Tags: eternity in our hearts, longing for paradise, heaven, eternal life, judgment seat of Christ, KJV Bible, Christian hope, heavenly home
Introduction: A Divine Imprint in the Soul
There is a yearning in every human soul that no earthly pleasure, possession, or power can satisfy. This yearning whispers in the quiet moments of life and echoes in times of deep sorrow, joy, or contemplation. It is the silent reminder that this world is not our home. The Bible speaks of this innate desire, a divine impression etched into the very being of man. As King Solomon rightly observed:
“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart…”
Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV
The word “world” here, as interpreted in its context, refers to eternity—God has set eternity in our hearts. Every man, whether he admits it or not, carries an awareness that there is something beyond the now, a realm outside of time, a life beyond the grave.
1. Man Is Made for More Than Time
Man was created by an eternal God, in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27 KJV). Unlike animals, mankind was designed to live not only in time but for eternity. Death is not natural; it is an intruder brought about by sin (Romans 5:12 KJV). Because of this, we groan within ourselves, awaiting redemption:
“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now… even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”
Romans 8:22-23 KJV
Our groaning is not just about escaping suffering—it is a holy homesickness for our real home. Deep inside, we know we were not made just for earth. We were made for Paradise.
2. Paradise: The Believer’s Blessed Hope
The longing for Paradise is not wishful thinking; it is a God-planted desire grounded in truth. Jesus promised a place, not just peace. He told His disciples:
“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
John 14:2 KJV
This is not merely symbolic. It is a real promise of a real home for those who have trusted in Him. Paul spoke of being “willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV). This speaks of a sure destination—Paradise, where God dwells and where believers will dwell forever.
3. The Judgment Seat of Christ: Living with Eternity in View
This longing for Paradise should not lead to escapism but to active faithfulness. Every believer must live with the awareness that eternity includes accountability. Paul declares:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body…”
2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV
The knowledge that our works will be tried by fire (1 Corinthians 3:13-15 KJV) should not cause fear but inspire us to live with eternal purpose. The longing for Paradise motivates a life of godliness, service, and faithfulness. We do not labor in vain when we live with eternity in our hearts.
4. Saints of Old Longed for a Better Country
This longing is not new. The saints of Hebrews 11—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others—were strangers and pilgrims on the earth, desiring a better country:
“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
Hebrews 11:16 KJV
They saw beyond the temporal into the eternal. That same faith fuels our longing for Paradise today.
5. Christ Is Our Paradise
Ultimately, Paradise is not just a place—it is a Person. Paradise is where Christ is. On the cross, Jesus told the dying thief:
“Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:43 KJV
To be with Jesus is Paradise. Paul, in his visions and revelations, speaks of being caught up into Paradise (2 Corinthians 12:4 KJV), giving us a glimpse of the eternal reward prepared for the saints. Christ is our joy, our life, and our eternal hope. As the hymn says, “Jesus is Heaven to me.”
6. This Longing Is a Gift, Not a Burden
Sometimes, the longing for Paradise is accompanied by tears and trials. Life on earth is full of burdens, brokenness, and battles. But even in our deepest sorrows, this eternal longing becomes our strength. As Paul says:
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21 KJV
The gain is not just escape from suffering—it is the fulfillment of a divine longing.
7. Encouragement for the Believer: Keep Longing, Keep Looking
Dear Christian, let your heart continue to long for Paradise—not as an escape but as your eternal inheritance. Live with eternity written in your decisions, your prayers, and your priorities.
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Colossians 3:2 KJV
Be faithful, be patient, and keep looking up. As Paul tells Titus:
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Titus 2:13 KJV
Conclusion: Our Heart Knows There’s More
God has written eternity in your heart. That longing is His fingerprint on your soul. It is His call to you—not only to be aware of eternity but to be prepared for it. Are you ready? Do you know Christ? Are you living for Him?
Let your longing for Paradise deepen your worship, strengthen your walk, and sweeten your witness. Eternity is written in you for a reason: to remind you that you were created for God, for Heaven, for Paradise.
“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
2 Peter 3:13 KJV
Let us keep that longing alive—because one day, very soon, faith will become sight, and the longing will be fulfilled.
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