"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN"

Philippians 1:22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.

Philippians 1:23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:

1. Paul had been explaining to the Philippian Christians, many details about his life and ministry. And in these two verses, he really opens up his heart about both his service to Christ here on earth, and the desire he had to go to heaven.

2. First of all, Paul tells the Philippians, that if he continues to live here on earth, that means there will be fruit from His labor. That is, if he continues to live, it will mean fruitful service for Christ.

Paul serves as an example for all of us who know Christ, and, that is, that God has called each of us to spend the rest of our lives, no longer living for ourselves, but for Him who died for us, and saved us from our sins. And, for the person who commits themselves wholeheartedly to serve the Lord, they can be sure that just like Paul there will be fruitful service.

2. Secondly, Paul had a question in his life. It had to do with staying here on earth serving the Lord, or going to heaven. He really
did not know which one would be better. He explains that in the next verse.

3. Thirdly, Paul was torn between the two desires he had. One was to stay and serve the Lord and the church, the Body of Christ, and the other desire was to depart and to be with Christ. To go to heaven. He was deeply troubled by these two desires. He said, he was "hard pressed" between the two.

4. Fourthly, and here's the Bibles explanation of what happens to the christian when they die. They go directly to heaven. Notice how Paul puts in in Php 1:22b. "to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." Paul uses the term depart rather then die. It's a good word to use.

Because, our souls, our spirits, the real us, or the real you, is simply temporarily housed in this body, which is called a tent. But, there is coming a time when you will move out of your tent, into your permanent home in heaven. That's Paul's view, and it's Biblical, and therefore it's true, and it's such a comfort to know, that when we depart our tents, we also will go to be with Christ.

5. Finally, there is one other thing that Paul says about departing, and going to be with Christ in heaven. He says, "it is far better" He loved serving the Lord here, and was torn between continuing to serve here on earth, and the desire to depart. He just knew that as great as it was serving Christ here on earth, it would be far better to be with Christ in heaven. and the same could be said for any of us.

6. Here's a quick list of the things that are not in heaven, and the things that are.

Rev 22:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for sending Jesus who did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many. Thank You also Lord, that we as believers in Jesus Christ, are the ransomed of the Lord. He has purchased us, and we are no longer our own, but we belong to You. And, thank You also Lord that like Paul and all other saints of God, that we can serve You while here on this earth.

We used to live for ourselves before being saved, and it's only right and reasonable, that we would now live for You, and that is our prayer, Lord, we want to live completely for You, wholeheartedly for You. And, we thank You that there is a final moment here on earth, our departure time if you will, and our entrance into heaven, which "is far better" We rejoice in hope of Glory. We love You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.