The Hope of Heaven

The Thessalonian believers were troubled. They wondered what would happen to those who died before Christ came again. Here are Paul’s words of comfort to them and to us:

“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Notice, he does not say do not grieve; of course, we will mourn the loss of a loved one. What he does say is this: in spite of our sorrow, we can have hope. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are not lost to us forever. We can be assured that the God who resurrected Jesus is keeping them safe until He comes again. At that time:

“…. the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

We don’t have many details, but we know that heaven will be a lovely place. The City of God, the new Jerusalem will be:

“… prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Revelation 21:2

God will live with us.

” They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.” Revelation 22:4-5

Best of all:

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

So, whatever your situation, be encouraged. If you are in Christ, you have something to hope for.