Heaven

Do you give much thought to your next home? Perhaps it's my age, but the word/subject flits into my mind more often. Then again, it may be a reaction to how the world is going - in the wrong direction. But what have you envisioned this to be? I know there are books and movies that people have presented what their experience is... does this change, enhance or the opposite? 

When I was a child, I must admit that my understanding was superficial and terribly incorrect. Going to Heaven was not on my priority list. Oh, I would go but I wasn't looking forward to it. My view was of people sitting around on clouds strumming lyres. Talk about a turn off. It sounded so boring and I was/am an active person. Obviously, I've learned differently but Heaven is not preached very often from the pulpit, which I believe is a grave mistake. When was the last time you heard a message about Heaven? 

So what is your view? And, does everyone go to heaven when they die? Obviously, the answer is 'no' though I realize that many do adhere to this belief. Based on...??? What does scripture say, quoting an article in bibleinfo.com., 

   "John 14:1-3 even says that Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for 
    us to live. In heaven, those saved by God will have new bodies without 
    the curse of sin! There will be no one who is blind, deaf or lame in heaven 
    (Isaiah 35:5, 6 and Philippians 3:21). Although Jesus builds houses in 
    heaven, the Bible also says that those saved will also build their own 
    houses and inhabit them as well as plant and eat from vineyards (Isaiah 
    65:21). Most importantly, God will be in heaven and He wants to be your 
    friend. He wants to dwell with you and wipe away all your tears (Revelation
    21:1-4). " 

Does this change your thinking? This says, 'those saved' so this ends any question about who will be there. And our condition is even indicated - without the curse of sin, healed. 

Revelation 20:11-15 gives the most vivid description: 

   "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. 
    From His presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found 
    for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the 
    throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, 
    which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was 
    written in the books, according to what they had done. And the 
    sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up 
    the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of 
    them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades 
    were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the 
    lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the 
    book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."  

Questions? This is extremely specific - there can be no mistaking what is stated. How can you know if your name is in the Book of Life? Are you saved? Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord? If these 2 questions can be answered - yes, then your name IS in the Book of Life. Some scriptures that can give you further understanding and assurance are: Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5, Romans 8:37-39, John 10:28-30. If you ever begin to doubt your salvation, and do know that the devil will try multiple times to discourage you, all you need to do is remember... "It is written..."  Find the truth in the Bible.