We’ve looked at the physical aspects of Heaven, that is the New
Heaven and New Earth, and we’ve also seen how sin cannot occur there. Now we
will focus on the characteristics of Heaven. Many are already familiar with the
promise God gives us about Heaven in Revelation 21:4:
He will
wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more - or
mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.”
Most people who long for Heaven look forward to no more crying,
pain, or death. Yet, the Bible promises so much more.
In this life, we struggle against our fleshly nature:
For the
flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires
that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so
that you cannot do what you want.
Galatians
5:17
We often fall short of what we know we should do because of the
struggle with our sinful nature. In Heaven, that struggle will be removed.
There will be no part of us that will fight against what the Spirit desires. We
will constantly be bearing the fruit of the Spirit.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23gentleness,
self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians
5:22-23
Try your best to imagine an eternity where these qualities are spilling
out of everyone at all times. It is difficult to picture because it is so
foreign to us. In this life, even when we perform a good deed, there is a hint
of selfishness tied to it or a bit of regret. It will not be that way in
Heaven.
You will instantly be able to completely trust anyone you meet.
You will never get into a heated argument. You will never lose your patience.
Everyone will go out of their way to show kindness to you just as you will for
anyone else.
Galatians 5:17-25 Romans 7:13-8:11, Revelation 21:4