Sermon Series: Heavenward

Can We Only Imagine?

October 12, 2024

Opening Monologue

Welcome to Week 1 of our Fall Sermon Series Titled: “Heavenward.” “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 3:14)

The first thing I want to remind everyone is that this is a Sermon Series … meaning, many sermons will be preached to unpack the gloriousness of Heaven. I can promise you this… if you dedicate yourself (or families) to listening to each sermon; you will be more excited about heaven than ever before!

In the famous Christian Song, the theme repeats itself… that we can only imagine what heaven will be like. (BTW: I think it’s a beautiful song) Anyways, we don’t have to imagine or wonder about the realities and splendor of heaven. The Bible has much to say about untapped topic.

In the Sermon I talk about what a Sunday School teacher taught the class about her thoughts on heaven. Honestly, I don’t think it’s out of the realm of what many of us may think. Playing harps, growing a set of wings, and bouncing around on the clouds… while worshipping 24/7 for eternity. Some of this might be accurate… but it’s at best, a very narrow view that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the splendor and glory of heaven itself.

My encouragement to you is; “buckle up” in a good way and be prepared to learn new and exciting things Gods Word tells us about heaven.

Jesus said: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms(mansions); if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3)

Some of this week’s topics include:

What happens to Humanity when we die? What happens to Christians when they die? Will we know other people… Please tune in… it’s better in person, however, do what you need to :)
Let’s take this adventure together, as we march heavenward.

Blessings in Christ!

Rev. Brad Standfest

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Key Sermon Text

Philippians 3:14
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203%3A14&version=NIV

John 14:1-3
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014%3A1-3%20&version=NIV

Extra Biblical Understanding of Heaven/ Heaven is God’s throne & abode

The God of Israel is described metaphorically as sitting upon a throne (Is 66:1). The vision of God seated on a throne as seen in prophetic visions is described by Micaiah (1 Kgs 22:19), Isaiah (6:1–3), Ezekiel (1:4–28; 10:1), and Daniel (7:9–10). Later, Ezekiel’s vision of the throne of God was of major significance in Jewish “throne mysticism.” In Revelation 4 the throne of God is flanked by the 24 thrones of the elders, surrounded by an emerald rainbow and seven torches, with a crystal sea in front, and four living creatures on each side.
Usually, God’s throne is spoken of as being in heaven (Ps 11:4; Mt 5:34), but Jerusalem (Jer 3:17), the temple (Ez 43:6–7), or the nation of Israel (Jer 14:21) may be called the throne of God. The concept of Christ’s throne is rare in the OT (Is 9:7; Jer 17:25) but common in the NT (Lk 1:32; Acts 2:30). This throne symbolizes Christ’s kingship and authority. (Walter A. Elwell and Philip Wesley Comfort, Tyndale Bible Dictionary, Tyndale Reference Library)

The concept that “Heaven is God’s throne” is an important theological truth found in Scripture. As mentioned in Isaiah 66:1, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?’” This verse portrays God’s transcendence and His absolute authority over all creation.

To understand this, consider the imagery of a throne, which signifies rulership, authority, and sovereignty. By describing heaven as His throne, the Bible conveys that God reigns supreme over the universe. It underscores His omnipotence and the reality that He is above all earthly powers and rulers.

Furthermore, in Matthew 5:34-35, Jesus reiterates this concept during His Sermon on the Mount: “But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.” This reinforces the understanding that heaven is where God’s presence is most fully realized and where His will is perfectly enacted.

This understanding invites us to approach God with reverence and humility, recognizing His grand sovereignty and the privilege of being part of His creation. It also assures us of His ultimate control and the hope that His kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven.

Heaven is the abode of God, his “holy habitation” (Deut 26:15); it is also the future abode of the redeemed.

Heaven as the literal sky. The very first verse in Scripture speaks of God creating “the heavens,” the literal sky and and those celestial bodies visible through it—sun, moon, stars (cf. Ps 8:3; Deut 17:3). “Every bird of the heavens” is brought to Adam to be named (Gen 2:19). The people of Israel are “numerous as the stars of heaven” (Deut 10:22).

