The most wonderful blessing God has ever prepared is heaven. Heaven is the eternal home of the saved. It is for the righteous people who have lived their lives in love for and obedience to Christ. Heaven is the home of God. Jesus called it "my Father's house" and told his disciples he was preparing a place for them there (John 14:2,3).

Heaven is completely different to this world. Jesus taught that people should put their treasures (riches) in heaven because no rust and no thieves are in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Money can be lost, valuable machines can rust away, houses can burn, and land can be stolen. Earthly treasures can be destroyed, but there is no way to destroy heavenly treasures. You put treasures in heaven by righteous living and working (Luke 20:34-36). People who go to heaven live like the angels live. Peter in I Peter 1:4 describes the heavenly inheritance as incorruptible (it can never rot), undefiled (no one can make it impure), that fades not away (it will never get old, never pass away).

There are no unhappy people in heaven. All people are filled with happiness all the time as they enjoy eternal life (John 3:16). Those who are saved will wear crowns of righteousness (II Timothy 4:8). Revelation 21:4 says those who live with God will have no tears, no death, no sorrow, no crying, and no pain. All the problems that give people so much trouble in this world will be finished. Can you imagine a life with no sickness, no hunger, no suffering, and no fear? Would not such a life be the greatest blessing you could ever hope to have?

In II Corinthians 5:1-5, Paul said Christians should know that if their earthly house (their bodies) are destroyed, they have an eternal house God has built for them in heaven. Paul said that house is so real and so fine that Christians should be so hungry for it they should desire to receive it right now. He said life in "this tabernacle" (the human body), causes Christians to groan and be burdened. Thus Christians should desire that their earthly bodies which are mortal (will die) be replaced with their heavenly bodies which will always have life.

Heaven is the finest place God has ever made. God wants every person to enjoy heaven. That is why He let Jesus die for the sins of all people. Heaven is free to all who obey Christ. God gladly gives a place in heaven to faithful Christians. If you want it, live for Jesus every day.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What is heaven?

2. Who is heaven for?

3. What did Jesus call heaven in John 14:2,3?

4. Why is it good to put treasures in heaven?

5. What things do not exist in heaven that exist on earth?

6. How can we be sure there will be no unhappy people in heaven?

7. What did Paul say Christians should know (II Corinthians 5:1-5)?

8. Paul said heaven is so real and so fine Christians should do what?

9. Who does God want to enjoy heaven?

10. To whom will God gladly give a place in heaven?

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