You're Guaranteed A Place In Heaven

 Life is a journey full of lessons, trials, heartbreaks, pleasures, celebrations, and unique moments that will eventually bring us to our destination, our life's purpose. The journey will not always be easy, as we'll face several obstacles along the way.

"Anyone who wants to go to heaven, stand up," a preacher urged at a pub. Except for a drunk in the corner, everyone stood up. "My son, don't you want to go to heaven when you die?" the pastor said. The inebriated asked, "When am I going to die? Sure. I thought you were loading up now." Although this may have been a joke, many people regard the proposal as a joke that should not be taken seriously.

Heaven is only open to those who have accepted the invitation. You can't just bribe your way into Heaven, the home of the redeemed, without first completing God's conditions. The prophet Isaiah said, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels" (Isa. 61:10 KJV).

The wonderful thing is everyone gets invited, which means you have the option of accepting or declining the invitation. As a result, I've concluded that Heaven is not for everyone. But people who aspire to be in Heaven will not only prepare for the journey but will see it as an honor and privilege to be present.

The songwriter and singer, Gene Loves Jezebel, a British rock band formed in the early 1980s wrote this verse with four questions in the song “Who wants to go to Heaven?” He asked, “Who wants to go, who wants to go to Heaven?” “Who needs to ask or reason why?” “Who wants to burn to burn in hellfire?” “Hands up, who wants to die?” These are challenging questions that many must contemplate at one time or the other on their journey to eternity.

Before she died, the ardent, outspoken atheist, Madelyn Murray O’Hair, was asked if she desired to go to heaven. She scoffed, “Who wants to go to a place where all they do is sit around and sing hymns and play harps? Speaking for myself, I’d rather go to hell.” Although the Bible doesn't go into great depth regarding heaven, the last few chapters of Revelation include enough material to pique our interest in going there after we die.

Heaven will have plenty of excellent food. In Heaven will be "The Wedding Supper of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:9) and "The Great Supper of God" (Revelation 19:17). The promise of the bread of life in Heaven entices spiritually hungry people, just like the fragrance of fresh cinnamon buns entices a hungry traveler at an airport.

It will be a source of refreshing water. “Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17). When you're very thirsty, nothing tastes better than cool freshwater. The living water of God is an enticing call to the spiritually thirsty.

It will be a breathtakingly beautiful place. The New Jerusalem is compared to a "beautiful bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:2). The streets, walls, and gates are built with precious gems. Heaven will be a tourist's paradise for people who value quality and adore magnificent beauty.

It will be a location of fresh starts. "I am creating everything fresh!" exclaimed the one seated on the throne. (Apocalypse 21:5) The book of Revelation describes a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1). The promise of a complete "do-over" sounds lovely to those of us who have committed significant mistakes and wish for a second opportunity!

It will be a relaxing retreat. “Rest from their labor” is assured to those who die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13). Heaven provides a soothing change of pace to people who are tired and "heavy burdened." It will remove the stress! You can unwind now! Our spiritual batteries will be fully recharged, and we will replenish our physical energies!

It will be a location where people can make a difference. “...the Lamb will be in the city, and his attendants will be at his service” (Revelation 22:3). Heaven provides the ultimate purpose to those who truly want their life to count for something. There will be so much to do that is important. We will fill every day with new challenges.

It will be a place where there will be no sin. “God will wipe every tear from their eyes away” (Revelation 21:4). There will be no cancer, still ultrasounds, divorce, broken sentiments, or pandemics... Christ's rule will be flawless! Consider it: no politics! I'm looking forward to it!

It will be a location where people may worship freely. The best part about paradise is that we will be able to meet Jesus Christ face to face. We'll join the crowd in exclaiming, "Hallelujah!" Our Lord, God Almighty, reigns supreme. Let us rejoice and be joyful, and God be praised!” (Read Revelation 19:6-7.) Consider how exciting it is to worship God when He is right in front of us! "God will be with them and will be their God" (Revelation 21:3).

It will be a location where people may have meaningful connections. “Blessed are those who are invited to attend the Lamb's wedding feast” (Revelation 19:9). One elderly saint said he is looking forward to paradise because "I have more friends in heaven than I have on earth!" Consider how wonderful it would be to be reunited with our parents, children, grandparents, and Christian friends who have died before us! Heaven offers the prospect of a glorious reunion to those whose hearts hurt over an empty chair.

Because of death, those of us who have been separated from loved ones for many years, there will come a day when we will no longer have to wait! What an exciting day it will be! Friends I've known for a long time will be present. Around me, joy will flow like a river. But I know that simply a grin from my Savior will be glory for me throughout the ages.

