We Can Be Confident About Heaven

My father-in-law’s death last month naturally caused grief because we’ll miss his presence in our lives. In the midst of grief, however, I’ve experienced an undeniable peace and even a sense of celebration.

This man, age ninety, lived a good life and was ready to take up residence in heaven – a promise fulfilled because he’d placed his saving faith in Jesus Christ. Earthly pain and struggles are behind him, and without doubt, he’s with his Savior. His passing reminded me of my father’s death a year ago.

As Dad’s body slowly shut down, he whispered precious words to my mother. They were words that brought comfort in our loss, words that brought hope, peace, and that same sense of celebration. “It’s so beautiful there,” he gasped. “I see Jesus.”

Death loses its sting when we know Jesus

The grave has no victory. Job knew this to be true. In the midst of indescribable sorrow and physical pain, he said,

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at least. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God. I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought” (Job 19:25-27).

Talk about confident hope! When I reread these verses, two words jumped off the page at me: know and will.

Job said, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” He didn’t say, “I hope my Redeemer lives,” or “I wish I could know that my Redeemer lives.” His words expressed strength and security despite a seemingly hopeless situation.

The other word, will, expresses confident hope, too: “He will stand upon the earth”; “…in my body I will see God”; “…I will see him for myself”; “…I will see him with my own eyes.”

Job was confident, and so am I

Job didn’t say, “Maybe Jesus will stand on the earth someday,” or “I sure hope I’ll see God with my eyes.” No, using the word will indicated a solid conviction that what he was speaking would someday come true.

The older I get, the more aware I am of my mortality. Someday, I’ll face death, too. That thought doesn’t scare me anymore. The sting is gone, replaced by peace that comes from knowing Jesus as my Savior and Friend. Someday I will see Him for myself, with my own eyes. In Job’s words, that thought overwhelms me – with hope, anticipation, and great joy.