List ten things that will matter in heaven. At first thought, that seems a loaded directive that should be dismissed as immaterial. After all, just getting through one of Heaven’s twelve gates is what matters. We seek to avoid the eternal fire and the ultimate fate of Satan. We cling to the promise of coming before God the Father. We hunger to kneel at the throne of salvation. Our hearts groan with a desire to see Jesus Christ face to face. These things, we think, will establish all that is relevant to heaven. Not so. Though these may be the long-range conclusions to the matter, there remains first, even for the Christian, an issue of judgment.

A primary misconception.

People sometimes say, “If I only rate an alley in my Father’s house, I will be content. Earthly issues will have passed away, been resolved, and counted as finished. Only joy will remain.” These are the words of a lazy person. The problem: Jesus promised a mansion, not an alley. The purpose: Christians are called as laborers, not freeloaders. The measure: the truth of our position is based upon holiness, sound teachings, and works that are grounded in a pure motive.

The promise of God is to those who endure unto the end. If we set our final glorified heavenly state as the gauge of our earthly value, we fail to account for Judgment, reward, crowns, and accountability (2-Cor. 5:10).

Ten things that will matter in heaven.

1) A knowledge and belief upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Savior (1-Jo. 5:1; Eph. 1:13; Acts 16:31).

2) A faith filled life with a right attitude toward the authority of Jesus (Matt. 8:10-12).

3) Profitable doctrine that works faith in the heart of hearers (Matt. 7:15-20; Heb. 4:2).

4) Labors that are build upon a firm foundation (Matt. 7:24-27).

5) Striving in earnest, within the boundaries of what is right (2-Tim. 2:5).

6) Ears that refuse unholy and legalist teachings (2-Tim. 2:16; 3:5; Titus 1:13).

7) Sharing our blessings with others (1-Tim 6:17-19).

8) A walk that abstains from idolatry, fornication, adultery, murder, envy, drunkenness, and the like of such as God has revealed to the willing heart (1-Cor. 6:9; Gal. 5:21).

9) Faith and patience, devoid of laziness (Heb. 6:12).

10) A loving and forgiving heart (1-Pet. 3:9; Matt. 6:14,15).

This list is far from complete; neither is it a wall to be erected by the legalist. Some of the listed items reflect upon those who are already saved. Crowns, rewards, and the people we will meet after arriving are all part of the Christian’s heaven. Other parts of the list define a line between easy speak of the mouth and that which is true redemption.

Not all will reap rewards.

Every knee shall bow at the name of Jesus (Phil. 2:10), but not all who come before the throne will taste of heavenly rewards. Some will have a limited encounter (Rev. 20:11-15). Only those who are called shall enter into an eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15).

Some will share the lake of fire with the devil and the false prophet (Rev. 20:10, 15). A judgment is required (Romans 14:10). Those who have not Jesus Christ as their mediator (1-Tim. 2:5) will not enter into the full presence of God. Concerning such as this, the earthly matters that reach heaven will serve only to condemn. These are those who will be cast into outer darkness (Matthew 8:10). This includes many who proclaim the name of Jesus (Matt. 7:21-23), many who do miracles (Rev. 16:14), and many who perform dead works (Heb. 9:14) for show (1 Tim 5:25; Matt. 22:13).

I do not write this as a measure of who is and who is not a child of God. Certain truths are clearly evident; let each man judge himself. It is enough to know that without Jesus Christ as your redeemer, nothing else about heaven will matter. If the Holy Spirit does not seal you, you are lost (Eph. 1:13). Understand this, and make clear the issue between yourself and God. Every one of us shall give an account of himself to God (Ro. 14:12).

Read the Bible. Determine where you stand. “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” (Phil. 2:12). Start in the book of John, or Romans, or Galatians. Just start.

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