OUR FATHER'S HEAVEN has many rooms which are being prepared for our occupancy.
Jesus spoke these words on the night before his crucifixion: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. In my Father's house are many rooms; [KJV mansions] ... I am going there to prepare a place for you." John 14:2. [And for all people who trust Jesus as their Savior from the consequences of sin.]
OUR FATHER'S HEAVEN has your room reserved. By divine inspiration the Apostle Peter reveals the following. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, ..." I Peter 1:3-4.
OUR FATHER'S HEAVEN has rewards. Our earthly experience has times of recognition which is scheduled as "awards night." There is no night in heaven. "The city [New Jerusalem] does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it , for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. ... On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there is no night there." Revelation 21:23 & 25. Rewards are in the Light. Jesus speaks, “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy because great is your reward in heaven...” Luke 6:22-23. Jesus speaks again, “Behold. I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” In addition to rewards there is recompensation. “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:13-14.
OUR FATHER’S HEAVEN has our names written there. Luke 10:17 & 20, “The seventy-two returned with joy, ‘Lord even the demons submit to us in your name.’ ... Jesus replied. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” The third stanza of the hymn “Is My Name Written There” says
O that beautiful city with its mansions of light, With its glorified beings in pure garments of white; Where no evil thing cometh to despoil what is fair, Where the angels are watching—yes, my name’s written there.
Refrain: Yes, my name’s written there, On the page white and fair; In the book of Thy kingdom, Yes, my name’s written there!
OUR FATHER’S HEAVEN is where we will be. Revelation 21:3-5, “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! ...Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
OUR FATHER’S HEAVEN is eternal, forever. We “check in” but we don’t “check out”. There won’t be any “stay 2 nights and the 3rd night free.” It will be John 3:16 fulfilled.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Let us sing.
Therefore I murmur not, Heaven is my home;
What-e’er my earthly lot, Heaven is my home;
And I shall surely stand There at my Lord’s right hand.
Heaven is my father-land, Heaven is my home.
Thank You God for calling us by Your Grace through the Redeeming work of Jesus to be Your people here and in heaven. SOLI DEO GLORIA.
Ken Ollek, Chaplain, Retired.