1. In these verses Jesus said that His disciples can know something very special -- "the truth." 2. Jesus also revealed the key to knowing the truth -- "continuing in His word." 3. Knowing the truth is accompanied by a special blessing -- it makes us "free." 4. Recently we have searched the Lord's word so we can know the truth concerning His return, the judgment, and the resurrection, including His resurrection. 5. In this lesson we are searching the Lord's word so "we can know the truth about heaven." 6. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. THE LORD'S WORD EXPLAINS WHY WE NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT HEAVEN
A. Heaven is where we are to lay up treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). B. Our "conversation" [citizenship] is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). C. Our hope is laid up in heaven (Colossians 1:5). D. Our inheritance is reserved in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4). E. These passages explain why we need to know the truth about heaven. II. THE LORD'S WORD DESCRIBES HEAVEN AS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE
A. According to John 14:1-3, Jesus has gone there to prepare a place for His followers. B. Heaven will be prepared in such a way that: 1. certain things will not be there (Revelation 21:1-4, 23-27) 2. certain things will be there (Revelation 22:1-2; 14:13). C. Jesus referred to heaven as "life eternal" (Matthew 25:46). D. This eternal life has been promised by God (Titus 1:2; 1 John 2:25). III. THE LORD'S WORD REVEALS WHO WILL BE IN HEAVEN
A. God is there (John 14:2; Matthew 6:9). B. We learn from Revelation 21:27 that those whose names are in the book of life will be permitted to enter heaven, including: 1. the saved (Revelation 21:24) 2. the obedient (Revelation 22:14) 3. the faithful (Revelation 2:10) 4. those who have sown to the Spirit (Galatians 6:8; 5:22-23) 5. those who have been "in the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). C. Unfortunately, "few" will pay the price to go to heaven (Matthew 7:13-14). D. Those who do "shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 22:5). Conclusion:
1. To know the truth about heaven we must continue in the Lord's word. 2. To receive an eternal home in heaven with the Father we must come to Him through His Son (John 14:6). 3. Thankfully, the Lord has shown us how we can be among the few. a. Mark 16:15-16 b. Revelation 2:10
