The human mortality rate stands at more than 100 percent. How is this possible? Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) didn't die. But Lazarus and several others in Scripture were raised from the dead, so they died twice.

In that light, this morning's television news is reporting the Associated Press top five stories of 2005: (5) rising oil prices; (4) changes at the Supreme Court; (3) the war in Iraq; (2) the papal transition; and (1) Hurricane Katrina. Like a Supreme Court justice and pope we will all die, unless Jesus returns first.

Given the uncertainties of life, the contemporary fascination with heaven and spirituality is understandable. According to ABC poll results from this week’s Barbara Walters special on heaven, nine in 10 of us believe in heaven, and one out of four believes access is limited to Christians. 78 percent believe it’s a spiritual place, not a physical one. And scientists now think there is a "God gene" which influences our thinking about heaven.

The ABC special showed us there are many views on who will be in heaven. But only one source matters: what God says. His opinion is the only one which counts. Here are the biblical facts, stated succinctly.

First, heaven is real. John said, "I saw a new heaven and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1). Second, it is a place. John "saw" it. He didn't feel it, or dream of it, or hear about it. He saw it, and we only see things which are. Third, heaven is where God is. John records, "Now the dwelling of God is with men" (v. 3). When we get to heaven, we get to God. Psalm 11:4 is clear: "The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne."

Fourth, heaven is a blessed place. John was promised that there will be no death in heaven, thus no mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). Fifth, it's a place of reward. Jesus told us to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20). Sixth, it's a place of celebration: "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God" (Luke 14:15). And seventh, it's a place of perfect understanding: "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (1 Corinthians 13:12).

No wonder Jesus called heaven "paradise" (Luke. 23:43). It is a place of blessing beyond all description: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what the Lord has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9; cf. Isaiah 64.4).

And it can be our eternal home, because of Christmas. Because we couldn't get to God, he came to us. He could not allow a single sin into his paradise, or it would no longer be perfect and holy. So his Son paid the penalty for our sins and mistakes so we could be forgiven and receive eternal life. If we will ask him to forgive us and become our Lord, he will. That's the top story of this or any other year. Are you in it?

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