You Will Never Want to Leave (1 Peter 1:4). “One lovely moonlit night a grandfather and his small granddaughter went for a walk. The stars were magnificent. As the grandfather named individual stars and constellations, the granddaughter exclaimed, ‘Grandpa, if the bottom side of Heaven is this beautiful, just think how wonderful the top side must be.’”[1] Ever wanted to leave the doctor’s office because you were there so long? Look at the clock when the preacher went over and felt a sense to leave? Did you ever count the seconds on the last day of class before summer? There are many places of which we want to leave but Heaven will be different. In Heaven there is no time, because its Maker is above time. There will be no night, no cessation, and no departure. No one will say goodbye and no one will want to vacation somewhere else “next year.” Heaven is forever (Matthew 25:46; Hebrews 9:15). Beautifully, Peter wrote, “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). First, Peter said Heaven was incorruptible. Heaven will not deteriorate nor grow old and rusty. The crown (1 Corinthians 9:25) will always shine bright in the light of the Lamb and of God (Revelation 21:23; 22:5). Second, Peter said it “fadeth not away.” In the Greek, this is one word (amarantos) and it only is used of heaven. It means perpetual. There are flowers called amaranths which preserve their beauty and smell for a long period of time.[2] Such a picture, beautifully illustrates the never-ending sweetness of heaven.[3] No one will grow bored in its walls nor grow anxious to leave. The crown will not lose its attractive appeal (1 Peter 5:4) and worship will be a never-ending delight. If Revelation 21 is about Heaven[4], who would want to leave a place with a street of gold (Revelation 21:21), a surrounding of precious jewels (Revelation 22:18-21), and security (Revelation 21:12). About Heaven, Alford said, “In substance incorruptible; in purity undefiled; in beauty unfading.” Doesn’t this make you excited for heaven?
You Will Enjoy a Family Reunion that Will Never End. Family reunions are exciting. While they include members we only see perhaps on this specific occasion, when we do see them, it is as if we never left. Heaven will resemble that of a family reunion only it will be better. Imagine being able to enjoy the company of your saved grandparents, uncles, aunts, or siblings. Think about how you will be able to live with your parents again or perhaps the child you lost years ago (2 Samuel 12:23). Ponder meeting your church family you held so dearly to your heart or the converts you were able to baptize. Paul spoke of this when writing to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). They were concerned about their dead brethren, wondering if they would be able to be present at the Second Coming. Paul answered their erroneous idea saying, “the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) (Emp. mine, NO). Heaven will be one big family reunion. Doesn’t this make you excited for heaven?
You Will Be in the Presence of the Best People to Ever Live. Ever wanted to be in the presence of the President, a famous athlete, or a popular historical figure? Heaven’s attendance sheet is much more excellent. In fact, “Heaven will contain the best people from every culture, time period, and nation.”[5] Imagine talking to the man who survived the flood, the men who did not bow to the king’s image, or talking to the woman Ruth? Will you sit with Esther, read with David, or walk with Paul? Heaven distributes crowns (Revelation 2:10), but only to the best of people—God’s faithful. Doesn’t this make you excited for heaven?
Heaven is closer to us every day. Our imaginations cannot begin to describe its glory. Warren Wiersbe said, “For the Christian, Heaven isn’t simply a destination; it’s a motivation.” Let these beautiful promises to come be persuaders for today’s faithfulness. It was said that someone paid $19,000,000 to have lunch with Warren Buffet—how much will you sacrifice for heaven?
Endnotes
[2]Adam Clarke.
[3]Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
[4]We must remember John’s picture is figurative. If this passage is about Heaven, we must remember that it is a spiritual place and John uses this picture to illustrate its beauty.
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