The Hope of Heaven

The Hope of Heaven

Philippians 3:20 “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Heaven is the home of the righteous, and the hope of the saints. The patriarchs had an eye on it, and in the promises the LORD made to them, they saw heaven in it, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth.

Even at the creation of the world, the scripture says, “the earth was without form and void (Tohu and Bohu,”) and from what we know of heaven and earth, we may infer the eternal power and godhead of the great Creator. Thus, let’s mind our duty as Christians, which is always to keep heaven in sight, and the earth under our feet.

Our Lord even promised us that “if a man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be.” What an assurance and hope we have that is laid up for us in heaven. Therefore, let us not be mindful of the polity, rudiments, and the course of this world, for the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. We are strangers, and all the activities and carousel, and the riches of the world, are not our goal, but a crown that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us.

That was why despite the persecution, sufferings, affliction, peril that Apostle Paul went through, he was not dismayed, because he knew that there was an eternal weight of glory waiting for him: “for he was caught up to paradise, and heard unspeakable words.” And beyond all doubt, such a foretaste of it served to strengthen him in all his trials, when he could call to mind the very joy that was prepared for him. And with confident, he said to the church at Corinth, “willing rather to be absent from the body, and present with the Lord.”

I tell you truth my brethren, if your eyes is set fixed toward heaven, the things of this world will matter not to you. The things people are now using scripture to cover for their covetousness, will be abhored by you, because heaven and holiness has eaten up your very heart. Consequently, seeing we are not of this world, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Therefore, my brethren, stand fast in the Lord. Let’s not allow the subtle devices of the devil hinder us from our heavenly inheritance, for our seats are reserved there. Satan may work through the people around you, he may work through the system of the world, he may work through people in the church, and even family members to derail you, and disinherit you of your reward, but take your stand.

Since you know that you have somewhere you are going to, and you are closer to your destination than before, ignore the barking noise of jesting, criticism, conspiracy, hatred, strife, reviling, evil report and move on.

Pray for God’s grace to overcome temptation, to stand during persecution, and trust him in times of afflictions and suffering. When we get to heaven, you’ll forget all the sufferings and tribulations of the world. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed way.”

By the grace of God, I will be there. Will you be there? Keep the faith, pursue holiness, and live for Christ till the very end.

Also Read: Following Christ in the narrow way to heaven