A little while ago a friend told me about an experience he had shared with someone he cared about.  That person had commented to him that they were ready to go to Heaven.  My friend then went on to share how he had kind of argued or scolded them for having such thoughts.  In my friend’s mind, it was better for this person to live.  He then went on to say to me, “Unfortunately, my comments were errantly based on the assumption that this life is better than the next.  After all, what makes Heaven so heavenly?”  Fortunately for me (and for you) he went home and found out.  So, let me share with you his findings.

Will Eternity meet my expectations?  Can Heaven deliver on its promises?

John 14:1-2 says, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

Heaven is being uniquely prepared for each of our arrivals.

Genesis 28:16 tells us that after Jacob got a glimpse of Heaven he responded, “How awesome is this place!  This is none other than the house of God.

Isaiah 14:21 tells us evil won’t be present.  It will never be mentioned again.

Isaiah 25:6 tells us there will be a feast of rich foods for all peoples.  Prejudice, bigotry, racism, class envy will all be gone.

Isaiah 35:10 tells us everlasting joy will crown our heads and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Hebrews 11:40 tells us God has prepared something better so that together we would experience perfection.

Overall, Heaven is described as:

Matthew 5:11 — A great reward

Romans 8:18 — A place where our present suffering won’t be worthy to be compared to the Heavenly glory.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 — A place where eternal glory outweighs everything.

It’s with this in mind that the Apostle Paul is able to write in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”