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Probably most people would like to go to heaven. Many think that if you're good enough then God is sure to let you in.
But what is heaven like? Do those who go there sit around on clouds playing harps? And does everyone go to heaven? How does a person qualify to go to heaven?
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Mat 6:9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
The phrase "Father in heaven" was used by Jesus many times; it indicates that heaven is God's dwelling place.
1 Pet 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
Heaven is where God keeps the inheritance of those who follow Christ.
Phil 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,
As believers in Christ, heaven is the real place of our citizenship, and therefore the "country" that deserves our primary loyalty.
Heb 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Heaven is the final destination of those who follow Christ.
1 Pet 3:21-22 There is also an antitype which now saves us; baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (22) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
Heaven is where Jesus went to after His resurrection.
Mark 16:19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
1 Pet 3:21-22 There is also an antitype which now saves us; baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (22) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
Ps 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
The above statements by Mark and Peter show that "the right hand of God" is in heaven.
The psalmist tells us that at the right hand of God (in heaven) are "pleasures forevermore".
Therefore, heaven is a place of eternal pleasure.
Rev 21:1-4 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. (2) Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (3) And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. (4) And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
Heaven is a place where there is no more pain, crying, sorrow or death.
1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
Heaven is a place which is beyond imagination.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
To get into heaven, a person has to be born again.
Eph 2:4-9 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (6) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (7) that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast.
The right to enter heaven comes through faith in the completed work of Christ on the cross, which bought for us complete salvation.
It is not possible to earn the right to heaven; it is the result of the grace of God.
If you like these Topical Bible Studies, don't forget to check out our Expository Bible Studies too.