The Promise of HeavenSample

Day Seven: “Today You Will Be With Me.”

While none of us are guaranteed tomorrow, most people reading this will probably live for many more years. Therefore, it’s important to share that the ultimate promise given by Christ is the promise of being with Him. Thus, to receive the “The Promise of Heaven,” is to receive Jesus Himself who said that eternal life is to know him and His Father (John 17:3).

The words “know you” convey a relationship with the living God. The Apostle Peter, in expressing the purpose of the cross of Christ wrote, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God. . .” (I Peter 3:18, ESV). That being so, at the core of the Lord’s promise is a personal relationship with him. A relationship that will begin making a difference in and for the rest of your life.

This doesn’t mean a trouble-free life void of trials and challenges; Jesus never gave that promise. On the contrary, he stated to his followers: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV). So, whatever the challenge, we can be assured of his love, presence, purpose, and strength in all circumstances.

Through Jesus we begin to discover more about the Father God who created us and His design for every area of life. We begin to learn about the purpose for which he made us and the works he’s created us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Acts of love and service designed to help others and bring glory to God.

For the one criminal, the Lord’s promise regarding paradise would begin that day. Eventually at a time determined by God (Psalm 139:16), every follower of Jesus will be with him in heaven. Until then, it’s important to understand that the initial part of the promise is “today you will be with me.” This begins the moment we receive Christ by faith. Jesus promised, “. . . If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23, ESV). And while a home in heaven awaits, our heart becomes Christ’s home the moment we believe.

John 14:15-27
John 16:24-33
John 17:3