FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

heaven, John saw beautiful stone, a rainbow like an emerald in appearance, a sea of glass like crystal and elders with golden crowns on their heads (Revelation 4:3-6). Having traveled through several western states, my wife and I have seen many breathtaking views, my favorites being the Teton Mountains in Wyoming and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. I’ve stood before those sights, transfixed, marveling over God’s handiwork.Yet, even the most beautiful places on this sin-stained planet pale in comparison to what heaven has in store. I’m especially excited to think that the millions that didn’t get the opportunity to see such sights in this life will be able to do see much more beautiful sights in heaven. Adding to the bliss is the rest we’ll experience in heaven . Since the Fall, man has had to obtain food by the sweat of his brow. (Genesis 3:19). I believe this curse extends and applies, in general, to survival/making a living. Every- where I go, I see people burning the candle at both ends. Fam- ily activities, job responsibilities, and health concerns, just to name a few, take a tremendous toll on us. I know many people who’ve literally worn themselves out by taking care of others. Church, too, will exhaust us if we let it. Thankfully, heaven provides relief from such toil. In the midst of one of John’s visions, a voice said, “Write,‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’”‘Yes,’ says the Spirit,‘so that they my rest from their labors’” (Revelation 14:13, emphasis added).This is not to say that saints will spend eternity loung- ing among the clouds on heavenly hassocks, strumming harps. There will be lots to “do” in heaven. Fortunately, we won’t grow tired in the process. Finally, heaven is a temporary place . This might raise a few eyebrows, since we’re used to thinking of heaven as end- less and eternal.Yet, as bestselling author Randy Alcorn states

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