Bible Study

Title: In Heaven
Date: Aug 20, 2010
Topic(s): Heaven
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:12, Psalm 139, Revelation 22:1-5

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Have you ever used Google Maps? If I'm not careful, I can wind up spending way too much time pouring over satellite images of places I'll never have a chance to visit or even an adjacent neighborhood.

But, while looking at detailed satellite images of Paris is pretty cool, it doesn't compare to actually standing on the banks of the Seine in the shadow of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Bible talks about a time when we'll be able to look at God from a similar perspective.

What Does God Say?

First Corinthians 13:12 says, "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known" (ESV).

When it comes to knowing about God, the Bible is an essential resource. In fact, we would know nothing about God's personality or love for us apart from the Bible. But according to Paul in the verse above, seeing God in the Bible is like looking at an incredibly detailed satellite map--useful, but it's not the entire picture.

The entire picture, Paul says, will be revealed to us in the future when we stand before God's throne in heaven. The apostle John writes about that day in Revelation. "No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads" (22:3-4, ESV).

There will be a day when we won't need descriptions of God because He will be there standing in front of us!

My Thoughts

Read Revelation 22:1-5 and think about the following questions:

• What benefits come from being in the presence of God?
• What do you think it means that "his name will be on their foreheads"?

My Part

The last part of 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, "Even as I have been fully known." Remind yourself this week about just how "fully known" you are. Read Psalm 139 and make a list of everything God knows about you. It's a bit scary realizing just how much God knows about us. But on the other hand, it's incredibly reassuring to know God loves us so much He cares about every detail of our lives.

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