Excitedly Awaits Eternity In Heaven

Excitedly Awaits Eternity In Heaven

A HERO’S TALE

Elijah’s work on earth was done.

He had bravely confronted two wicked kings —Ahab and his son Ahaziah —and faithfully proclaimed God’s words to wayward Israel. He had performed mighty miracles by God’s power. He had anointed his successor, Elisha, to take his place as God’s main prophet. And now, it was time to leave the world.

But Elijah wasn’t going to die. God had a special plan for him. One day, Elijah and Elisha were walking near the Jordan River. Here’s how the Bible describes what happened next: “As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven” (2 Kings 2:11). Wow, what a way to go!

God rewarded Elijah’s lifetime of faithfulness with a wonderfully unique and mysterious experience to end his time on earth. In fact, Elijah is one of only two men in the Bible whose earthly lives didn’t end in death. Do you know who the other is?

It was Enoch (see Genesis 5:23-24). Great job if you knew!

DECODING THE MESSAGE

Just as Elijah learned, this earthly life is not the end of our existence. God created humans with eternal souls. Our earthly bodies die, but our souls live forever.

When we die, our souls go to one of two places: heaven or hell. Heaven is an indescribably wonderful paradise where God dwells. Hell is a horrific destination of punishment and separation from God.

Going to heaven requires faith in Jesus. John 14:6 says no one comes to God the Father except through Jesus.

Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins, and then he rose from the dead so that you could live eternally with him. If you believe this good news of God’s salvation —the gospel —you can avoid being eternally separated from God and go to heaven, too, just like Elijah!

Maybe you’re wondering what heaven will be like. While the Bible doesn’t give us full details, the book of Revelation reveals there will be no sin or death in heaven. There won’t be any sickness, sadness, or suffering, either. Best of all, we will forever enjoy perfect, face-to-face fellowship with the Lord —the way he originally intended before sin messed up everything.

Heaven can’t come soon enough!

BATTLE PLAN

To learn more about heaven, read Revelation 21:1–22:5. Other good passages about life after death include 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.