It is always assumed at funerals that loved ones have gone to heaven. However, God is the guardian of heaven, and He's laid out the only way people can receive entrance. - Clint Decker
U.S. law states, “It is unlawful for a citizen of the United States, unless excepted under 22 CFR 53.2, to enter or depart, or attempt to enter or depart, the United States, without a valid U.S. passport.” Did you know that just as a nation has laws for leaving or coming across its boarders, so God has laws on who can enter His heaven? (Image from NIV Bible)
There was once a man named John, who had a vision of this heaven. One day as he looked up and saw a door opened in the sky above, he suddenly heard a voice that said, “Come up here…” (Revelation 4:1)
What John saw when he stepped through that door was breath-taking. His attention was drawn to a large throne. What he saw was no human physical appearance. Instead, there was a supernatural form described by John in terms of colors from the most beautiful gems. Surrounding the throne were 24 smaller ones with men like John sitting upon them. Then from the throne came “flashes of lightening, and rumblings and peals of thunder…” (Rev. 4:5) In front of the throne were seven burning torches of fire, and a sea that was so placid and clear it looked like crystal. Then stationed around the throne were four creatures that kept repeating, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev. 4:8) Then John witnessed the 24 elders standing up from their thrones and falling down in worship before the Lord God saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev. 4:11)
John’s vision of heaven was of a place where Almighty God reigned. He was the chief figure, where all attention surrounded the Eternal One. John was the last of the 12 apostles, and his fellow co-workers were in heaven, yet his vision shows how he was gripped by the stunning imagery and presence of God.
What makes this picture of God so stunning? His holiness and power. No person, no other force in all of heaven and earth could challenge the power of the Lord God. He sits on His throne exalted above all.
We see God being called “holy” repeatedly. The picture of heaven itself, and God in all His beauty reveals how He is separate from all evil and perfect in every way. And as He is, so is His dwelling, which begs the question, “Who can live in such a place?”
There is the presumption that everyone who dies goes to heaven. As a minister, I have led many funerals, and it is always assumed that their loved one has gone to heaven, and are there enjoying time with other family members. Is this true? Since God is the guardian of heaven, what does He say about who gets in?
He states, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Rev. 22:14-15)
If you have placed your faith in Jesus and have been washed by the cleansing blood of Christ, you are welcomed in, that is your passport for entry. However, if you continue in your practice of disobedience against God’s law, heaven’s door will be shut and you will be refused admittance. Instead, you will be cast out of God’s sight into eternal darkness.
God desires you to be with Him and to enjoy the kingdom He has prepared for you, but you must turn from your ways and choose to follow Christ with all your heart. This is the only pathway into heaven.
A prayer for you - Lord God, the King of Heaven, draw me unto yourself. Help me to turn from my disobedience and to you. Fill my heart with the love of God and prepare me for eternity with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
There was once a man named John, who had a vision of this heaven. One day as he looked up and saw a door opened in the sky above, he suddenly heard a voice that said, “Come up here…” (Revelation 4:1)
What John saw when he stepped through that door was breath-taking. His attention was drawn to a large throne. What he saw was no human physical appearance. Instead, there was a supernatural form described by John in terms of colors from the most beautiful gems. Surrounding the throne were 24 smaller ones with men like John sitting upon them. Then from the throne came “flashes of lightening, and rumblings and peals of thunder…” (Rev. 4:5) In front of the throne were seven burning torches of fire, and a sea that was so placid and clear it looked like crystal. Then stationed around the throne were four creatures that kept repeating, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev. 4:8) Then John witnessed the 24 elders standing up from their thrones and falling down in worship before the Lord God saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev. 4:11)
John’s vision of heaven was of a place where Almighty God reigned. He was the chief figure, where all attention surrounded the Eternal One. John was the last of the 12 apostles, and his fellow co-workers were in heaven, yet his vision shows how he was gripped by the stunning imagery and presence of God.
What makes this picture of God so stunning? His holiness and power. No person, no other force in all of heaven and earth could challenge the power of the Lord God. He sits on His throne exalted above all.
We see God being called “holy” repeatedly. The picture of heaven itself, and God in all His beauty reveals how He is separate from all evil and perfect in every way. And as He is, so is His dwelling, which begs the question, “Who can live in such a place?”
There is the presumption that everyone who dies goes to heaven. As a minister, I have led many funerals, and it is always assumed that their loved one has gone to heaven, and are there enjoying time with other family members. Is this true? Since God is the guardian of heaven, what does He say about who gets in?
He states, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Rev. 22:14-15)
If you have placed your faith in Jesus and have been washed by the cleansing blood of Christ, you are welcomed in, that is your passport for entry. However, if you continue in your practice of disobedience against God’s law, heaven’s door will be shut and you will be refused admittance. Instead, you will be cast out of God’s sight into eternal darkness.
God desires you to be with Him and to enjoy the kingdom He has prepared for you, but you must turn from your ways and choose to follow Christ with all your heart. This is the only pathway into heaven.
A prayer for you - Lord God, the King of Heaven, draw me unto yourself. Help me to turn from my disobedience and to you. Fill my heart with the love of God and prepare me for eternity with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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