Course 1 - Lesson 8: The Rapture and Heaven

Genesis 3:19 KJV  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

Many people have attempted to answer this question. Some rely upon the near-death experiences of others to tell them what happens. Others simply ignore the subject as if it will never happen to them. But as the writer of Hebrews said, we all have an appointment with death. While it is an uncomfortable subject, it is one that MUST not be put off. Personalizing this question helps us to understand its great importance. “What will happen to me when I die?”

James 4:14 KJV  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

In comparison to eternity, our time on the earth is very short. No one knows when our life here on the earth will be finished. However, we must do everything necessary to ensure that we are ready for that day. If you have never repented of your sins, been baptized in Jesus’ name, and filled with the Holy Ghost: what are you waiting for? Nothing should be more important to us than being born again and living a pleasing life to God. Hell has been created for those who have not been born again. For those that have been born again the Bible way, we welcome the day in which we pass from this life to the next. We know that Heaven awaits us and we will live forever with our Lord.

This promise from Jesus sparks faith in the hearts of all those who have made themselves ready. I believe with all my heart that we are living in the last days. Because of this, it seems that the Devil has pulled out all the stops on a global scale and these are unsettling times. I echo Paul’s statement to the church at Corinth,  “1 Corinthians 15:19 KJV  (19)  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” It would seem that the very atmosphere is saturated with despair, gloom, doubt, and fear. After all, when was the last time you heard an encouraging word outside the walls of the Church?

Jesus warned that the end times would be like this. The church has not been left uninformed and ignorant about what is going on around us. But despite all the warnings and all the indicators, if we are not careful, we can become as cynical as anyone else in the world. If we continually look through natural eyes and focus on earthly things, it will rob us of our faith and leave us in despair. In times like these, we have a commandment from the Lord that would be imperative for us to hold to. Luke 21:28 KJV And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

A record of our life and deeds is being kept in Heaven. Each of us will be rewarded according to the life that we have lived. If we are never born again and live in sin, that payment will be death. (Rom 6:23) However, if we are born again; if we do live a life holy and pleasing to God; there is a wonderful reward waiting for us.

Romans 2:6 KJV  Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

The scriptures express the beauty and splendor of Heaven. Prophets and Apostles have given us glimpses here and there of what our reward will be. Paul lets us know that it is a prepared place for a prepared people. It is a reward prepared for those who love God and for those whom God loves. No matter how much information we have regarding Heaven, its beauty and wonder will surpass anything that we have imagined.

Psalms 31:19 KJV  Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!