THINGS THAT WON'T BE IN HEAVEN

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Like most Christians I have often considered the benefits of heaven, and the myriad of wonderful things of which it will be composed. And while I don’t think I’ve ever heard a sermon on the subject, scripture speaks to a few things which will not be present in that marvelous place.

The Unrighteous

God sent His Son Jesus Christ to the earth in order to bear witness to the existence of His Heavenly Father, and to die for the sins of the unrighteous.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1^st Corinthians 6:9)

There are any number of scriptures which assure us that only believers will be permitted within the confines of heaven.

Sin

Scripture speaks of God’s awareness of wrong doing, and contains countless admonitions against such behavior.

“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23)

“Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil,

And canst not look on iniquity.” (Habakkuk 1:13)

 

“I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts; that they may not turn from me.” (Jeremiah 32:40)

We are assured that no sin or iniquity will be tolerated in heaven, and that those who enter in are of one mind and one spirit in their love for the King of kings and Lord of lords.

 

Tears

God knows we endure many circumstances in this life which bring us to tears, and that we have more than enough about which to grieve.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (Rev. 21:4)

The promise of a heavenly home, devoid of anything which brings tears to our eyes, is a joyful promise, indeed.

Hunger & Thirst

Is there anything more sad and compelling than a photograph of a malnourished child? It is a heart-rending sight.

“Never again will they hunger;
 never again will they thirst.” (Rev. 7:16)

Thank God for a place where hunger and thirst will be vanquished forevermore.

Heat

Every one of us have been exposed to heat, and realize its potential consequences.

“The sun will not beat down on them,
 nor any scorching heat.” (Rev. 7:16)

The thermostat of heaven will be set at the perfect temperature.

Hurtful Memories

Unless we have sustained an unexpected blow on the head, and developed amnesia, we are all subject to hurtful memories.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind.” (Isaiah 65:17)

Thankfully, at the time of our passing we will joyfully surrender any remembrance of the things which once brought us pain.

Disease

We have all known someone who contracted cancer or some other life-threatening disease, and in some cases have succumbed to it.

^“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

It is sown in dishonor. It is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.” (1^st Cor. 15:42-43)

Neither colds nor cancer will be permitted in our eternal home.

Pain

Life is full of emotional and physical pain.

“There will be no mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)

“For I reckon the suffering of this present time isn’t worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

Those catalysts which promote emotional and physiological pain will be absent in heaven.

Health Insurance

Even as I write these words our congress is considering the crucial issue of health insurance.

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (2^nd Cor. 4:17)

Since there will be neither sickness nor pain in heaven, health insurance applications, physicians, and emergency rooms will not be found there.

Death

Each of us have been exposed to the acute pain which accompanies the death of a friend or loved one.

“There will be no more death.” (Rev. 21:4)

Jesus gave His life to redeem His fallen creation, and will reward us with eternal life; which He purchased with His own blood.

Funerals

With the passing of years we are plagued by a growing accumulation of funeral services.

“It is appointed unto man once to die…” (Hebrews 9:27)

Death will wrap itself in the garments of Life, and Despair will be cloaked in Victory.

(and “one more for the road.”)

Mosquitoes

We have all wondered why mosquitoes were invented in the first place.

“If we walk in the light as He is in the light we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” (1^st John 1:7)

"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him…” (1^st John 3:2)

Note: Since Jesus shed, as we believe, every ounce of His blood on the cross, we can assume that His gloried body is flesh and bone. Since we will be like Him we can assume our glorified body will also be comprised of flesh and bone. As glorified human beings mosquitoes would, therefore, find nothing desirable about us.

 

And thus, we can be sure that the foregoing things shall never be found in heaven.

by William McDonald, PhD