Seventh-Day Adventists are known for their focus on the Second Advent of Christ and belief in a heavenly future. As a church, we have spent a lot of time focusing on when Jesus will return to take us to heaven. However, in our attempts to understand the nature of heaven, have we missed something vital? If Jesus was preaching at the Sydney Opera House or the Melbourne Cricket Ground you might hear Him say things like, “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2) or “The Kingdom of God is within you” (John 17:21). Jesus didn’t waste words and He doesn’t lie. If He says the kingdom of heaven is near, or in fact within you, what exactly does He mean?
For Jesus, the kingdom of heaven wasn’t just a faraway place, but a state of being; a particular way of doing life. Elsewhere, He said, “Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me” (John 17:21-23). It appears that for Jesus, the notion of the kingdom and His presence are very similar. Could it be that heaven is a lot closer to us than we think?
Have we missed something Jesus was trying to tell us? Is it possible that we can experience elements of heaven now? What would that look like? Paul the Apostle may have some insights in this respect. Paul seemed to understand the presence of Christ in his life when he wrote, “For me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21). Elsewhere he says, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me”, (Galatians 2:20). Paul seemed to live in a very close connection with Christ. His life was inspired by Christ and His kingdom agenda became Paul’s life goal.
Often we think of heaven as a place where we will play with wild animals, walk on streets of gold and rip around the universe defying the laws of gravity. However, these things in and of themselves would not really be that amazing if it weren’t for the presence of Jesus and the absence of sin.
So what really makes heaven “Heaven”? I believe it’s the presence of Jesus and the absence of sin. While sin is still a predominant theme of our lives, we can be in the presence of Jesus NOW! We can be the one who shines the light of Christ’s love to people around us. Jesus put it this way, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3).
When we live in such a way that people see Jesus in us, we’re living in the reality of the living Christ—and we are bringing His kingdom into our classroom, lecture theatre, work place and friendship group.
Jesus once said, “I saw the devil falling from heaven like lightning” (see Luke 10:18). Interesting words from Jesus who can see behind the veil into the spiritual realms. He sees the kingdom of heaven prevailing in every soul who has God’s Spirit dwelling in them. The kingdom of heaven is wherever the Spirit of God dwells. This is why the fellowship of our friends in Christ is so powerful. Our friends help to keep focused on Jesus who gives us our kingdom life daily.
So what are God’s kingdom agendas? I believe God’s most important kingdom agenda is bringing His lost sons and daughters back into a faith relationship with Him before it’s too late. Amazingly, we can enter God’s heavenly kingdom right here right now. The moment we allow Christ to rule in our lives, we have entered into His eternal life plan. Think it through for a moment. What sort of kingdom agenda could you become part of?
Heaven starts right where you are. The moment you are transformed by the grace of Christ Jesus and embrace His kingdom agenda for your life, heaven prevails. It’s visible in any act of kindness that is motivated by a kingdom agenda—for example, the benefit of humanity, without any kickback for you in any way. You’re breathing the aura of heaven. Any thought or act of genuine care, concern or compassion engages the spirit of heaven. Heaven isn’t defined merely by its location and it’s not just bonded by the walls of the New Jerusalem. Heaven is primarily defined by the presence and passion of Christ. As C S Lewis once said, “Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.”
So what are you waiting for? Starting living each day with the eyes, heart and hands of Jesus and watch as heaven unfolds in the lives of your friends. Maybe this is what Jesus meant when He said, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Nick Kross is the Director of Youth Ministries for the South Pacific Division.
