. It seems that what is important in eternity is God. The word pictures we have of heaven are of people and angelic creatures whose heart desire is to worship God. That is the only thing they seem to be concerned about.

John describes some amazing creatures that he sees in God's throne room, then he tells us what they are doing. Revelation 4:8-11, "Day and night they never stop saying, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.'

"Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the 24 elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever.

"They lay their crowns before the throne and say, 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.'"

All that seems to be important in the presence of God is worshiping him. Some might think that sounds boring, but this is not earth, this is a different place, and in the presence of God, priorities are different.

Finally, the Bible tells us that heaven is reserved for people of faith. Faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ and all attempts to work your way to God are a false humility believing you can earn your way to God. Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."

Have you considered any of these things? Have you considered that perhaps heaven is different then your preconceived ideas? Check these things out in your Bible.

-- Pastor Rich Lammay of High Sierra Fellowship is a member of Carson Valley Ministers' Association.