The dark bare branches of the trees slowly begin to turn green as well as bushes and many flowers. After months seeming dead, the warm days of Springtime and Summer bring forth new life. The flowers are blooming in the woods, fields, roadsides and around our homes and businesses. The large variety of colors and the different kinds of flowers has a calming and comforting effect upon us as we enjoy their presence. There is an important lesson to be learned from each of the seasons, and particularly Springtime. Life from the dead speaks loudly to us and is a great reminder of the eternality of man.

Will the dead live again has been the often-asked question down through the centuries. Loved ones succumbing to the pains of death have left many hearts sad, with a wish we could be together again someday. In the oldest book of the Bible, Job tells us of his belief about the future and life.

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. Job 19:25-27

Job talked about his body being consumed in the grave, but he still believed one day in his flesh he would see God. This is an awesome thought. Death of the body is not the end. Though life is gone for the moment, there is the promise it will arise from the dust of the ground, to live again forever. Just as the trees and flowers shed their blooms and leaves, and stand stripped of their beauty, come next Spring, life shall come forth from them, once again.

TWO RESURRECTIONS
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28-29

Could this be God in his wisdom, reminding us of a future resurrection? You might say, this could be the way God is speaking to us of his love and power?

Jesus himself, tells of two different resurrections that are going to take place in the future. He said there would be a resurrection of life for those who had believed in him. Then he said there would be a resurrection of damnation, for those who did not believe in him as their own personal savior. A study of the scriptures tells us that these two resurrections are separated by one thousand years.

The resurrection of life is for the saved when the church is raptured out. This is clearly taught in the Bible in many different scriptures. Below is one of the more familiar passages dealing with the Rapture.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18

This is when we who have been saved will receive our new bodies and they will be suitable for us to live in forever. These new bodies will never tire, have disease, sickness, or sin. They will be fashioned for us to live in for our heavenly life, rather than the earthly life as we know it now. Life in heaven is going to be far superior to earthly life. In no sense will the next life be a demotion or a loss of anything good. In the resurrection of life, we will have the highest quality of life possible, and it will be given by God to all his children. This is the life we receive because, while here on earth we repented of our sins and trusted Jesus as our own personal savior.

Then there is the resurrection of damnation. This is for all those who are not saved. Instead of heaven they will be in a place for those who had no interest in heaven and the things of Christ. A dreary, eerie place of torment called Hell. My friends, this is a God forsaken place that Jesus speaks much about in scripture, and it is assigned to all who had no time for God and his Son, throughout their earthly lives. Sadly, too many will find themselves here. They did not understand or even care that life here is the time to get ready for “Eternal” life in Heaven. And they did not understand the consequences of their decisions, costing literally billions of people the loss of their souls.

Jesus warns: For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26

But for those of us who will be in heaven, we not only get to live with our precious savior, but we are going to know our loved ones. Scripture teaches we are always going to be who we are now. We are not going to be something or someone else. Apostle Paul said.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1Cor 13:12

In heaven we are told there will not be any marrying. We will be married to the Lord Jesus Christ as his eternal bride throughout the endless ages.

Jesus tells us: For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in Heaven. Matthew 22:30

I look forward to spending eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ and my loved ones my friends, don’t you.

OUR HEAVENLY REST
God created man as a male, and female as a woman to produce children. Then to the children of men God sent his Word inviting all to live with him one day. The Lord did not tell any of us how long he would allow us to live in this world, but he did tell us to be ready, for at any moment this life here can end. However, Satan the deceiver, has come along and suggested to man that God is too good to allow them to go to hell. Sometimes, he tells men there is no hell. Sometimes he tells men that any religion will be alright and sometimes he even tells people if they are a good person, God will take them to heaven when this life is over.

But Satan, the Prince of Darkness is a liar and always has been. He cheats people out of their souls every day, constantly using his diabolical power to keep people under his dominion. The very moment! man goes along with Satan their lives become indifferent to the Lord. Even so, all the children of men who call upon the Him for salvation will be given a home in heaven.

Heaven, a place Satan will not be allowed & neither will there be anything unpleasant or unlovely. Our aesthetic nature will always be pleased at all the sights we see. Let me say it again. Heaven is for all the saved and it will be more exciting and beautiful than any Springtime, or Summer we've ever known.

O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Psalms 96:9

While we as people love beauty, so does our Lord. To him, the most beautiful sight is to behold those who have trusted him as their Lord and Savior and are serving him with excitement. If this world with the curse of sin upon it, and creation groaning because of it, can have the beauty of nature and the seasons, how do you think the home of God is going to look!

So, as I sit here writing these thoughts, looking out the window at the flowers, I watch the blue birds, the red birds, and robins in the yard & thank the Lord for such a wonderful sight. Yes, such beauty leaves me in awe and even a little homesick for that land of no pain, sorrow, or death. How about you? Have you made plans for Heaven, the land where we never grow old, tired or weary and can enjoy a life that will never cease.

Well, my friends, the good news is it's free! And its place for you, me, and “whosoever will”, paid for by the Great Creator when he gave his only Son to die for our sins upon Calvary's cross. To be prepared to go to that celestial city one day, we must recognize our need for salvation. Trusting Jesus as our Savior is the only requirement to enter!

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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 go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3