“You might remember my grandmother,” J. mentioned in our conversation. “although she’s been gone a long time now.”
“Who could forget her?” I responded. “She was such a vibrant woman.”
J. nodded. “I was privileged to be with Grandma during her last hours on earth—a surreal experience for sure. She radiated peace and wore the sweetest smile. Grandma kept whispering with wonder, ‘Oh, it’s beautiful—so beautiful!’
“And she called out people’s names too, names that meant nothing to us. At the time it seemed such a strange thing to do.
“Then a few years ago when I researched our family ancestry, some of those names turned up on our family tree from a generation or two prior to Grandma’s—relatives she must have known when she was young and people of faith already in heaven. She had to have seen them from her deathbed!”
We marveled at what J. had observed as she stood on the threshold of heaven with her grandmother. And we embraced the assurance that dying need not be feared—IF we’ve accepted God’s gift of eternal life by believing in Christ.
In fact, the great preacher Charles Spurgeon declared we can welcome death with intense delight, that it is sweet to die in the Lord [1].
In my younger days though, I wondered if playing a harp all day would be sweet enough to keep me happily occupied. My next thought was, at least that beats the alternative.
Little did I understand:
Earth’s best does not compare with heaven’s least.
—F. B. Meyer [2]
Of course that’s true. God in all his glory resides there. Also, if he’s provided astounding beauty, pleasurable activity, and satisfying purpose for us on earth, he will certainly provide all that and more in heaven.
Joy is the serious business of heaven.
–C.S. Lewis [3]
Lewis wasn’t talking about fleeting joy, but permanent, moment-by-moment, perfect joy.
He also wrote:
I also used to wonder, How will we get there? Will we have to “walk toward the light” alone? I’d like some company.
First of all, Jesus promised to be with us always [4]. His very name Emmanuel means God with us—in the here and now, as we approach and cross the threshold of heaven, and forever thereafter.
Second, in Jesus’ parable about the rich man and the poor beggar Lazaruz, the latter was carried by angels to heaven [5].
Looks like we’ll have plenty of company.
But the journey from earth to heaven won’t be very long anyway. To be absent from the body is to be present with God [6].
Even if the threshold of heaven was far distant, and even if we had to make the journey alone, the potential discomfort would be more than worth it.
The Bible only gives us a few quick glimpses of what’s to come, but they stagger the imagination: twelve gates, each made from a single pearl, streets of gold as pure as transparent glass, and walls made of precious stones.
A river as clear as crystal runs down from God’s throne and through the middle of the main street. It’s a place where no pain, sorrow, death, or suffering can mar the perfection of God’s realm [7].
Some Bible teachers and scholars have characterized heaven in these ways:
- Life far better, richer, fuller, purer, and more joyful than here [8]
- Tranquility, fullness, blessedness, calm, sweetness, holiness, joy, a haven of rest [9]
- Unsurpassed joy, unfading glory, undiminished bliss, unlimited delights, and unending pleasures [10]
We can depend upon it. That last moment, as each of us stands on the threshold of eternity, will be the best moment we have ever known!
J.’s grandmother and others provide the proof.
P.S. This post highlights what others had to say as they stood on the threshold of heaven: https://nancyaruegg.com/2018/02/01/famous-last-words/
[1] Morning by Morning, 113.
[2] Quoted in Streams in the Desert, L. B. Cowman, ed. Jim Reimann, 157.
[3] Letters to Malcolm, 92-93.
[4] Matthew 28:20
[5] Luke 16:19-31.
[6] 2 Corinthians 5:8 HCSB
[7] Revelation 21:4; 18-21; 22:1
[8] Jon Bloom, Not by Sight, 67.
[9] Jonathan Edwards (www.gracequotes.org).
[10] John MacArthur, The Glory of Heaven, 68.
Art & photo credits: http://www.freerangestock.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.stockcake.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.canva.com.
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From the Inside Out 
If we know Jesus as our Savior, this life is the worst we will ever know.
