Sometimes people think I’m weird. I talk about heaven so much that it makes others uncomfortable. They don’t enjoy thinking about the afterlife, but I can’t wait to experience it. C. S. Lewis expressed my sentiments when he said, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." I love that!! Earth is not my home; I was created for another permanent residence.

Lewis continues to share why it’s significant to focus on eternity, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”

I’m not afraid to die. I am afraid of a pain, but eternity doesn’t scare me. I know where I’m headed. That may sound arrogant; but it isn’t because I didn’t pay heaven’s entrance fee, someone else did.

Easter demonstrates what it cost the Savior to purchase my heavenly confidence. On Good Friday I often go back to my Catholic roots by attending the “stations of the cross.” It’s a good reminder that God has known me since my birth and childhood. It’s also provides a stark awareness of the hefty price Christ paid for my sin to be cleansed. Twenty-nine years ago I surrendered my life to Him, and accepted his gift of salvation. That’s when my name was written on heaven’s “guest list” and secured my celestial abode. Jesus already paid the ticket price—with his life. I’m confident of heaven because it’s not about me, it’s about Him.

Anyone who says they aren’t interested in heaven doesn’t understand the atmosphere. Rev 21:3-5 describes it this way, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"

Did you catch that last phrase? “Everything will be new.” Not a few things, not some things, EVERYTHING! Philippians 3:20-21 adds, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” A glorious body like His!! Count me in. (I’m pretty sure this means I won’t ever need to step on a scale, or count fat grams again!!)

In heaven we won’t cry anymore. Nobody dies. There won’t be any illness, or war, or rape, or cruelty. Are you doing the “happy dance” yet? I’m sitting here weeping as I type this. Oh Lord, I can’t wait. I’m so sick of lies, and sorrow, and cancer, and people who deliberately hurt others. I’m so tired of my own selfishness. I can’t wait to be completely free!

Here on earth, it can feel like a perpetual “Good Friday” with little hope for the future. We become weary of Satan’s hatred of us, and his non-stop temptations. We are at war! But Sunday is coming, my friend. The victory has already been won. Through the power of Christ’s death on the cross evil has been defeated. With confidence I know the tomb is—empty!

When I was a young Christian we used to sing this chorus made popular by Andrae Crouch. If you know the tune, take a minute and sing with me:

Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King.
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King
Hallelujah, Hallelujah we are going to see the King
No more cryin’ there, we are going to see the King.
No more dyin’ there, we are going to see the King.
No more cryin’ there, we are going to see the King.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah we are going to see the King. (2)

And there is no place like home. I pray I’ll see you there. Amen.

If you would like to know how to be absolutely certain of where you are going to spend eternity please contact me though this web site. I’d love to communicate with you.

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1. www.braineyquote.com/authors/cslewis
2. www.lyricsmania.com/andrecrouch