Heaven as the abode of God. But not much later in the book of Genesis, “heaven” seems to be something more, something even higher than the stars. The angel of the Lord calls to Abraham “from heaven” (Gen 22:11, 15). The Lord is subsequently said to be “the God of heaven” (Gen 24:3, 7). Surely God does not live among the clouds or the stars—“heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain [God]” (1 Kgs 8:27). Deuteronomy confirms that “heaven” is indeed something more, calling on God to “look down from your holy habitation, from heaven” (Deut 26:15). Solomon in his prayer of dedication at the temple in 1 Kings says to the Lord, “Listen in heaven your dwelling place” (1 Kgs 8:30). David says, “The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man” (Ps 14:2; cf. Isa 63:15). Heaven is God’s throne (Ps 103:10; Isa 66:1). Jesus prays to “our Father in heaven” (Matt 6:9). And it was a “voice from heaven” that validated him at the launch of his public ministry (Matt 3:17). Jesus called himself “he who descended from heaven” (John 3:13), and of course it was “up into heaven” that he was taken at his ascension (Acts 1:11). The holy places in the earthly tabernacle and temple were only “copies of the true things” in heaven (Heb 9:24).

Heaven as the abode of angels. God is not alone in heaven. Jacob has a divinely given dream in which angels ascend a ladder that “reached to heaven” (Gen 28:12). The prophet Micaiah likewise saw a vision of the Lord “sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him” (1 Kgs 22:19). Isaiah had a similar but more specific vision, seeing particular angels (seraphim) and hearing what they proclaimed around the divine throne: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!” (Isa 6:2). (Mark Ward, “Heaven,” in Lexham Survey of Theology, ed. Mark Ward et al.)

Creator of Heaven and Earth
The belief that God is the maker of heaven and earth is central to the Christian faith. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God is the Creator of all things, both seen and unseen. Here are some key passages and a summary of this belief:

Summary:
God, as the Creator, is the source of all life and existence. This foundational belief underscores God’s sovereignty, power, and authority over all creation. It also emphasizes the intentionality and purpose behind the universe and everything in it, affirming that creation is an expression of God’s will and love.

Key Passages:

1.Genesis 1:1-2:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

2.Psalm 33:6-9:
“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.”

3.John 1:3:
“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”

4.Colossians 1:16:
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

Commentary:

Philippians 3:14 (Heavenward)
(Heavenward) Greak Word: Ano; meaning- up, upward, above, on high, of the quarters of the heaven, northward

3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. As a runner straining every effort toward the finish line, Paul pressed on toward the goal. In Greek athletic games, the winner’s prize was a garland or palm branch. While Paul didn’t identify the prize, it seems from his writing above that the prize refers to gaining full knowledge of Jesus Christ (see also 1 Corinthians 9:24; 2 Timothy 4:7–8). Paul aimed to win the prize, but all who finish the race win it as well. The full knowledge of Christ is the final prize for which believers gladly lay aside all else. The ultimate goal/ prize is the victory of heaven
Scholars have presented several views for the meaning of the heavenly call, also translated “called me heavenward” (NIV) or the “upward call” (NASB). The Greek words ano kleseos literally mean “high or upward calling.”
• The call to God’s eternal presence. The NIV “called me heavenward” would support this view.
• Other scholars have seen it to mean the call to be saved. First Thessalonians 2:12 says, “Live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (NIV). God’s call on the apostle occurred on the road to Damascus. Paul answered that call and had been in the race ever since. Every believer, not just Paul, receives this call of God to salvation (1 Corinthians 1:26; 7:20; Ephesians 1:18; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:9). God summons the person out of a life of sinful rebellion upward into a life of fellowship with himself based on what Christ Jesus has done.
• Still other scholars connect it to the high purpose or high vocation of Paul as apostle. Hebrews 3:1 says, “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess” (NIV). This view, as well as the previous one, equates the nature of the prize with the substance of the calling, making “of the calling” equal to “the prize.”
• Yet because of Paul’s use of the metaphor of athletic games, it seems more natural to understand the “call” as the calling of athletes up to the winner’s stand. Thus, the heavenly call is the summons to win the victor’s prize of salvation. Salvation is heavenward in Christ Jesus. One could also say the prize is knowing Christ and the reward is Heaven; however, this is just a play on words.

