Most people believe in heaven.

The Problem is that most people don’t have a Christian understanding of it.

"Most Christians use the word “resurrection” but they use it as synonymous for “life after death” or “going to heaven.”  And then when pressed, they share the confusion of the wider culture on the subject."
— NT Wright

There’s a difference between “life after death” and “life after life after death”.

Intermediate State - What happens right after a person dies (life after death)

Heaven - Bodily resurrection in the new heavens & earth (life after life after death)

If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Philippians 2:22-24‍

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Revelation 21:1-8‍

Bottom Line

Easter is not just about personal salvation. It’s about cosmic transformation.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
‍1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Jesus is the firstfruits of the resurrection & new creation.

Are you participating in God’s heaven as it arrives?

Action Steps

Pray - Create some space with Jesus to pray through the following:

• Do you want to become a follower of Jesus?
• Where is Jesus inviting you into deeper renewal and change?
• How is Jesus inviting you to be part of the renewal of all things?
  

Practice

• Spend 10-15 minutes each day reflecting on how God might want to bring renewal in your life
• Commit to serving alongside others in community to embody God’s heart and care.