Certainly we must have our sins forgiven if we hope to go to Heaven and escape Hell. The traditional preparation includes taking the "four steps of salvation." The four steps of salvation consist of a doctrinal statement pieced together by taking fragments of verses from several books of the Bible. Of course we have been taught not to derive doctrine by cutting and pasting verses in this fashion. But who cares? Everyone is doing it!

The four steps of salvation then become our ticket. The important thing is not to lose the ticket, although many believers contend it is impossible to lose one's ticket. Once we profess faith in Christ we are assured that no matter what we do we will escape Hell and go to Heaven when we die.

Other than this, no preparation appears to be necessary. We do not really have to gain victory over worldliness, bodily passions, or self-will because we will be made holy and righteous by dying or by the coming of the Lord.

As far as the rewards to the overcomer are concerned, we are an overcomer automatically by taking the four steps of salvation, it is claimed. Thus we are assured of our place on the Throne of Christ, although how this is related to our time spent in our mansion is not certain. Maybe we go back and forth between the Throne of Christ and our mansion.

The Bible says we have died with Christ and have risen with Him to the right hand of God. Again, it is difficult to see how this fits into having a moment's rest in our mansion. Perhaps once we die we come down from the right hand of God so we can enjoy our mansion.

Incidentally, some have said if you eat fruit in Heaven the juice evaporates so it will not soil your robe. Also there apparently is no dust to disturb the cleanliness of every room of your mansion.

Which reminds me, someone informed us that although the army of saints follow Christ in the attack of Armageddon, they do not actually fight because they would get their robes dirty if they did. Only Christ does the fighting. (Doesn't anyone care if Christ's robe gets dirty?)

It may be possible to eat whatever you want and never get fat or worry about a heart attack. Think of it! This appeals to me.

One part I especially like is the thought of going to the beach and not having to be concerned about the little children drowning. I have not really enjoyed the beach since our two boys came along, although as a youngster I spent the summer on the beach, which was only a couple of hundred yards from our house in Connecticut. I am a great worrier. Hopefully there will be nothing to worry about in Heaven.

Do you suppose there will be beaches in Heaven?

To be continued.