The concept of “heavenward” or focusing on heaven is a central theme in Christian theology. The Bible provides numerous passages that encourage believers to fix their eyes on heavenly things and live with eternity in mind. Here are a few key passages that support this theology:

1. Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV): “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This passage encourages believers to prioritize heavenly values over earthly concerns.

2. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV): “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus teaches about the importance of focusing on eternal treasures.

3. Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV): “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” This passage reminds believers of their heavenly citizenship and the hope of transformation.

4. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV): “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Paul speaks of focusing on eternal glory rather than temporary struggles.

These passages encourage a life oriented towards heaven, emphasizing spiritual growth, eternal values, and the hope of glory with Christ. May you find encouragement and strength as you set your heart and mind on things above.

John 14:1-4

14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled.” In the Greek, the pronoun your is plural; therefore, Jesus was speaking to Peter (whose denial of Jesus had just been predicted—see 13:38) and to all the other disciples. According to Luke, Jesus had told Peter, “Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat …” (Luke 22:31 NRSV). All of the disciples must have been troubled about Jesus’ predictions of betrayal, denial, and departure. After all, if Peter’s commitment was shaky, then every disciple should be aware of his own weaknesses.

“Trust in God; trust also in me.” Jesus urged his disciples to maintain their trust in the Father and in the Son, to continue trusting through the next few very difficult days. Jesus later told the disciples why he gave them glimpses of the future that would soon follow: “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe” (14:29 NIV). They would not need to be afraid because all that he promised would come true.

14:2 “In my Father’s house are many rooms.” The traditional interpretation of this phrase teaches that Jesus is going to heaven to prepare rooms or “mansions” (NKJV) for his followers. Based on that imagery, entire heavenly subdivisions and elaborate “mansion blueprints” have been described. Many commentators think that Jesus was speaking about his Father’s house in heaven, where he would go after his resurrection in order to prepare rooms for his followers. Then he would return one day to take his believers to be with him in heaven. The day of that return usually has been regarded as the Second Coming.

The other view is that the passage primarily speaks of the believers’ immediate access to God the Father through the Son. The “place” Jesus was preparing has less to do with a location (heaven) as it had to do with an intimate relationship with a person (God the Father). This interpretation does not deny the comfort of heaven’s hope in this passage, but it does remove the temptation to view heaven purely in terms of glorious mansions. Heaven is not about splendid accommodations; it is about being with God. The point of the passage is that Jesus is providing the way for the believers to live in God the Father. As such, the way he prepared the place was through his own death and resurrection and thereby opened the way for the believers to live in Christ and approach God.

According to this view, the Father’s house is not a heavenly mansion, but Christ himself in whom all the believers reside. By expansion, the Father’s house is Christ and the church (see 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Ephesians 2:20–22; Hebrews 3:2). The believers don’t have to wait until the Second Coming to live in this house; once Christ rose from the dead he brought them into a new, living relationship with God (see 20:19–23). He would be the means whereby the believers could come to dwell in the Father and the Father in them. As such, the promise in 14:2–3 relates to the corporate fellowship that would be possible through Christ’s departure and return in the Spirit. In this view, the “many rooms” would be the many members of God’s household. Christ went to prepare a place for each member in God’s household (1 Chronicles 17:9)—the preparation was accomplished by his death and resurrection.

TRUST IN ME?

When we face troubling times we often feel overwhelmed by fear, doubts, grief, and conflict. Our outer resources may evaporate and our inner strength may prove inadequate. Though faced with possible or certain failure, we have assurances in Jesus’ words to remain calm and hopeful:

• God is trustworthy, and he has sent Christ, who is also trustworthy, to us. No one else deserves our trust.
• God has a gracious welcome and plenty of space in his “house.” We need not fear exclusion or separation from him.
• Jesus spoke the truth. His description of the future was realistic. He has never been proven wrong. We can rely on both Jesus’ teaching and his promises.
• Jesus did exactly what he said he would do, return to the disciples after the Resurrection. In so doing, he guaranteed our entrance into God’s presence and our place in God’s house.
• Jesus is always with us, and someday we will be face to face with him. Whatever the future holds, Jesus promised to be our companion. We know who Jesus is and how much he loves us.

