Nothing focuses the soul on what is truly important as much as the thought of leaving this world behind. Sometimes the more things we have, the harder it is to die. But what exactly will we be leaving here?
1. Material Things: The subtitle verse, found in 1 Timothy 6, is a warning passage about living for the wrong world. It includes the following red flags:
a) confusing gain with godliness (v. 5)
b) wanting to be rich sets traps for the soul (v. 9)
c) loving money grows into other evils (v. 10)
d) being rich tends to pride and false trust (v. 17)
But Paul tells Timothy he is to remind the rich “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:18-19). See also 2 Pet. 3:11-12.
2. Our Humiliation in these Bodies: “…We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body…” (Phil. 3:20-21). Our bodies:
a) were created by God for His glory (Gen. 1:27)
b) were damaged by the Fall and subsequent sin
c) are presently indwelt by the Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19)
d) have been redeemed by Christ (1 Cor. 6:20)
e) will be changed at the Rapture (1 Cor. 15:42-54)
3. Our Sinful Nature: There are some things only the Rapture will fix. BUT IT WILL FIX THEM. The world’s glitter will look like carnival prizes the morning after, compared with heaven’s glories. He will not be ashamed to be called our God! (see Heb. 11:16). We shall be like Him (1 Jn. 3:2). What does it mean?
a) we will be removed from sinful influences
b) we will see things from God’s perspective
c) we will see the horrific consequences of sin
d) we will see our Saviour—His eyes, His wounds
4. Opportunities to Witness: Who will you witness to in heaven? “He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15). The Lord Jesus will be “…preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world,” (1 Tim. 3:16) or not at all. If you wait to witness until: a) you feel like witnessing; or b) you think you have all the answers; or c) you know just the right way to do it, there will be nobody then to tell! There are only believers in heaven.
5. The Ability to Make Sacrifices for Christ: What will you be able to sacrifice in a land where you own everything? We are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17). There is a day coming called “the manifestation of the sons of God” (Rom. 8:19). All things promised to us now will then be our possessions. At present, we should be learning to give like the princes we are. We should give:
a) ourselves first (2 Cor. 8:5)
b) cheerfully—spontaneously (2 Cor. 9:7)
c) generously (2 Cor. 8:7; 9:6)
d) proportionately (2 Cor. 8:12; 9:15)
6. Suffering for the Saviour’s Sake: The Rapture will herald an end to the long and bloody history of Christendom on earth—although there will yet be suffering saints during the Tribulation. The persecution of the Church will be over. First the suffering, then the glory is a principle throughout Scripture. That means, of course, that our time is limited to identify with our Lord Jesus in the day of His rejection. There are no baptistries in heaven, no pillories, no prisons, no cruel jokes or ostracizing. As Amy Carmichael wrote: “We have all eternity to celebrate our victories, but only a few short years to win them.”
7. All Harmful Effects of the Fall: “…for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4).
a) no more disease, pain or death, sorrow or crying
b) end of loneliness, weakness, failure and sin
c) end of war, famine, natural disasters
d) no more night, darkness, wasted time
e) end of separation from fellow believers
f) no more disappointment or unfulfilled desires
g) no more regrets, fears or doubts
h) no satanic temptation or worldly allurements
What is in heaven will be wonderful, of course. But thank the Lord for what isn’t there as well.
Written by J. B. Nicholson Jr