the three T's of heaven

Sometimes we hear people in general speaking of heaven. They say things like, "well I want to go to heaven to see so and so," or "I can't wait to be in heaven and do nothing," or "I can't wait to be in heaven and have everything I want." I'd just like to respond to these type of statements bluntly - heaven is not, nor ever will be about us. I say "us" because I know we've all slipped into this man-centered view of eternity. However, Revelation 21:2-8 reveals what heaven will really be like. I like to refer to it simply as, "the three T's of heaven."

It may be noticed that primarily, heaven is about the Tabernacle. Verse 3 says, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them.'" The tabernacle is a reference to the sanctuary or dwelling place that God designed and had the Hebrews costruct so that His presence might be among them. But in heaven, God will literally tabernacle among us (as Jesus did in John 1:14). I love the last part of that verse - God Himself will be among them. What a thought!!! It will be just as it was in Genesis, when God walked in the cool of the garden (Gen. 3:8).

Secondly, notice that heaven is about the absence of Tears. In verse 4, it says that God Himself will wipe away every tear! Because of God's presence, and His intervention, there will be no pain, mourning, crying or death. But the absence of tears is not why we want to go to heaven. However, we realize through these verses that because God is present, tears will be absent! God is the ultimate One for Whom we should long.

Thirdly, notice that heaven is about Truth. In verse 5 it says, "...for these words are faithful and true." So what are the words that are true? Read verses 5-8, for they are the truths of heaven. It centers completely around the truth of Who God is in relation to us, and the truth of who will not be in heaven (verse 8 specificallly). God is the beginning and end of all things. He will give life "to the one who thirsts...without cost." It also says boldly of heaven that "He who overcomes will inherit these things." Yet we see the truth that those who are not in Christ will not be in heaven.

Are you excited about heaven for the right reasons? When you think of it, do you think about things all for you? Or do you ponder the vastness and greatness of the King of kings and Lord of lords? For the reality of heaven is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. It is about God tabernacling with us, God wiping away our tears, and God revealing truth to us for eternity!