Some complain, I wish God had told us more definite things about heaven. Well, He has told us far more than we search out. Furthermore, as someone has put it, if we knew everything about heaven, we would be so anxious to get there that we would be of no use here.

When the Bible speaks about heaven, it is not giving empty speculation. Scripture is as inspired and trustworthy on this subject as on any other. Where have our departed loved ones gone? Indeed, where are we headed forever? These great questions need answers.

In the old days, holy men were mightily affected by their hope of heaven. They lived as strangers and pilgrims, pressing toward a better land. The Bible urges us: “set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1) Not only does heaven affect men on earth, but there is a sense in which our lives on earth affect our heavenly life, afterward.

Every Christian should be seriously concerned about heaven because of important considerations found in our text: “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (John 12:26)

I. EVERLASTING COMMUNION WITH GOD

Sin fractured man’s original walk with God. Salvation, then, is God’s way of restoring us to a relationship with Him. The grand culmination of this reconciliation is seen in verse 26, “where I AM, my servant also will be.”

The promise is “life eternal.” Jesus explains this “life” in John 17:3. “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

According to Revelation 3:20 and John 14: 23, this communion-life begins now and reaches its climax in heaven. “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory. ”

God’s plan, then, is: “in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7) Surely, this stirs the imagination! Read also Revelation 7:15 and 21:7, noticing how intimate is to be our relationship with God in heaven.

Most of us have had high spiritual experiences from time to time, but they seem not to last. Moses descended from Mt. Sinai’s glory with his face aglow, only to discover an ugly scene at the foot of the mountain. Peter seeing Jesus’ glory on
the Mount of Transfiguration wished to remain there, but soon he and the others were looking upon a demon-possessed child.

The discipline of faith requires us to walk through shadows and sorrows. However, one day there in our heavenly home we shall enjoy uninterrupted communion with our God. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16 :11)

II. DEGREES OF REWARDS

This consideration is somewhat misunderstood. First, let it be stated that we are saved only by God’s grace. God accepts us because of Christ. But, remember, other people accept Christ because of us.

Though we have sinned and offended God, He declares us right in His sight because of Jesus Christ our Savior. Thus, we gain heaven.  However, there in heaven we will meet the life we lived here on earth. Revelation 14:13 says of the dead:  “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

Now some Bible teachers say heaven’s rewards shall be equal for all men. I shall now prove this is not the case. First, notice our text speaks of the Father honoring his servants. We should anticipate great things ahead. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” Jesus instructs us. To the rich man He advised sacrificing all and becoming a disciple “and you will have treasure in heaven.” (Mark 10:21)

Furthermore, we are told repeatedly that the quality of life we choose on earth determines the quality of life we will have in heaven. Eternity’ s level of blessing for each one is not all decided. Study I Corinthians 3:10-15 and notice that some will barely be saved, where others will enter into abundant rewards. To the valiant believers who suffer persecution, Jesus says, “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.” (Luke 6:23)

Matthew 18:1-4 clearly teaches that those who are willing to be, if necessary, least on the earth are “greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Often these higher heavenly blessings are entered into through the door of suffering. It was that way with Jesus (Luke 24 :26, Hebrews 12:2), and it is that way with the Lord’s followers (James 1:12). Recently, My own heart was stirred as a missionary friend shared his experiences as a captive of enemy forces in a foreign land. He had the hard task of identifying the bullet-riddled body of a co-worker. Next, he had to tell the dead missionary’s wife.
Her reply was classic: “It has only been a short time since we left the states. We nearly decided to remain home. Now, I’m so glad that when he was taken we were where God called us! He is with Christ.”

“When I enter the Beautiful City,
And the saved all around me appear,
I want to hear somebody tell me:
‘It was YOU who invited me here.'”

III. ACTIVITY AND PROGRESS IN HEAVEN

According to theologian A. H. Strong, this final state will be in kind unchanging and in duration endless. Yet, this does not mean there will be no differences among people there. It appears also that heaven will have a great deal of challenge to it and a kind of progress.

However, this does not mean that our state in heaven is not truly perfect. We shall indeed be entirely free from sin and its evils before we ever enter God’s city. One aspect; of our great joy will be everlasting growth, development, activity. Study Revelation 22:3-5. God’s people are there pictured in happy employment or service. They are both reigning and serving. There is rest amid activity, employment without weariness.

As Jesus shows us His glory, in Himself and in the wide universe He unveils before our dazzled eyes (John 17:24), we shall embark on a life filled with ever new surprises and joy.  It will not be like looking for some new thing in a museum showcase.

Forever in heaven we will be released from the monotony of inactivity.  Life everlasting will be ours!  Claim Jesus Christ and you have a claim on heaven.