So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17 New Revised Standard Version)

What does heaven look like? Unfortunately, I do not have any firsthand experience from heaven to give you an answer. However, I do have experience from this world to offer. I have experienced sickness. I have witnessed friends and relatives dying. I have been subject to anger and hatred. I have lived through wars and disasters. I have struggled with finances and pursued self-indulgences. I am convinced more and more that heaven will not look like anything of this world.

Have you heard the old phrase, “You can’t take it with you?” It is true and it is not just in reference to one’s money or treasure. It is true of this whole world. Nothing of what we have in this world is going to go with us when Jesus returns. This is because this world has fallen, and we are broken. Yet, Jesus is making all things new.

I thank God for this newness of life because I can see that change in me. Since coming to faith, I have learned that death does not hold me. I will live forever. I have learned that I cannot do anything to make God love me more or less. The Lord’s love for me was clearly shown when he died on a cross for all sinners including me. (Romans 5:8) I cannot earn my salvation for God gives it as a gift to me and to all. (Ephesians 2:8) The more I live the more I desire the Lord.

While we live in a world where grudges are held, I seek to forgive those who have wronged me and make amends, where possible, to those I have wronged. I also cling to the hope that our sins and grudges will not go with us when we leave this world to be with the Lord. None of these things will be worth a hill of beans when enter eternity with our Lord and God. In Christ, we are children of God. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. God will live among us and will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Thus, the promise will be revealed: “the former things have passed away.” (New King James Version)

This is the promise we have in God. Therefore, I say to all of you who believe in the Lord, to live the change the Lord is bringing in us. Look to all with the love that Jesus has given to you and will replace the former things with. Live each day as if it were your last so that you may be ready to meet the Lord. However, if you are struggling with past hurts, if something is keeping you down, or if something continues to trap you, know that Lord’s love for you has not changed. The Lord will free you. Go to the Lord in prayer. Speak to your pastor, or a pastor, or a trusted friend in Christ.

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

If you are someone who has not yet given your life to Jesus, know that he is waiting for you. He will not turn you away if you will receive him into your heart and life. If you think that God could never love you because of your present or past condition, remember what Jesus said to the criminal who was condemned to death on the cross with Jesus. This criminal confessed his guilt, and asked if Jesus would remember him when the Lord came into his kingdom.

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

He is waiting for you. Go to him in prayer today.