That’s right, Matt! Such truth is so wonderfully reassuring.
I’ve been anxious and fearful of catastrophe for far too long—I’ve recently decided that to be unafraid and completely trusting in the Lord is where true living can begin!
Amen to that, Debbie. Together we can keep our hearts and minds centered on Jesus and the glory to come he’s prepared for us!
Amen, Nancy, thank you!
I recall the story of my paternal grandfather as he was dying of cancer at the age of 35, a story told by my grandmother. He said, “I’m going to meet my Jesus.” J.’s story that you relayed here today, Nancy, is absolutely inspirational about the sureness and beauty of heaven when the time comes for the Lord to call us home. Blessings, dear friend, for sharing this with us today. No need to fear our future, but to simply trust in God for it all.
Thank you for sharing about your grandfather, Martha. Every story like this offers one more proof that our faith is NOT in vain, as these saints breathe their last in contentment, peace, and joyful expectancy.
What a beautiful experience J. had with her Grandmother! Thank you for sharing it, Nancy. Accounts like these make me so excited for what’s to come. We had a similar experience before my cousin went home to be with the Lord – something I will never forget!
That’s right–I remember you telling me about it, Mary. As I said to Martha above, every story like J.’s and like yours offers more proof that our faith is NOT in vain. We can look forward to calm peace and joyful expectancy as we breathe our last–praise God!
This gives e complete assurance that God keeps his promise. I know Paul is in heaven and he’s enjoying a perfect life with a perfect body in the presence of God. Knowing that helps me look forward to joining him there someday.
Thank you, Kathy, for adding your affirmation here, that knowing our believing loved ones are in heaven with Jesus and waiting for us is sweet comfort. You are an example to me of how to celebrate a loved one and God’s goodness even as you are grieving.
I look forward to one day standing in the long line of people who want to talk to CS Lewis!
TT
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Join me at Living Our Days https://michelemorin.net “The way we live our days is, of course, the way we live our lives.” (Annie Dillard)https://linktr.ee/MicheleDMorin
Oh yes–and Elisabeth Elliot too!
Maybe we’ll be able to stand in line together!💕
The story of J’s grandmother is intriguing. It’s spellbinding to hear what the dying have experienced and you’ve captured that in your post. The quotes you chose to share were fabulous. Thank you, Nancy! 🙂
You’re welcome, Nancy. I’m so glad you found the quotes meaningful as I have!
Lovely story and quite comforting to those of His children who fear ‘crossing over’ into His precious arms.
I found J.’s story to be heart-warming too. We can remove some the enemy’s fuel-for-fear with such comfort.
Your post reminds me of our former Lutheran pastor in Colorado, whom we first met through his eulogy of one of our friends. He celebrated death in the way you detail here, with unbridled acceptance. It was a shocking, unfamiliar take for us, but also so positive we attended his church soon after and became members. He spoke often – and powerfully – of death in his sermons, so that over time we’ve come to accept it with more peace and understanding.
As believers in Christ, we do grieve for Christian loved ones when they die because we miss them. But praise God we can rejoice in their home-going to be with Him, and enjoy the glorious life He’s prepared. It’s wonderful to be able to experience that peace, isn’t it?
There is a lot about death that we don’t know or understand, but we do know that God is good and He keeps His promises.
Amen, Linda. By the time you reach my age, the evidence of his goodness over the years becomes overwhelming, the number of kept promises incalculable!
mmm tried to leave a comment and it wouldn’t let me so trying again.
Such an uplifting post. Love the Meyer quote. I think heaven will be beyond our imagination.
I agree, Jean–beyond imagination. Maybe that’s why John wrote so little about what heaven looked like–it was too far beyond words!
I had the privilege of being with my mother-in-law, my mom, and a dear friend as each walked into heaven. For the Christian death is the door to the house the Lord has prepared for us. Definitely nothing to fear.
This is a beautiful post.