The Greek word for “rooms” (monai) could be better translated “abodes” because it shares the same root as the Greek word for “abide” (meno). It simply means “a dwelling place.” The word mansions in the NKJV is misleading because it connotes spacious, luxurious houses. Incidentally, early in church history Origen made popular a similar belief that Jesus was speaking of “stages” or levels of heaven, through which believers advanced as they continued to “develop.” But Jesus’ words imply no value judgment between “rooms.” The “prepared place” is with Christ.

“If it were not so, I would have told you.” Jesus’ words give us great encouragement. Throughout his life he had warned the disciples of opposition (see 16:2). He never held back the truth from them. Because he always told the truth, we can trust him with our future as well.

14:3 “I go and prepare a place for you.” According to what has been discussed in 14:1–2, there are two ways to understand this statement. Either Jesus was speaking of preparing heavenly dwellings for the future life of the believers, or Jesus was preparing the way for the believers to live in God. Of course, the two views are not mutually exclusive. Now, we live in God because of our living relationship with Christ; in eternity we will live with Christ in the glory he shares with the Father. Eternal life begins in Christ now, not just at some future date when we get to heaven.

In either interpretation, Jesus offers spiritual comfort that begins immediately when we believe. And his Father’s many-roomed house represents gracious welcome and provision for us as we live in union with him.

ETERNITY TODAY

There are few verses in Scripture that describe eternal life, but these few verses are rich with promises. Here Jesus says, “I go to prepare a place for you,” and “I will come again.” We can look forward to eternal life because Jesus has promised it to all who believe in him. But we can actually begin to enjoy eternal life now, for it became ours the moment we believed in Jesus. We can live today with a new destiny in mind. Although we do not know all the details of eternity, we need not fear because Jesus is preparing us to share with him the eternity that he and the Father have prepared for us.

“I will come again and receive you to Myself.” There are three ways to understand this: (1) Jesus’ coming again to the disciples would be realized in a short while. This is confirmed by 16:16, “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me” (NKJV)—note the similar use of again. When Jesus said, “I will come again,” that coming again occurred on the day of his resurrection. (2) Jesus’ “coming again” is the Second Coming. (3) This “coming again” refers to both the Resurrection and the Second Coming—the former foreshadowing the latter. Those who hold this view, therefore, extract a double meaning from Jesus’ words in verses 2 and 3; they say the passage speaks both of the believers being brought into the risen Christ as the many “rooms” in the Father’s house, and of the believers being brought by the returned Christ into the Father’s house in heaven. It does seem that both meanings merge. Christ has us completely in his care.

14:4 “Where I go you know, and the way you know.” This statement anticipated Thomas’s question (in the next verse) and prepared the groundwork for what Jesus was about to teach regarding himself. Jesus was not naively hoping his disciples understood; he was inviting them to declare their ignorance so they might receive the truth. (Bruce B. Barton, John, Life Application Bible Commentary)

What happens to Humanity when they die?
• When we die, we face judgment (Heb. 9:27)
• We must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ…we will receive what is due to us for things we have done- good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10)
• Those whose names are Not written in the Lambs Book of life will either enter heaven or hell (Rev. 20:11-15, 21:27)

What Happens to Christians when they Die?
• Angels usher your soul into heaven… Yes, you get an escort into heaven. (Luke 16:22)
• We are immediately ushered into the Presence of God (2 Cor. 5:1-8)
• We will participate in a magnificent Worship Service. (Rev. 7)
• You will be reunited with lost loved ones and you will recognize people you know. (Mt. 17:1-7)
• We will enter a perfect garden (paradise) which means walled garden (Lk. 23: 43)

Biblical Understanding on the Judgment of God (Believers & Unbelievers)

The Nature of the Final Judgment
Jesus Christ Will Be the Judge. Paul speaks of “Jesus Christ who is to judge the living and the dead” (2 Tim. 4:1). Peter says that Jesus Christ “is the one ordained by God to be the judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42; compare 17:31; Matt. 25:31 - 33). This right to act as judge over the whole universe is something that the Father has given to the Son: “The Father… has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man” (John 5:26-27).

Unbelievers Will Be Judged.
It is clear that all unbelievers will stand before Christ for judgment, for this judgment includes “the dead, great and small” (Rev. 20:12), and Paul says that on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed, “he will render to every man according to his works… for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury” (Rom. 2:5-7).

