Is Heaven for You?

Good Heavens, No!

Consider what the writer of the book of Acts has to say about a great historical figure in Israel’s early history:

“Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the man David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. … For David did not ascend to heaven … ” Acts 2:29,34

If there was anyone in Israel’s history that should have been rewarded, it was David. He was a faithful servant to God. He was a faithful king to Israel.

“After removing Saul, he [God] made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart, he will do everything I want him to do.’ ” Acts 13:22

“David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. He ruled over Israel for forty years – seven in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honour. His son, Solomon succeeded him as king.” 1 Chronicles 29:26-28

This righteous king, who had pleased God so well, did not ascend to heaven. Amazing that such a situation could arise, one must ask the question of why such a worthy man did not ascend to heaven. Why didn’t he? The answer to this question is important, and to understand more about it, we must consider what death is. To do this, we will firstly turn to the book of Ecclesiastes, a book of the Bible that is largely ignored by Bible readers.

“‘This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and they join the dead. Anyone who is among the living has hope! – even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!”

“The living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten. Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.”

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” Ecclesiastes 9:3-6, 10

This passage puts into words the observations of millions in the world today, that a dead person no longer has the ability to work, to plan, to think, or to act. They are placed in a coffin and lowered into the ground. Given a few years, the memory of them is reduced, and, given further time, forgotten.

But does this valid observation mean that there is no hope of anything beyond the grave? By no means! For the writer of the book Ecclesiastes is speaking of those who do not have any recognition of God In his concluding verses he writes:

“Now all has been heard, here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,14

We are certainly not conscious of a judgment taking place at any stage during our life. At no time has God discussed with us how our life has measured up against His required standard. Since it is only fair and reasonable that we should have some awareness of the findings of this judgment, it is reasonable to assume that the judgment must take place at a time subsequent to our death, and at a time of which we shall be aware of it. This conscious judgment is noted throughout the Bible, but is particularly emphasised in the New Testament. This is because the judgment being spoken about is intimately associated with the return of Jesus Christ to the earth.

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word… I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all that have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:1,2,7,8

The phrase, “on that day’, refers to the day of Jesus Christ’s second coming, or appearing. This, also, is a common theme in the New Testament. Consider, for example, the occasion when Jesus ascended to heaven, as recorded in the first chapter of the book of Acts. It is recorded that two “men” spoke to those watching the ascension:

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1: 11

Some religious sects claim that Jesus has already made his return, and is currently operating “invisibly” on this planet. But this is contrary to the above passage, which clearly asserts that a very real, visible, Jesus is to return – the same Jesus as they saw going into heaven. And, furthermore, his return is to be visible, as was his departure. So it is evident that he has not yet returned, and therefore that the judgment that has to take place at that time, has not yet taken place.