The issue is that most preachers are poor communicators, and as a result, people are unaware of the blessings of Heaven. Jesus preached frequently, expressing God's love. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declared of His earthly mission, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor."

“Jesus traveled around all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, spreading the good news of the kingdom,” Matthew 9:35 states. Every day, Jesus taught the people, guiding them through the Bible and inviting them to confess their sins and live a reformed life.

The ministry of the Rhema Word always results in people's lives being transformed. The power of the written word is undeniable. This world came into being because of God's Word. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead because of the Word, and the Word restores our spiritual health and causes us to change for the better.

Jesus had a deep affection for the Scriptures when he was a child. He knew them and could teach them with authority (Luke 2:46–50). His love for the Father compelled him to read the Bible and learn about the Father's desire.

People should constantly be led to a deeper and richer knowledge of God's Word through the pastor. Note the following important spiritual benefits that the Word of God provides for us.

• We are given life through God's Word (Phil. 2:16).

• God's Word has the power to make us righteous (1 Cor. 15:1, 2).

• God's Word can bring about growth (1 Pet. 2:2).

• We are sanctified by God's Word (John 17:7).

• God's Word teaches us how to be wise (Ps. 119:98).

We frequently reduce Scripture to a collection of facts. The Scriptures, Paul tells us, offer us fresh life in Jesus. Paul commanded Timothy to pay close attention to the public reading and preaching (expounding) of the Scriptures (1 Tim. 4:13). He tells Timothy in his second epistle that the entire Bible is divinely inspired and hence valuable for "teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16).

Spiritual renewal is more important than theoretical understanding. You don't need to satisfy your curiosity, but you need a fresh heart. Before you may enjoy heavenly goods, you must receive a fresh life from above. There will be no saving good for you to discuss Jesus' authority or His mission with Him until this transformation occurs, making everything fresh.

It's time to stop reciting our beliefs and start examining the impact they have. More than information, we require spiritual rejuvenation. We must read the Bible for a new heart, not for the sake of curiosity. That expresses the core of the Word's power. Jesus never lectured sociology, politics, or psychology; instead, He preached the Bible. As a result, He possessed power and authority.

"If God truly desired for everyone to go to paradise, He could compel them to accept His free offer of eternal life." Right? I think that's true. But if you had to accept it, wouldn't you feel compelled to live for Him and obey His commands? When people are compelled to do things, things don't work out so well in partnerships. 

As a result, God does not force anybody (or anyone) to embrace Jesus as their Savior and enjoy the gift of everlasting life that He offers. He encourages others to believe and accept it. (Read 1 John 1:12) However, many people are uninterested and do not believe any of this.

Some believe that God does not want every single individual to go to paradise in the end. If He did, He'd make it happen on His own, according to the logic. But I'd want to provide you proof God does, in fact, desire every individual to get to paradise. Let's get started.

Look for someone who isn't convinced. Maybe it's even you. Now ask that individual to truly turn to the Lord and seek to know Him. To put it another way, truly beg God to pardon your sins and sincerely accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

Also, guess what? Anyone and I mean anyone, who does so genuinely will be amazed at how simple it is to reach God and, eventually, paradise. "The reason it is so simple for us to earn salvation is that it cost God so much," stated Oswald Chambers.

The proof that God wants everyone to be rescued may be found first and foremost in Scripture, which teaches this reality (2 Peter 3:9 and 1 Timothy 2:4). However, there is additional evidence. That is something that may be discovered in the human experience. This gift is given to everyone who comes to Christ in faith for salvation. Their transgressions have been forgiven. Why? Because of this, "God desires that all people be rescued and come to know the truth" (2 Timothy 1:4).

What do you think you won't discover in the world? There aren't many individuals who claim, "I went to God in repentance and trust, but He turned me down. He was not interested in me. I wasn't up to the task." That doesn't happen very often.

What is the best way for you to embrace Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Invite Jesus into your heart to become your personal Lord and Savior via prayer. "For man believes in righteousness with his heart (core being) and confesses salvation with his tongue." (Romans 10:10) "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" ( Romans 10:13).

Then Peter addressed them, saying, "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and ye will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). “Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death, that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too may live in newness of life,” Paul declared (Rom. 6:4).

Let's say a prayer! Dear Jesus, I recognize that I am a sinner on my way to hell; thus, I confess my transgressions and beg for forgiveness. I believe You died on Calvary for my sins and rose again. I repent of my wicked ways and welcome You into my heart and life. As my Lord and Savior, I want to trust and obey You. In Jesus' name, I thank You for loving me and giving me the hope of eternal life. Amen!

You're guaranteed a place in Heaven if you genuinely prayed this prayer, find a bible-believing church, and ask the pastor to have you baptized by immersion in water as a witness to your choice today; for he who believes and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:16).