The world as it was, and the world as it will be, is exceedingly good. The world as it is now, inhabited by humanity as we are now, is twisted. But this is a temporary condition, with an eternal remedy: Christ's redemptive work.

In the truest sense, Christian pilgrims have the best of both worlds. We have joy whenever this world reminds us of the next, and we take solace whenever it does not.

For Christians, this present life is the closest they will come to Hell. For unbelievers, it is the closest they will come to Heaven.

Life on earth is a dot, a brief window of opportunity; life in Heaven (and ultimately on the New Earth) is a line going out from that dot for eternity. If we're smart, we'll live not for the dot, but for the line.

What we have assumed about Heaven has reduced it to a place we look forward to only as an alternative to an intolerable existence here on the present Earth. Only the elderly, disabled, suffering, and persecuted might desire the Heaven we imagine. But the Bible portrays life in God's presence, in our resurrected bodies in a resurrected universe, as so exciting and compelling that even the youngest and healthiest of us should daydream about it.

Inside your body, even if it is failing, is the blueprint for your resurrection body. You may not be satisfied with your current body or mind—but you'll be thrilled with your resurrection upgrades. With them you'll be better able to serve and glorify God and enjoy an eternity of wonders he has prepared for you.

But earth is not heaven." "And those who expect it to be," Dani said, "can never know Joy.

God isn't just preparing a place for us. He is preparing us for that place.

But doesn't Shengjing promise to wipe away all tears?" "That promise is for after he defeats sin and ends suffering and sets up his Kingdom. That time has not yet come.

Aim at Heaven and you will get earth 'thrown in': aim at earth and you will get neither."34 We need a generation of heavenly minded people who see human beings and the earth itself not simply as they are, but as God intends them to be.

If you're a Christian suffering with great pains and losses, Jesus says, "Be of good cheer" (John 16:33, NKJV). The new house is nearly ready for you. Moving day is coming. The dark winter is about to be magically transformed into spring. One day soon you will be home—for the first time. Until then, I encourage you to meditate on the Bible's truths about Heaven. May your imagination soar and your heart rejoice.

The world is larger and more beautiful than my little struggle.