Topic: Three Realities About Heaven [RICK WARREN Devotional 13 July 2020]
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Three Realities About Heaven
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”
Colossians 3:1 (NLT)We have many misconceptions about what heaven is like. You won’t be an angel. You won’t have wings. You’re not going to be a little chubby cherub, wear a white robe, or float on clouds.
We need a correct view of heaven. The Bible says in Colossians 3:1, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand” (NLT).
So what does the Bible say about these “realities of heaven”?
1. Heaven is where God lives and rules. The Bible calls heaven “the dwelling place of God,” “the house of God,” and “the city of God.” It’s where God lives, but Jesus also calls heaven “the Kingdom of God” or “the Kingdom of Heaven” 31 times in Scripture.
2. Heaven is a real place. Heaven isn’t a state of mind. It isn’t a state of being. And it isn’t a place where your essence floats around like a ghost. In fact, the Bible says there will be streets, trees, water, and homes in heaven. Many Scriptures allude to the fact that animals are there. We’ll have our physical bodies, renewed through our resurrection. Matthew 6:20 says we’re storing up treasures in heaven. You can’t store up treasures in a place that isn’t real.
3. Heaven is designed for you and me. God didn’t design heaven for himself. He designed it for us. When God started thinking about earth, he started thinking about heaven. The Bible says God made the entire universe because he wanted a family to spend eternity with. Heaven is the place he’s designed for his family. We weren’t meant to live on earth. You and I were made for heaven!
When it comes to heaven, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV). The realities of heaven far exceed any of our misconceptions!
- How has your understanding of heaven changed after reading this devotional?
- Consider how this statement influences your thinking about God: “God didn’t design heaven for himself. He designed it for us. When God started thinking about earth, he started thinking about heaven.”
- What most surprised you about the three realities of heaven from this devotional?
God’s invitation is wide-open.
We live in uncertain times, but you can be certain that you will go to heaven. No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, God’s invitation is wide-open.
Are you ready? Here’s a prayer you can start with: “Dear God, I know that when I die I’m going to give an account of my life to you directly. I know I have ignored you. I confessed I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins toward you.
“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all that I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know that I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know that only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into a perfect place.
“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I ask you to save me from the sins and the habits that are messing up my life right now. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe that you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”