Reflections on “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn
It’s been a very long time since my hands have typed on here. It feels refreshing, nostalgic even. I hope that you walk away from each post I make evermore encouraged. Today’s post I suspect will leave you feeling just that.
Today, and for the last nine years or so, I have believed in heaven. And over the years, my conception of heaven and its nature has changed dramatically as I continue to grow in my faith. Which is an encouraging thing! There is a maturing of the faith that happens in the life of a believer. I have faith about what heaven will look like, and what I know at this point is amazing.
I picked up a book the other day called “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn. This book affirms so much of what I already believe, but has deepened my longing and sincere gratitude for God and His redemptive plan for humanity and the entire cosmos. Rather than diving into one topic, I’ll give you all a glimpse into what I’m learning and relearning from this book. Mind you, all that I say below has a biblical basis:
Heaven, as it exists currently, is not our ultimate home as believers in Christ; our destiny is the news heaven and a New Earth. Earth is being remade, renewed, resurrected. And just as we believers will be resurrected to eternal life, so the earth will become new (1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 21).
We’re made to exist in bodily form, in our bodies, for all of eternity. We’re not made to exist in some spiritual realm alone in some spiritual form or state. Our bodies matter, and we’ll get them back some day!
There is continuity between this life and the next, in more ways than one. Continuity with our bodies: we will be resurrected and given new bodies in the process. But resurrection means that what was old is still preserved to some extent. Continuity with the earth: the earth will be resurrected too. All that we love about this place will remain and be perfected. Continuity with all of creation: Imagine! Not only will the physical earth and our physical bodies be given back to us, but all that we love about this earth – its cultures, artwork, books, pictures, plants, animals, and even our work. What we do here can carry eternal significance, if it’s all done to the glory of God. There is continuity between this life and the next.
And so, let our appetites for heaven increase! Let our imaginations about life in the new heavens and New Earth expand and run wild. The ultimate Heaven, the New Earth, will include the King of Kings, King Jesus. It will include our loved ones who are in Christ. Hugs like we’ve never known before. Fresh rainfall that is perfect in every way. The best possible food that completely satisfies. Unending celebration for the gift of eternal life. Jesus will reign over the world with goodness and love. He is at center court, and all of creation, all of the cosmos, was made to worship Him. The aim of the whole universe is to give God glory. He is worthy of all glory!
“What we love about this life are the things that resonate with the life we were made for. The things we love are not merely the best this life has to offer—they are previews of the greater life to come.” – Randy Alcorn
