The hope of seeing Christ and going to heaven is not only a motivation for faith and love, but also for holy living. When I was a young Christian, an older friend warned me, “Don’t be caught doing anything that would embarrass you if Jesus returned!” That is a rather negative view of the promise of heaven, even though it does have some merit. In fact, John warns us that if we do not abide in Christ (keep in fellowship with Him in obedience), we may be ashamed when He returns.

But there is a positive side to this truth. We should keep our lives clean so that when Jesus Christ does return, nothing will cloud our first meeting with Him. We will enter into the joy and glory of His presence with confidence and love! Peter called this a “rich welcome” into the everlasting kingdom (2 Peter 1:11, NIV).

Verse for today: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).

Also read: 1 John 2:28; 1 Peter 1:4-9: Colossians 1:5; Hebrews 6:19.

Action assignment: Do you think with great joy about that “rich welcome” into heaven? If not, ask God to reveal any unholy living that has crept into your life—remembering that neglecting to do His will is also sin. Then trust in Christ’s shed blood for cleansing and renewed grace for pure living.