Have you ever heard the phrase, or said it yourself, ‘this is a bit of heaven on earth’?

Perhaps that ‘bit of heaven’ is a rest in the beauties of nature, or time with family. Maybe it consists of good news or happy friendships.

If we’re honest, earth is neither the most wonderful nor the happiest place to live. Pain and suffering are part of daily life for some, whilst others experience the tragedy of war and natural disasters.

The Bible teaches that heaven, by contrast, is not damaged by war and corruption. The final book of the Bible, Revelation, states clearly that in heaven, ‘there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying [and] no more pain’ (Rev 21v4).

We often wish for an end to suffering. Growing old can be fraught with fears of loneliness and regular visits to our doctors. We become frustrated with our weakness.

In heaven, we are rid of this personal struggle. In the book of Psalms, we are told that in God’s presence there is ‘fullness of joy’ and ‘pleasures forevermore’ (Psalm 16v11). We will have new, incorruptible bodies.

Jesus claims to be the only way to heaven: ‘no one comes to the Father except through Me’ (John chapter 14 verse 6). However, coming to Jesus means a change of heart and life. We must turn away from the wrong things we think and do – things that displease God, called sin – and love Him and serve Him with all our heart.

The alternative to heaven is a place that the Bible calls ‘hell’. Jesus describes it as a ‘furnace of fire’; a place where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matt 13v42). Because we have turned our backs on God and His laws, we all deserve God’s punishment in hell.

Wonderfully, on the cross of Calvary, Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. The Bible says that if we confess our sin, God will forgive us and make us new people. He will help us obey Him in this life, and after death, take us to heaven.

So, why should we want to go to heaven? More than being a beautiful place, it is a place where Jesus is. Countless others, who have been rescued from their sin, will be there. We will find our deepest satisfaction and greatest fulfilment in serving Him.

The alternative to heaven is unthinkable! The way to heaven is open, if we but ask. Come to Jesus today, and know you are going to heaven!