Going To Heaven
“Going to heaven when you die.” A desire or hope that many people have.
That's not wrong but it's not right. As Jesus was getting ready to leave this earth and His disciples, He was aware of going, not to a place so much, as to a Person, His Father.
Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me.” (John 7:33)
“A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.” (John 16:16)
Heaven is a real literal place with architecture, rivers, and trees. However, we do not look forward to that place because it is foolishly reported by some to be a celestial Disneyland but because of Who is there. Some of our departed loved ones may be there. That will be joyous but to see Jesus is supposed to be the cause of a greater joy.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3)
Not only that but it is the desire of the Lord also.
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am,...” (John 17:24)
Paul the apostle does not tell us that we have a certain location as our destination. He tells us that we are going to a Person.
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (2 Cor 5:8)
For the Believer, dying from this physical natural life equates to being with the Lord.
Mar. 12, 2026