Harps, white robes, and never-ending boredom represent many believers perception of Heaven, because that is what movies, cartoons, and paintings, and sadly even some messages from the pulpit have showed us what it is like. On the other hand, many without Christ think Hell is going to be one big party. Both perceptions are dead wrong, and not even close to reality.
The Heaven John wrote about in the Bible is so full of wonders and mysteries that in our wildest dreams we could not imagine how glorious it is. Certainly Heaven contains many surprises which we will never be able to comprehend in this life.
The only way I can relate to Heaven’s wonderfulness in my puny little mortal way of thinking, is to ask people to think back to the one single best day of their whole life. Maybe it was your wedding, the birth of your first child, your first visit to Disneyland, the anniversary cruise with your spouse, Whatever. Now imagine each day in Heaven being that multiplied 100-fold, and the number of those days will be endless. Is it no wonder that John also wrote about the multitudes he saw worshiping and praising the one who said he was going away to prepare a place for us, and then fulfilled that promise beyond our wildest imagination.
That is what I firmly believe Heaven will be like.
Our passed loved ones who are experiencing those wonders are not looking back with sorrow, but instead they are anxious for the day when the rest the family will join them.
When I read The Last Battle, Narnia’s final book, Lewis’ description of Heaven is kind of like how I have envisioned it myself. Running, faster and faster through beautiful fields and mountains and waterfalls, and never getting tired. Drinking from a mountain stream the most delicious water anyone has ever tasted. If you haven’t read it, I beleive the chapter is called Further up and Further in.
What a beautiful view of heaven you have given us! Thank you!