Q: Why do we need to believe in the promise of Heaven now more than ever?
A: We always need something to look forward to in life, don’t we? For those who love Jesus, Heaven is our greatest goal and surest outlook. Only when our minds are set on “things above” can we properly deal with “things below.”
Heaven is the home we’ve never visited, the inheritance coming to us, and the consummation of our relationship with Christ. It’s closer than we know. Whatever your day looks like today, a better one is on the way, heading toward you at the speed of glory. Jesus is preparing a place for you, a land of many mansions with multitudes of angels and millions of friends.
Q: For those who feel overwhelmed by what’s happening in the world, how can the promise of Heaven offer perspective today?
A: We all look around and try to find meaning in the things we experience every day, but let's be honest: things are not always so hot. No, we have a hunger in our hearts because God placed eternity in our hearts, and until Heaven is a part of our lives we will never be at home. We were not created to be satisfied with this world. Heaven is built into our system, and when we spend time with Jesus and learn about our Heavenly home, He will change our perspective.
Q: Many people—even believers—struggle with the fear of death. What has God shown you about how to face that fear with confidence?
A: The fear of death is a part of life. I want to live as long as I can. I'm not anxious to die. I don't know anyone who wants to die. But if you are a Christian and you know and believe the Word of God, you will have a healthy fear of death. There is a joy of life in my spirit and a desire to keep living in my heart. I think it's right to say we aren't afraid of death, but we don't want to die. God has put within us the hope of life, and we want to live long and enjoy the things God has given us. We should enjoy every day of life but know that God has a plan for what happens next. And when we graduate, we will be so excited. In the meantime, we can have a healthy fear.
Q: What does the Bible really say about what Heaven will be like?
A: Heaven is a precious place, and we should anticipate it to the utmost. Amid anxiety, it consoles us. In sickness, it provides an anchor of hope. In poverty, it reminds us of our coming wealth. We find descriptions of Heaven from Genesis to Revelation. It is a real place, and God has described it for us in incredible detail in the Bible. There we’re told of a celestial city with gates of pearl, streets of gold, and mansions for each resident. We catch a glimpse of our eternal home where there is no more pain, suffering, sorrow, or death. A world without fear, war, crime, or hate—a place where there will be no more sad goodbyes. In I Corinthians 2:9, Paul wrote, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Q: In your study of Heaven, what’s one thing that surprised you the most?
A: I don’t think you can ever know as much as you’d like to know about Heaven. One thing I learned writing this book was how much I didn’t know about Heaven. I know a lot, but the Bible says, “the secret things belong to the Lord” (Deut. 29:29), and some of the things we want to know we can’t know because they have not been revealed.
Q: You say Heaven is not just a destination, but a motivation. How should our hope of eternity shape the way we live right now?
A: If you know where you are going, what you are heading towards, and the goal in your heart, then it gives you energy. When you know what God has prepared for those who love Him it makes you want to live every day to honor Him and be a good representative for Him. Personally, my goal has always been to go to Heaven and take as many people with me as I can.
Q: What is a key biblical promise about Heaven that every believer should hold onto in difficult times?
A: Heaven is the beginning, this life is just a small brief preparation, Heaven is the beginning of life. Believing in Heaven is believing in a person—Jesus, a place—the eternal home He has created for us, a promise—if we put our trust in Him, He will take us to be with Him. John 14 tells us He has prepared a place for us and Psalm 16 tells us that "in the presence of God is the fullness of joy and pleasure forevermore." God created everything that is exciting in this world, and we will experience that in His presence for eternity.
Q: What would you say to younger generations who feel like Heaven is a far-off idea that doesn’t matter much today?
A: Heaven may seem like it's far, far away, but it isn't a distant reality. For the child of God, Heaven is only a heartbeat away. Without Heaven, we are without hope. If you’ve accepted God’s invitation and made your reservation for Heaven, you have much to live for. Wherever we go in the world—whatever blessings or burdens befall our lives—Heaven is our sure and certain hope, a place prepared for us, a city whose Builder and Maker is God. What a change for us when we accept the biblical reality of Heaven! It’s a revelation of joy. It’s the hope that anchors the soul. Our earthly life is a preparation for our Heavenly life. We must live today like we will live in eternity. Earth is a dress rehearsal for Heaven. Our Lord Jesus Christ has opened the gates and prepared the way, and He beckons us to follow Him. Not tomorrow or in the distant future. Today.