This judgment of unbelievers will include degrees of punishment, for we read that the dead were judged “by what they had done” (Rev. 20:12, 13), and this judgment according to what people had done must therefore involve an evaluation of the works that people have done. Similarly, Jesus says:”And that servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating” (Luke 12:47 -48).

When Jesus says to the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida, “It shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you (Matt. 11:22; compare v. 24), or when he says that the scribes “will receive the greater condemnation” (Luke 20:47), he implies that there will be degrees of punishment on the last day.
In fact, every wrong deed done will be remembered and taken account of in the punishment that is meted out on that day, because “on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter” (Matt. 12:36). Every word spoken, every deed done will be brought to light and receive judgment: “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Eccl. 12:14).

As these verses indicate, on the day of judgment the secrets of people’s hearts will be revealed and made public. Paul speaks of the day when “God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus” (Rom. 2:16; compare Luke 8:17). “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops” (Luke 12:2-3).

** Believers Will Be Judged. (Important)**
In writing to Christians Paul says, “We shall all stand before the judgment seat of God… Each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom.14:10, 12). He also tells the Corinthians, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10; cf. Rom. 2:6-11; Rev. 20:12, 15). In addition, the picture of the final judgment in Matthew 25:31-46 includes Christ separating the sheep from the goats, and rewarding those who receive his blessing.

It is important to realize that this judgment of believers will be a judgment to evaluate and bestow various degrees of reward (see below), but the fact that they will face such a judgment should never cause believers to fear that they will be eternally condemned. Jesus says, “He who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” (John5:24). Here “judgment” must be understood in the sense of eternal condemnation and death since it is contrasted with passing from death into life. At the day of final judgment more than at any other time, it is of utmost importance that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). Thus, the day of judgment can be portrayed as one in which believers are rewarded and unbelievers are punished:
“The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.” (Rev. 11:18)

Will all the secret words and deeds of believers, and all their sins, also be revealed on that last day? We might at first think so, because Paul says that when the Lord comes he will “bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his commendation from God” (1 Cor. 4:5; compare Col. 3:25). However, this is a context that talks about “commendation,” or praise , that comes from God, so it may not refer to sins.
And other verses suggest that God will never again call our sins to remembrance:
“You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (Mic. 7:19); “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103:12); “I will not remember your sins” (Isa. 43:25); “I will remember their sins no more” (Heb. 8:12;
compare 10:17).

Scripture also teaches that there will be degrees of reward for believers. Paul encourages the Corinthians to be careful how they build the church on the foundation that has already been laid —Jesus Christ himself.
“Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw — each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Cor. 3:12-15)

Paul similarly says of Christians that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10), again implying degrees of reward for what we have done in this life. Likewise, in the parable of the pounds, the one who made ten pound more was told, “You shall have authority over ten cities,” and the one whose pound had made five pounds more was told, “And you are to be over five cities” (Luke 19:17, 19).
Many other passages likewise teach or imply degrees of reward for believers at the final judgement.

  But we must guard against misunderstanding here: Even though there will be degrees of reward in heaven, the joy of each person will be full and complete for eternity. If we ask how this can be when there are different degrees of reward, it simply shows that our perception of happiness is based on the assumption that happiness depends on what we possess or the status or power that we have. In actuality, however, our true happiness consists in delighting in God and rejoicing in the status and recognition that he has given us. The foolishness of thinking that only those who have been highly rewarded and given great status will be fully happy in heaven is seen when we realize that no matter how great a reward we are given, there will always be those with greater rewards, or who have higher status and authority, including the apostles, the heavenly creatures, and Jesus Christ and God himself. Therefore if highest status were essential for people to be fully happy, no one but God would be fully happy in heaven, which is certainly an incorrect idea. Moreover, those with greater reward and honor in heaven, those nearest the throne of God, delight not in their status but only in the privilege of falling down before God's throne to worship him (see Rev. 4:10 - 11).
 It would be morally and spiritually beneficial for us to have a greater consciousness of this clear New Testament teaching on degrees of heavenly reward. Rather than making us competitive with one another, it would cause us to help and encourage one another that we all may increase our heavenly reward, for God has an infinite capacity to bring blessing to us all, and we are all members of one another (cf. 1 Cor. 12:26-27). We would more eagerly heed the admonition of the author of Hebrews,

“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24-25). Moreover, in our own lives a heartfelt seeking of future heavenly reward would motivate us to work wholeheartedly for the Lord at whatever task he calls us to, whether great or small, paid or unpaid. It would also make us long for his approval rather than for wealth or success. It would motivate us to work at building up the church on the one foundation, Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:10- 15).

(Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology)

IS APPEARING BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST A FINAL EXAM FOR HEAVEN?
While Christ does evaluate our works, our appearance before the judgment seat is not an entrance exam for heaven. Our sins have been paid in full by Christ at Calvary, so any works of man do not qualify us for acceptance to that eternal resting place. The judgment seat of Christ is where you will be rewarded for your Christian service as a believer after you have entered into heaven. (David Jeremiah, Answers to Your Questions about Heaven)

Hell

It is appropriate to discuss the doctrine of hell in connection with the doctrine of final judgment. We may define hell as follows: Hell is a place of eternal conscious punishment for the wicked. Scripture teaches in several passages that there is such a place. At the end of the parable of the talents, the master says, “Cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth” (Matt. 25:30). This is one among several indications that there will be consciousness of punishment after the final judgment.

Similarly, at the judgment the king will say to some, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41), and Jesus says that those thus condemned “will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matt. 25:46). In this text, the parallel between “eternal life” and “eternal punishment” indicates that both states will be without end?

Jesus refers to hell as “the unquenchable fire” (Mark 9:43), and says that hell is a place
“where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:48) The story of the rich man and Lazarus also indicates a horrible consciousness of punishment:

“The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom, and he called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.” (Luke 16:22-24)

He then begs Abraham to send Lazarus to his father’s house, “for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment” (Luke 16:28).
When we turn to Revelation, the descriptions of this eternal punishment are also very explicit:
If anyone worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also shall drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger, and he shall be tormented with fire and sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.
(Rev. 14:9- 11)

This passage very clearly affirms the idea of eternal conscious punishment of unbelievers.

With respect to the argument from the love of God, the same difficulty in reconciling God’s love with eternal punishment would seem to be present in reconciling God’s love with the idea of divine punishment at all, and, conversely, if (as Scripture abundantly testifies) it is consistent for God to punish the wicked for a certain length of time after the last judgment, then there seems to be no necessary reason why it would be inconsistent of God to inflict the same punishment for an unending period of time.

This kind of reasoning may lead some people to adopt another kind of annihilationism, one in which there is no conscious suffering at all, not even for a brief time, and the only punishment is that unbelievers cease to exist after they die. But, in response, it may be wondered whether this kind of immediate annihilation can really be called a punishment, since there would be no consciousness of pain. In fact, the guarantee that there would be a cessation of existence would seem to many people, especially those who are suffering and in difficulty in this life, to be in some ways a desirable alternative. And if there was no punishment of unbelievers at all, even people like Hitler and Stalin would have nothing coming to them, and there would be no ultimate justice in the universe.
Then people would have great incentive to be as wicked as possible in this life.

The argument that eternal punishment is unfair (because there is a disproportion between temporary sin and eternal punishment) wrongly assumes that we know the extent of the evil done when sinners rebel against God. David Kingdon observes that
“sin against the Creator is heinous to a degree utterly beyond our sin-warped imaginations’ [ability] to conceive of… Who would have the temerity to suggest to God what the punishment … should be?”14 He also responds to this objection by suggesting that unbelievers in hell may go on sinning and receiving punishment for their sin, but never repenting, and notes that Revelation 22:11 points in this direction: “Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy.”15