Thank you Donna for your encouragement and for affirming from your own experiences that we have nothing to fear. Praise God!
This is so beautiful, Nancy. I have been thinking much about Heaven, lately. Have you read Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven? It’s full of Scriptural truth about the hope we have in heaven and the joy that awaits us there. Have a blessed weekend, dear friend.
Praise God you found beauty here, Heidi. I have not read Randy Alcorn’s book on heaven; I’ve added it to my TBR list. I always appreciate book recommendations from people I highly respect! 😊
I can’t think of anything better than doing what I just did with you, Nancy: meditating on the joy in store for us in heaven. We have a sure hope of what awaits us in Christ Jesus. Praise be to God!
I’m so glad this meditation on heaven proved worthwhile for you, Dora! Praise God! I heartily agree, it IS wonderful to have a sure hope of what awaits us in Christ Jesus!
In her final days, my mom repeatedly was calling for my dad and her two brothers. It was heartsearing to watch but maybe she literally was at heaven’s door and they were waiting for her on the other side …
Perhaps, Linda! Our gentle Shepherd surely brings his sheep home with compassion and tenderness that could certainly include loved ones we’ve longed to see.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful post with us!!! It is a gift to read this today…so beautifully written, and so very inspiring!
Thank you for your kind comments, Linda. Praise God you found beauty here!
❤ AMEN-AMEIN IN JESUS-YESHUA NANCY ❤
Love ❤ Always and Shalom, YSIC ❤
Kristi
Thank you, Kristi!
“In my younger days though, I wondered if playing a harp all day would be sweet enough to keep me happily occupied. “I confess that I have had similar thoughts in my youth! But the older I get the more I understand what awaits me for all eternity. To experience true JOY without ceasing is something I look forward to. Having heard that people who are dying actually see something beautiful (like some sort of light) or mention the name of a long-gone loved one in their final hours is proof that He is with us here on earth and as we journey heavenward. And I look forward to perfect PEACE, as well as being reunited with loved ones who have passed away. Best of all, however, will be to come face to face with the ONE who gave His life for all of us and to worship at His feet.
Cheri, you’ve reminded me of the song, “I Can Only Imagine” . . . “Will I dance for You Jesus / Or in awe of You be still? / Will I stand in Your presence / Or to my knees, will I fall? / Will I sing hallelujah? / Will I be able to speak at all? / I can only imagine.” I’m thinking I’ll be one of those who falls to their knees–speechless–overwhelmed by his sacrificial love that’s made it possible for me to be with him in heaven!
Oh, yes! I am certain to be overwhelmed seeing Him face to face as the old hymn goes! (I love verse 3!)
Also, I just learned that a beloved, sweet Christian woman I have known since childhood passed away Sunday evening. She was a gifted pianist at our church and we have kept in touch all of these years.
Lyrics:
1 Face to face with Christ, my Savior,Face to face- what will it beWhen with rapture I behold him,Jesus Christ who died for me?
Refrain:Face to face I shall behold him,Far beyond the starry sky;Face to face in all his glory,I shall see him by and by.
2 Only faintly now I see himWith the darkened veil between,But a blessed day is comingWhen his glory shall be seen. [Refrain]
3 What rejoicing in his presence,When are banished grief and pain;When the crooked ways are straightenedAnd the dark things shall be plain. [Refrain]
4 Face to face- oh, blissful moment!Face to face- to see and know;Face to face with my Redeemer,Jesus Christ who loves me so. [Refrain]
I remember that hymn–I think my mother was asked to sing it frequently at funerals. The lyrics DO feed our anticipation!
Hi Nancy,
Without hope of eternity this world fades even as we live. But when Heaven invades now we can endure anything.
In Christ, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Indeed, Gary. I can’t imagine living with the notion that this life is all there is. How discouraging and depressing! Praise God for the cheering outlook of eternity with him.
Beautiful post. Thank you and God bless you!
Thank you Katie. Praise God you found beauty here!