The inheritance of the child of God is in heaven. The apostle Peter wrote to Christians, saying, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:3-5, NKJV).

The clear message of the New Testament is that Jesus Christ has made it possible for His followers to have an eternal home with Him in heaven. He Himself has “gone into heaven” (1 Pet. 3:22). On the last day, He will “descend from heaven,” raise the dead, and bring the saved home to “always be with” Him (1 Thess. 4:16-17). In order to be able to go to heaven sinners must receive forgiveness of sins and salvation through believing and obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ (cf. Rom. 1:16; Acts 2:37-38; Eph. 2:8-9). Those who are willing to be “faithful unto death” are promised a “crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).

As Christians, how can we make sure that we are ready to go to heaven? Based on the teaching of the New Testament, please consider the following:

1. Focus on your hope that is in heaven. The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Colosse, saying, “We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel” (Col. 1:3-5). There is “one hope” that is of any lasting consequence to the child of God (Eph. 4:4), and that hope is laid up in God’s dwelling place, in heaven. The goal of the child of God is not to live forever on earth, but to have a home with God in heaven for eternity. That expectation serves to motivate us to remain faithful in the face of trials and temptations so that our hope will one day be realized. For this reason, Paul writes, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Col. 3:2-4). Focusing on the hope of heaven helps us prepare for heaven.

2. Recognize that your citizenship is in heaven. To the church in Philippi, Paul writes, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” (Phil. 3:20-21). While we may be citizens of an earthly nation, more importantly, followers of Christ are citizens of the kingdom of God. When Christ comes again, “Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power” (1 Cor. 15:24). Loyal subjects of the King of kings will enjoy His presence for eternity as citizens of His everlasting kingdom in the dwelling place of God. No earthly rights of citizenship are worthy to be compared with heavenly citizenship. Recognizing that our citizenship is in heaven helps us prepare for heaven.

3. Lay up your treasures in heaven. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). The “love of money” (1 Tim. 6:10) and “the deceitfulness of riches” (Matt. 13:22) will cause many people, including many of God’s children, to miss heaven. An eternal home with God is reserved for those who consider it far more valuable than anything this temporary world has to offer. As the inspired writer of Hebrews puts it, “you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward” (Heb. 10:34-35). How much of what we do each day is focused on getting ready to go to heaven? Laying up our treasures in heaven helps us prepare for heaven.

Conclusion: On the night of His betrayal, Christ comforted His apostles, saying, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (Jn. 14:2-3). There is no greater promise of the gospel than the promise that the saved will have a home with the Lord for eternity. As we forsake sin and follow Jesus, we can be sure that we are ready for heaven by focusing on our hope, recognizing where our true citizenship lies, and laying up our treasures with the Lord. Are you getting ready for heaven?