Heaven (Part 5): Long Talks

I had mentioned in my previous post, that if human beings did not completely eradicate their disposition to sin, there may be little difference between heaven and earth.  Christ’
sacrifice provides for forgiveness of sins, but also he saves us from sinning; the prophet Isaiah said, “By his stripes we are healed.”  When I think of the daily strife that goes on between families, friends, co-workers, and strangers, it can be a bit depressing at the difficulty and struggle we face in producing genuine goodness towards one another.

The question this brings to my mind is, will we find ourselves in tears and momentary heartbreak in our initial arrival into eternity?  I know there must be countless situations, where Christians have deeply offended people to whom we never had the chance to make amends because of death or numerous, unfortunate reasons.   I believe in heaven we will have a perfected understanding of the ravages of sin, and the pain and suffering (small or great) our actions have brought upon others.

Since time will no longer be scarce, I am wondering if there will be long, heart wrenching talks between the redeemed; speaking confessions, regrets, forgiveness, healing, and restoration.  All of this should be happening now of course, but the truth of the matter is, it does not.  In the book of Revelation, when Jesus first appears to John, John does not find himself running to Christ, embracing, kissing him, and telling him how happy he was to see him;  John says, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

John’s revelation of Christ brought a “near death” experience, but Jesus lifts John up and assures him of his redemptive death and resurrection.  I think this is how it will be for my-self on the day when I see him.  The overwhelming power of his goodness and his holiness; Standing before the consuming fire.  How in the world could I or any sinner stand?  May his precious hand lift me up and assure me of his redemptive pardon. As King David said, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge (Psalm 51:4).” I am glad that is not the end of the story, for he also says, “And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness (Psalm 17:15).”