It is good to notice some things about heaven. The writer of Hebrews spoke of heaven as a rest.

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest … There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

“For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief ” (Heb. 4:1-11).

In thinking about going to heaven the words this passage must be studied closely. Heaven is not a place obtained without a person striving to get there.

The children of Israel had to follow God according to his instructions if they wanted to enter the land of rest.

Today man must also follow God if they desire to enter the rest of heaven. God does not owe man anything.

He blesses man with the opportunity and the means to enter heaven – gospel obedience and a faithful life.

The rest of heaven will not mean the ending of activity, for there will be worship of God around his throne (Rev. 5: 1ff).

Some would say this is a contradiction but think back to the Sabbath day. This was a day of rest, but also a day of activity as they served God.

Those who enter heaven will have no problem with praising and worshipping God, it will be a pleasure. God has always been pleased when man seeks to worship and serve him.

Paul knew that heaven awaited him and all the faithful of all time. It had been his desire to make the journey to heaven before, but he knew he had work to do for the Lord (Phil. 1:20-26).

He was able near the end of his life to make the statement, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Every follower of God should look to this great apostle to see a pattern to follow as they seek to please God.

Those who open their minds and hearts to God’s word know that eternity in heaven awaits all who follow God according to his will (Matt. 7:21-23).

What a great blessing it is for man to know that heaven does exist and if a person will simply obey the gospel by believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, repenting of sins, confessing the name of Christ before men, being baptized for the remission of our sins, and then living each day for God as his faithful child heaven is obtainable.