At this point, moreover, an argument based on God’s justice may be brought against annihilationism. Does the short time of punishment envisaged by the annihilationist actually pay for all of the unbeliever’s sin and satisfy God’s justice? If it does not, then God’s justice has not been satisfied and the unbeliever should not be annihilated. But if it does, then the unbeliever should be allowed to go to heaven, and he or she should not be annihilated. In either case, annihilationism is not necessary or right.
Regarding the fourth argument, while evil that remains unpunished does detract from God’s glory in the universe, we also must realize that when God punishes evil and triumphs over it, the glory of his justice, righteousness, and power to triumph over all opposition will be seen (see Rom. 9;17, 22-24). The depth of the riches of God’s mercy will also then be revealed, for all redeemed sinners will recognize that they too deserve such punishment from God and have avoided it only by God’s grace through Jesus Christ (cf. Rom. 9:23 - 24):
Yet after all this has been said, we have to admit that the ultimate resolution of the depths of this question lies far beyond our ability to understand and remains hidden in the counsels of God. Were it not for the scriptural passages cited above which so clearly
affirm eternal conscious punishment, annihilationism might seem to us to be an attractive option. Though annihilationism can be countered by theological arguments, it is ultimately the clarity and forcefulness of the passages themselves that convince us that annihilationism is incorrect and that Scripture does indeed teach the eternal conscious punishment of the wicked. 16

What are we to think of this doctrine? It is hard— and it should be hard — for us to think of this doctrine today. If our hearts are never moved with deep sorrow when we contemplate this doctrine, then there is a serious deficiency in our spiritual and emotional sensibilities. When Paul thinks of the lostness of his kinsmen the Jews, he says, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart” (Rom. 9:2). This is consistent with what God tells us of his own sorrow at the death of the wicked: “As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezek.
33:11). And Jesus’ agony is evident as he cries out, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken and desolate” (Matt. 23:37-38; cf. Luke 19:41-42).

The reason it is hard for us to think of the doctrine of hell is because God has put in our hearts a portion of his own love for people created in his image, even his love for sinners who rebel against him. As long as we are in this life, and as long as we see and think about others who need to hear the gospel and trust in Christ for salvation, it should cause us great distress and agony of spirit to think about eternal punishment. Yet we must also realize that whatever God in his wisdom has ordained and taught in Scripture is right. Therefore we must be careful that we do not hate this doctrine or rebel against it, but rather we should seek, insofar as we are able, to come to the point where we acknowledge that eternal punishment is good and right, because in God there is no unrighteousness at all.

It may help us to realize that if God were not to execute eternal punishment, then, apparently, his justice would not be satisfied and his glory would not be furthered in the way he deems wise. And it will perhaps also help us to realize that from the perspective of the world to come there is a much greater recognition of the necessity and rightness of eternal punishment. Martyred believers in heaven are heard by John to cry out, “O sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell upon the earth?” (Rev. 6:10). Moreover, at the final destruction of Babylon, the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven cries out with praise to God for the rightness of his judgment as they finally see the heinous nature of evil for what it really is:

Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; he has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication, and he has avenged on her the blood of his servants…. Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”(Rev. 19:1 - 3)

As soon as this happened, “the 24 elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who is seated on the throne, saying, ‘Amen. Hallelujah!’” (Rev. 19:4). We cannot say that this great multitude of the redeemed and the living creatures in heaven have wrong moral judgment when they praise God for executing justice on evil, for they are all free from sin and their moral judgments are pleasing to God.

In this present age, however, we should only approach such a celebration of the justice of God in the punishment of evil when we meditate on the eternal punishment given to Satan and his demons. When we think of them we do not instinctively love them, though they too were created by God. But now they are fully devoted to evil and beyond the potential of redemption. So we cannot long for their salvation as we long for the redemption of all humanity. We must believe that eternal punishment is true and just, yet we should also long that even those people who most severely persecute the church should come to faith in Christ and thus escape eternal condemnation.

(Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology)

God’s will is for all to have eternal life through Jesus Christ. This is beautifully captured in John 3:16 : “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God’s love is so profound that He offers salvation to all who believe in His Son. It is a message of hope and redemption, emphasizing His desire for everyone to come to repentance and embrace the gift of eternal life.

Resources: Rev. Brad Standfest, Logos Bible Program Walter A. Elwell and Philip Wesley Comfort, Tyndale Bible Dictionary, Bruce B. Barton, John, Life Application Bible Commentary, David Jeremiah, Answers to Your Questions about Heaven, Mark Ward, “Heaven,” in Lexham Survey of Theology, ed. Mark Ward et al.

Sermon Notes:

Today is Week 1 of a Sermon Series Titled: Heavenward… Can We Only Imagine?

Our Main Text is Philippians 3:14: I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

When I was a child in Sunday School another classmate asked: What would Heaven be like…

I just remember being told the following 3 Things:
Teacher said: “You are going to be allowed to bounce on the clouds…”
Teacher said: “We are going to have Angels wings and be able to fly like an airplane”
Teacher said: “God is going to be in Heaven and we get to worship Him”

If someone asked you what Heaven was going to be like… What would you say?
This may shock you… But many Christians don’t think about Heaven, nor do they find Joy in discussing it…

Theologian Alcorn said this: “A Pastor… A Trained Pastor in Christianity once confessed to me… Randy, whenever I think about heaven it makes me depressed. I would rather cease to exist- Why I asked? I can’t stand the thought of endlessly doing the same thing over & over again. To float around on the clouds with nothing to do but strum a harp… it’s all so terribly boring.” (Alcorn Pg. 6)

This Pastors response sounds Pretty Bad… But let’s be honest we have some very Mixed Views of Heaven ourselves

We tend to say stuff like this…

Before I go to Heaven, I want to Build that Log Cabin in the Mountains… I want to Retire and Enjoy what I Worked for…I want to see my Grandkids… Buy a Boat, a Harley, Etc.… (I have said this)

In reality what we are really saying is… All that Stuff is better than Heaven…

Read John 14:1-3

Anthropology is the study of Humanity including Ancient Civilizations

Anthropologist Dr Richardson:
“The study of every civilization and culture suggests that this world is not all there is. The sense that we will live forever somewhere has shaped every civilization in human history.” (Richardson “Eternity in their Hearts” 1984)

Ancient Egyptians believed the dead go to the Field of Reeds for the judgement of the heart…

Native Americans believed in an afterlife; that their spirits would hunt the spirits of the buffalo…

Mexicans, Peruvians, and Polynesians believed they went to the Sun or Moon after death…

The Fact is… No matter what you believe… You have a 100% chance of dying

The Fact is… Approximately 11,000 people die every hour on Earth…

This is NOT a scare tactic… It’s Reality… You & I are not Escaping it…

The Scripture says: “It’s appointed to everyone to die once” … (Hebrews 9:27)

In the Famous Song “I can Only Imagine” some of the Lyrics say this:

I can only imagine, what it will be like… When I walk by your side… I can only imagine… What my eyes would see… What will my heart feel…. Will I dance before you Jesus or in awe of you be still… Will I sing Hallelujah… Will I be able to speak at all… I can only imagine, I can only imagine.”

As a Christian… Can we only just Imagine…*

A Deeper thought for those who don’t believe in Jesus Christ… Are you just going to Imagine your way into some sort of Paradise/Heaven?

What happens to Humanity when they die?… And What happens to Christians when they die?

This is very Important for Christians… I want to Quote Dr David Jeremiah who I agree with on this matter, and I believe 100% Biblically accurate:

“While Christ does evaluate our works, our appearance before the judgement seat is not an entrance exam for heaven. Our sins have been paid in full by Christ at Calvary, so any works of man does not qualify us for acceptance to that eternal resting place. The judgment seat of Christ is where you will be rewarded for your Christian service as a believer after you have entered into heaven.”

Dr Grudem Further States:

“Believers should never fear that they will be eternally condemned. Jersus says: He who believes have passed from death to life. Thus, the Day of Judgment can be portrayed as one in which believers are rewarded and unbelievers are punished. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.” (Rom. 8:1)

Now let’s answer the Final Question to what happens to Christians when they die?

Devotional Questions

I would highly encourage you to dig deep into these questions, which will require you to go into the Application and read some Biblical Commentary that will be a blessing to your life… as well as make you wiser. Have fun, take your time and remember you don’t have to complete this in one day.

1. Read Philippians 3:14: What are we called to do? Where should we fix our eyes? What is the prize?

2. Read John 14:1-3: Where did Jesus go and what is he doing? What is his promise to us?

3. What happens to Christians when they die? (LOOK up in the APP) Does this bring you great joy?

4. What judgment will Believers face and should we be concerned? (READ section in APP titled, “Biblical understanding of the judgment of God”) Does this make you want to give praise & thanks to Jesus?

5. Hell is a sensitive Subject… However, Jesus and the Bible talk about its reality. Take time to read (Section about “Hell” in the APP) to refresh your mind on this subject matter.