The prospect of heaven refers to the idea that such a place exists and that all that the Scriptures say about it is true. One great example is: "3 And l  heard a loud voice from heaven saying . “Behold. the tabernacle of God is with men, and  they that shall be his people. God Himself will be there with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes: there shall he no more death nor  sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain,
for the former things have passed away. 5 Then He who sat on the throne said , "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." (Rev . 21:3-5). Who is he that can think long about such a place and not desire to be there?
        When we wonder about all the evil in this world, coupled with sickness, pain and tears--heaven's beauty is magnified and we long to be free from this present life to be in heaven with the Lord. “4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdeneg not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has  prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a  guarantee. 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.  8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:4-8).
         In spite of the wonderful promises of heaven, Christians know that our places are here on earth until the Lord calls us from this life. We are to "be faithful unto death" (Rev. 2:10) and ready for the judgment (2 Cor. 5:9-10). "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." Like I have heard many faithful Christians say, "I'm ready to go or ready to stay." May we all have this attitude and confidence! [Next week—The Promise of Heaven]
                                                  -Ted J. Clarke