What do you picture heaven to be like? Naturally our minds think: streets of gold clear like glass, mansions, beauty beyond earthly comprehension, singing, white robes, crowns, friends, loved ones, grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters. Grassy hills around the city, peace, and love like we have never experienced before, no pain, no suffering, no sorrow or death, no sadness, perfect happiness, and joy. White robes saints singing and praising God for saving them from sin, God himself, and most of all Jesus his son, our Savior.
Have you ever considered what other kinds of people will be there? Likely some of them you may not feel so comfortable associating with while here on earth. There will be some who were very bad people, and some who were not so bad, and some who have been very wicked. “Is that so?” you may say. “I thought it was for good people. Bad people cannot get in there!” Well, that is true, there will be people there who have not committed terrible crimes, but no one will be there who lived perfectly, without sin, not one.
King David, an adulterer, and murderer. 2 Samuel 11-12
Peter, a denier and liar. Luke 22:31-62
Zacchaeus, a cheater, and swindler. Luke 19:1-10
The thief, who was crucified with Jesus. Luke 23:39-43
Saul, a self-righteous killer. Acts 9
A jailer, who imprisoned Paul and Silas. Acts 16:27-34
Heaven will be full of people from all nations, walks of life, both rich and poor, innocent children, sweet old grandpas and grandmas, church going fathers and mothers, as well as pedophiles, rapists, murderers, abusers, drunkards, thieves, criminals, prostitutes, cheaters, boasters, haters, proud, self-righteous, and every other type of sinner you can imagine. Revelations 5:9 How can that be? Because they are forgiven. It is not because they or we deserve forgiveness, but because of the love and redeeming grace of God. John 6:37
Saved by grace! Only by the saving grace of God! Grace, amazing grace, that saved a wretch like me[i]. Unmerited favor. Repentant sinners, saved by grace, wash clean in the blood of the Lamb. It is true that sin will never again enter heaven, yet its doors are wide open for those who repent of their sins and turn to God who’s love never fails.
The same saving grace that God extends to me, is the same grace he offers to everyone in the whole world! In heaven there will be no distinction between peoples. If we served God all our lives, or like the thief on the cross, for only a few minutes, we will all worship our risen Lord. Those who once hated each other and were bitter enemies, will bow side by side and worship. Isn’t that amazing! We truly serve an amazing God!
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:11-14 KJV
8/21/2024
[i] Amazing Grace- John Newton
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