Click here to read the full article at RENEW.org: https://renew.org/eternal-life-now/
This an audio version of a written Article from RENEW.org
Heaven. When Christians think of eternal life in heaven, we may think of the imagery of heaven: gold streets, pearly gates, mansions, other believers, and the presence of God. We may also think of the intangible things eternal life in heaven brings: peace, joy, love, rest, and goodness. But one thing we often try to ignore concerning eternal life in heaven is this: it is a lifetime away from now.
Eternal life to the Christian often feels like it’s beyond this life, out in that ethereal future beyond our final breath. It’s like the Christian hymn says: “When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!” We long for the day when our sufferings will end and we can be in peace in heaven for eternity. In that moment, when we think about eternal life in heaven, we also have a moment of fear because we feel we may not make it. That fear of not making it to heaven is something every Christian struggles with. It can haunt our words, thoughts, and actions. That fear causes Christians to struggle with burnout, guilt, legalism, fear, joylessness, and even shallow discipleship.
What can we do about this? Aren’t we supposed to live without fear? Aren’t we supposed to trust in God? But we also have our responsibilities that God has given us as a Christian, right? Isn’t faith without works dead? What if I don’t do “the works” right? Or don’t believe all the right things? Or teach people? Or lead anyone to Christ?
Does that sound like you? I would be surprised if you never had those thoughts. It is very common for Christians to think and feel this way.
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