[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]
We have sung the song “Sing to Me of Heaven” several times in our lifetimes. I feel that many individuals just sing the song without looking at the words and the message we need to be teaching one another as we sing (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16). The point of the song is to excite every Christian of the home that will await those who are faithful to the Lord. Just imagine what it will be like there to be reunited with other saints who have fallen asleep, to feel no more pain, and to never more have to face temptation. That is what we need to be thinking about when we sing such songs like “Sing to Me of Heaven.”
Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Those who will be rewarded with everlasting life will not be surprised because eternal life has been the goal in life. We find in Hebrews 11:6 that God is indeed a reward giver. However, who will be rewarded? The writer says that those who diligently seek God with faith. We must walk worthily in the Lord’s sight, walking in newness of life. Why? The reason is because we have put off the old man that is full of sin. Since we are dead to sin, we live for God, having our minds set on things above (Col. 3:1-4). That is what the truth says and anyone who tries to do otherwise will not be able to get to heaven.
Christ is the only way that a person may gain access to heaven to dwell with God for eternity. In John 14:1-6 Jesus makes this point evident to the apostles. Jesus told them that He would be leaving them in order to prepare a place for His disciples. Jesus also made mention of the fact that the apostles had to go through life by the way that leads to heaven. Thomas raised the question of where Jesus would be going and how to get there. Jesus simply replies that He is the way to get to the Father. Jesus has left to prepare heaven for His disciples, but are we headed to that goal? There is only one way to heaven and that is by Christ. We must simply do what God has said in order to obtain the rest that awaits the faithful saints.
Heaven is a place nothing that can ever be imagined by man. We find that heaven is the dwelling place of God (Acts 7:54-56). This should motivate us to strive to be pleasing in His sight. The way we live will determine whether or not we will be able to abide with God in heaven. Paul said in Romans 12:1-2 that Christians are to be living sacrifices, doing the reasonable task of living for the Lord. We can daydream of what heaven might be like all day long, but if we do not live according to God’s word, then we will not be allowed into heaven. Right before Stephen died in Acts 7, the Holy Spirit allowed Stephen to see Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Stephen had his focus on Christ and was able to persevere even to death. We must realize that we can do all things through Christ, who is the source of our strength (Phil. 4:13). It is up to how we live that will determine where we will spend eternity.
The next time you sing a song like “Sing to Me of Heaven,” think of how wonderful it will be there. Think of the joy that will be ours if we are faithful. Heaven is a real place, it is a prepared place for a prepared people, it is where God is, and will last for eternity. Heaven is the place where I want to spend eternity, and I hope you do too.
