Two acquaintances were saying "goodbye" after a few days spent in the same house. One was a child of God; the other was a lost man.
The one who lived only for this world said: "I wonder if we shall ever come across each other again?”
“I don't think it's very probable," replied the Christian. "Can you give me any assurance that we shall meet in heaven where the Savior is whom I love?”
“Heaven! Why, that seems a very long time off; I haven't begun to think about it." And thus they parted.
At a cab stand some men were waiting. Another one joined them and, greeting an elderly man, said; "Hello, John! You here? How's your rheumatism?”
“Oh, I reckon we'll not part till I get to heaven," was the answer.
"Heaven! Why, that's a far-away place.”
"Yes, and I believe it'll take me all my time to get there at all," said the old man.
These thoughts of heaven are natural to man. To him it means departure from this life, and so he hopes to postpone it. It may be a long time, a long way off!
To the Christian, heaven (or paradise) is "with Christ, which is far better.”
To the first martyr, Stephen, when being stoned, it appeared very near, for "he... looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." Acts 7:5555But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, (Acts 7:55).
No unforgiven sinner can enter into heaven. Naught that defileth can enter there. Many are content to go on in uncertainty knowing neither how to be made fit for heaven, nor the right road there. Only the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, can cleanse from all sin. (1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7).) Washed in its crimson tide even the vilest is made fit to dwell in this blest place; and Christ Himself is the passport there.
Beloved, heaven or hell is very near to you. God can either say to you, "Thou fool! this night thy soul shall be required of thee," or He can say: "Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.”
Remember that "When once the Master of the house is risen up and hath shut to the door," not all your tears and prayers will gain you an entrance. You have had your offer of Christ and heaven. Have you rejected it? The Bible says: "Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 3:1515While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. (Hebrews 3:15).