“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalm 103:11-12
I never used to understand Christians who longed to go to heaven. To me, it was a place where not only God would know all and see all, but my friends and family would, too. I cringed to think of their reaction to my hidden sins.
Upon my arrival in heaven, I imagined standing under a marquee of a theater: NOW SHOWING: THE UNCENSORED VERSION OF JONI. I gasped at the next line: COME ONE, COME ALL. FREE POPCORN.
I imagined walking down the aisle passing friends and relatives, people I respected like my sixth-grade teacher, my hockey coach, my Sunday school leader, and the parents of all my old boyfriends. Then I spotted others like the handicapped boy in school I had made fun of, all the janitors and motel maids I had ignored, and the rowdy-looking kids I remembered from Friday night parties.
Standing in front of the crowd, I heard a big voice boom from behind a projector, “We’ve been waiting for you. Before we begin, do you have any introductory remarks?” I imagined my knees shaking and stomach churning as a jumble of ugly and dirty scenes flashed before my mind. All I could do was shrink into my seat and weakly say, “Roll it (Campolo).”
I’m so relieved it’s a figment of my imagination…
God not only wipes clean the slate of your sins when you truly confess and repent, He goes one step further: He credits the righteousness of Christ to you. In heaven, your life will be known for God’s goodness.
Thank You, Lord, for not only paying the debt of my sin but for crediting the righteousness of Christ to my life.
