In this biblical series Iain MacMillan asks the central question, “Is Heaven Really Our Destination?” which brings into focus the discrepancy of the widely held belief of the church that individuals go immediately into heaven without the necessity of the resurrection. In addition to the fact that this belief does not have any scriptural validity, it detracts from the importance of the resurrection and the necessity of the subsequent judgment of the redeemed.
This series of messages underscore that we will all die because of our disobedience to God. The only exception is those who are still alive when Christ returns to inaugurate His Kingdom. Whether we die and are resurrected or transformed when Christ returns, we all have a divine appointment and must “appear before the judgment seat of Christ”.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
The outcome of this judgment will be based upon our present faithfulness. What is clear is that heaven is never the destination for the believer, whether at death or at resurrection, but the profound truth that the faithful will rule and reign with Him into the ages on earth.
“25Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. 26He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations; 27and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the poster are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father” (Revelation 2:25-27).
One of the main objectives of this series is to give all those who belong to Christ a clearer view of their destination, and therefore to motivate them to endure UNTIL THE DAY.
THE GROVE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP