Thoughts of Heaven are limited to the boundaries of our earthly, finite mind. Trying to imagine a place eternal in existence is limited. The concept can be understood, but the empirical understanding is not ours. Who has seen Heaven? Heaven is the place of God, controlled by Him and tamper proof. God allows man to make a choice in this world. Men may tamper with God’s word in this earthly realm, but they cannot change it, God holds it in Heaven where His word is forever established (Psalm 119:89).
God’s ways are far above our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Who knows the ways of God? God asked of Job: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of earth?” (Job 38:4). The things He has done, often taken for granted, were done out of our sight and greatly beyond our comprehension. Who has counseled God (Rom. 11:34)? Who is qualified to counsel the God of Heaven and earth? Where is one His equal or above Him, yet daily there are those who speak in arrogance and foolish pride as though they could counsel God with a better way or plan. God’s ways are established and cannot—will not—be altered by men.
God’s plan for man was given from Heaven and revealed in the earth on His terms and time (Gen. 3:15; Eph. 1:4). His plan to bring Christ the Savior into the world through the seed of woman (Luke 3) was contained in Heaven and revealed as it pleased the Heavenly Father. The death blow to satan prophesied and done (I Cor. 15:19-20; Rev. 20:10), and satan could do nothing about it. Why? Because God’s plan was settled in Heaven, untouched by the devil or his followers here on earth (Dan. 4:17; 34-35). An untouchable plan—a kingdom which cannot be destroyed.
God’s Kingdom (Matt. 16:16; Heb. 12:28) came right on time (Gal. 4:4)—a Heavenly kingdom with earthly membership (I Cor. 12:27). Who could imagine such a thing? Furthermore, think about your name added to the role of Heaven by Jesus Himself for those obedient ones who “should be saved” (Acts 2:47). The capital of this Kingdom is in Heaven (Acts 2:36) with Christ ruling as Priest and King. Untouched by human hands this Heavenly kingdom promises a Heavenly home to the believer (II Cor. 5:1).
God’s judgment seat is in Heaven where “the Lord, the righteous Judge” sits (II Tim. 4:8; Rev. 20:11); a judgment seat without respect of persons (Rom. 2:11) or corruption of any kind (I Pet. 1:4). It is a location untouched by human corruptible hands prepared by God Himself for His holy angels and the saved, established forever in Heaven.
God’s salvation is promised to the obedient believer, but here is where man’s part comes into the picture. God’s part is done, established, untouched and unchanged. It’s in our hands to accept or reject it. God’s part is complete by grace, our part is up to us by obedient faith (Eph. 2:8-9). His salvation is in your hands (Rev. 3:20).
David Hill
Northeast Church of Christ bulletin March 10, 2024