Heaven as the Goal

The bible, the infallible inspired word of God, pierces hearts with its truth as no other book can do. And yet, the Lord can use articles, magazines, newspapers, and even novels to help us understand His word and apply it to all areas of life.

I have enjoyed many novels for their plots, writing styles and diverse characters (Jane Austen, Bodie and Brock Theone, and C.S. Lewis can be tagged as some of my favorites). But every so often, I pick up a book that leaves a very strong lasting impression on my heart and mind.

Recently I picked up Randy Alcorn's first book in his trilogy, “Deadline” and was amazed with not only the theological clarity and insight in Alcorn's book, but also the excellent plot and can't-put-it-down drama. Below is an excerpt from the second book, “Dominion”, which I am enjoying just as much:

“She realized in an instant that her entire life on earth had been but a series of labor pains preparing her for this moment. As she was once born into a world of cold confusion and blaring artificial lights, she was now being born out of that cramped domain into a wide open realm of warmth and natural light, the place for which she was suited, the world for which she had been made.

“At last,” she shouted. “The real world!”

At the doorway into life stood a shining being of natural radiance, but with the brightness of a million klieg lights. The radiance threatened to blind her, but somehow her new eyes could endure it. This was more than a man, yet clearly a man. She knew at once who it was. He who had been from eternity past, he who had left his home in heaven to make one her for her. He who spun the galaxies into being with a single snap of his fingers, who was the light that illuminated darkness with a million colors, who turned midnight into sunrise.

It was he. Not his representative, but he himself. He put his hands upon her shoulders and she thrilled at his touch.

“Welcome, my little one!” He smiled broadly, the smile teeming with approval. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the kingdom prepared for you. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”

His was the embrace she was made for. He was the Bridegroom, the object of all longing, the fulfillment of all dreams.

Have you ever thought about heaven? I mean, more than just puzzling over how long eternity is (and what can we possibly do for an eternity?). Have you ever really considered what it will look like, what we will do, who we will meet?

Randy Alcorn has challenged my limited and rather dull imaginations of what heaven will be like through his novels. When we consider eternity with Christ, we tend to separate it from anything we experience here on earth, when in reality earth is but the most vague, dull, and sin-riddled peek into our experiences after death. Not only will we eat, sing, dance, explore, laugh and hug, but we will take our knowledge of life and the Word gained on earth, and continue to add to it in heaven. The ability to gain wisdom and insight will not be wiped away, but even while perfected in Christ, we will continue to learn and be taught new truths.

Having these vivid pictures being displayed through Alcorn's engrossing books has opened my eyes in such a way that has excited and encouraged me beyond what I expected. When we realize how much our knowledge and joy of the Lord will be affected by our choices made on earth, it puts a completely different perspective on life experience.

Instead of being comfortable and apathetic in our security of salvation, we should be passionate about filling our minds and hearts with the eternal wisdom of the Lord. We should be excited to meet new people, memorize scripture, extend a helping hand, and delve into prayer daily; all the things that we know rest on His promise, and matter for eternity.

And really, what is life but the training grounds for eternity with Christ? Life on earth is merely the springboard into eternal worship at the feet of Christ. How high will you jump?