Heaven and Hell

When I was younger, I understood hell as a place I never wanted to end up in. I pictured a place with Satan smiling and laughing, while looking down on people suffering in an ocean of fire. This is a common image that our society has. However, what stands out to me from this disturbing image is that hell is a place of pain and suffering. Thus, the word "Hell" has always had a negative ring to it. In fact, when I was growing up, my friends and I were never to the use "H-e-double hockey sticks". Overall, this place was a disturbing place to think about.

On the other hand, Heaven has a joyous ring to it. Growing up, I understood Heaven as the ultimate perfect place from God. Can you imagine what the scenery of the most perfect place would look like? I believe it would be beautiful. Afterall, God created everything and "it was good", but Heaven seems like it would be better than "good". I think "good" was a description given to things created on this earth, but I do not think Heaven is on this earth. 2 Cor. 5:1 shows us that this place is not built by earlthly hands, but is eternal and built by God. Perhaps "marvelous" or "incredible" would be better fit words to describe heaven.

The bible talks about how the streets of heaven will be filled with gold. My mom taught me that heaven is not going to be filled with a select group of people, knowing that God's people come in all different shapes, shades and sizes. This literal heaven that I originally believed in has taken a different shape in my mind. As I have encountered numerous obstacles while growing up, I now look forward to the idea of heaven being a place where there is no loss, pain or sorrow. This also sounds like a beautiful place to me. A place with no pain and suffering sounds very relaxing (Revelation 7:16-17).

For those who do not have the saving knowledge of Christ, it is important to remember that our God is a just God. 2 Thessalonians 1:5 says "God's judgement is right and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God".

Personally, I would like to end up in heaven someday. I understand David's hope when he says, "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" - Psalm 23:6.