Heaven 1

1. One of the most important subjects in the Bible is the subject of heaven.

• This is a subject which is scoffed at by infidels.
• They call it a "myth" or "fairy tale."
• They call it "wishful thinking" or "pie in the sky."
• They deny the afterlife and believe when man is dead that is the end of his existence.

2. In contrast to the scoffing of infidels and the doubts of millions of people, the Bible teaches "The Reality Of Heaven."

3. The purpose of this lesson is to affirm "The Reality of Heaven." This will not be an exhaustive study, but it will take an in depth at look what the Bible teaches about heaven.

1. The patriarchs look forward to heaven. (Heb. 11:10,16; Psa. 23:6).

2. Jesus spoke of heaven as the place where God dwells. (Matt. 6:9; 10:32,33; 12:50; 6:17). See 1 Kgs. 8:27

• God's throne is there. (Matt. 23:22).
• Jesus is seated "at the right hand of God." (Mk. 16:19).

3. Jesus spoke of heaven as a real place. (Matt. 5:11,12).

4. Jesus promised to go and prepare a place for His followers. (Jno. 14:1-3).

5. Jesus urged men to lay up treasures in heaven. (Matt. 6:19-21).

6. The Hebrew writer spoke of "the city which is to come." (Heb. 13:14).

1. I believe in heaven because it is promised. (Jno. 14:1-3; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 2:7; 14:13).

2. I believe in heaven because it is reasonable.

• Why would God put in man a longing for something that does not exist?
• If there is no heaven or hell, all the injustices of life can never be corrected if this world is all there is.
• There is no hope for justice against the heinous crimes committed, but never punished.
• The person who lives a good life may never be rewarded.
• The person who lives a good life and stands for the right is foolish. (1 Cor. 15:32).
• He Christian is to be pitied if there is no afterlife. (1 Cor. 15:18,19).

3. I believe in heaven because life is robbed of all purpose if there is no hope beyond the grave.

• All that man endeavors to accomplish has no meaning if he merely expires forever like the animals.
• Life becomes vain and useless without the afterlife.
• A life with purpose demands a life to come. (Eccles. 12:13,14).

4. I believe in the reality of heaven because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Matt. 28:1-10; Mk. 16:1-11; Lk. 24:1-12; Jno. 20:1-18).

• Jesus is "the firstfruits of those who sleep." (1 Cor. 15:20).
• Jesus abolished death and brought immortality to light. (2 Tim. 1:10).
• The resurrection of Christ is supported by many eye-witnesses. (1 Cor. 15:5-9).

1. Jesus said He is the one and only way to heaven. (Jno. 14:6)

2. God gave His Son for those who believe. (Jno. 3:16).

3. Jesus boldly proclaimed those who believe in Him will have eternal life. (Jno. 3:36; 5:24).

4. Peter reassured the scattered saints throughout Asia Minor that they had "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not way, reserved in heaven for you." (1 Pet. 1:4).

5. Paul taught heaven is where the Christian has his citizenship. (Phil. 3:20; Lk. 10:20).

6. Heaven is reserved:

• For those who accept Christ (Jno. 14:6).
• For the children of God (1 Jno. 3:1,2).
• For those who have their names written in the Lamb's book of life. (Rev. 20:15; 21:27).
• For those who are pure in heart. (Matt. 5:8).
• For those who are persecuted for righteousness sake. (Matt. 5:10-12).
• For those who are "faithful unto death." (Rev. 2:10).