Category: Christian Living

Christmas means “Christ-mass” or to worship Christ. The actual date of Jesus’ birth, the decorations, or the gifts are not the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is about the spirit of worship of Jesus Christ. When you get a glimpse of Jesus, it stirs up true worship and releases God’s peace and blessing.

Christmas is the celebration of God’s passionate pursuit of mankind. God is breaking into the brokenness of this world with His love and power. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem’s manger reveals how God works to bring about His purposes in the world.

Christmas means different things to different people. There can be beautiful memories and traditions around Christmas. But what does the Bible say about Jesus’ birth? Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem? Why was He placed in a manger? The Bible’s answers to these questions unlock the true meaning of Christmas.

Jesus placed in a manger in Bethlehem is not just a sentimental scene. It’s the way God’s Kingdom operates. From the manger to the cross, God’s way is displayed.

Will we learn Jesus’ ways so that our weariness and heaven burdens will be lifted? God is in control. He even uses a burdensome governmental edict and census to bring about the fulfillment of His promises of a Savior.

Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem?

Jesus was born in Bethlehem because of a 700 year old prophecy.

Jesus’ birth in the town of King David’s birth reveals that God is in control. God even allows a government mandated census to bring about the fulfillment of His promises of a Savior.

The Bible records in Luke 2:4-7 that Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem. Bethlehem is in the country of Israel, on the continent of Asia, in the region referred to now as the Middle East.

Micah prophesied 700 years before Jesus was born, that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Bethlehem was the city where David, the second king of Israel, was born.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

    one who is to be ruler in Israel,

whose coming forth is from of old,

    from ancient days.

Micah 5:2 (ESV)

The timing was terrible for Mary and Joseph as they were preparing for Mary to give birth. They were displaced from their home. The circumstances seemed unjust. Yet it was what God allowed. 

Nazareth was Mary and Joseph’s hometown, in the Northern Israel region called Galilee. A government census forced them to leave the comfort of their home and travel about 90 miles south to Bethlehem. It was the time for Mary to give birth, so Jesus was born in Bethlehem and not in their hometown of Nazareth.

God sometimes allows things for a purpose much greater than our temporary comfort. He is maturing His people to rule and reign with Him in His Kingdom. Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem reveals how God brings about His Kingdom on the earth.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem because there was a government mandated census. The census required everyone to return to their hometown (Luke 2:1-3). Joseph was from the lineage of David, so he had to go to Bethlehem.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)

Jesus would come to the Earth as Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” The circumstances of the entry of God’s Kingdom into the world would seemingly rest on man’s unjust government.

Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem reveals that God is in control. He is on the throne in heaven. God uses the good and even the bad things that happen in the world to bring about His eternal, good purposes. Nothing can stop God’s ultimate purposes.

There will be no end to the increase of God’s government and peace. When Jesus returns, He will fully bring God’s Kingdom, including His justice.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)

Not only does this fulfill the prophecy that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem, but there is much more:

How does God raise up His Ruler? In the context of weakness and government oppression.

God uses an ungodly decree on Earth to accomplish His eternal purposes to bring about a Savior born in Bethlehem.

This is the way God’s works in the world. He uses the weak to shame the seemingly wise and powerful.

Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem also reveals that it was always in God’s plan to save His people. He did not leave a world in brokenness. He planned to do this before the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). In God’s perfect time, Jesus, the Son of God, was born.

Why was Jesus born in a manger?

Many depictions of Jesus’ birth, or nativity, show Him in a stable or barn. But the Bible does not say that Jesus was born in a stable or a barn. It’s true that Mary wrapped the baby with swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger.

A manger is a feeding trough for animals. A manger is not the same as a stable or a barn where animals are kept. A manger, or feeding trough, is often found in a stable or barn, so Jesus could have been born in a stable. But the Bible does not say that.

Jesus was not born in a manger, but He was laid in a manger, a feeding trough for animals, after He was born.

Was Jesus born in a cave? An ancient tradition from a second century document says that Mary gave birth to baby Jesus in a cave, or grotto, in Bethlehem.

In Bethlehem today, there is a structure called the Church of the Nativity. It was commissioned in 327 A.D. and built over the grotto, or cave, which marks the traditional spot where Jesus was thought to be born. A 14-pointed silver star marks the spot. The inscription in Latin reads: Here of the Virgin Mary Jesus Christ was born.

Luke 2:7 tells us that Mary laid Jesus in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. Perhaps this was because the city was overwhelmed by out-of-town people because of the census.

Why is it significant that Jesus was born in a manger? The manger draws attention to the challenging and humble circumstances around Jesus’ birth. Many cultures wrap babies in swaddling cloths to help the baby calm down. Some say that it mimics the mother’s womb and soothes the baby. But it is unusual to place a baby in a manger. 

Whether it was a cave, a stable, or somewhere else, Luke tells us that Mary laid Jesus in a manger (Luke 2:7).  It was not a hospital with white linens. It wasn’t in a comfy, cute story-book basket or a soft crib with sanitized, matching bed sheets.

Why was Jesus born and laid in a manger? To teach us that it’s into those very places of brokenness, the manger scenes of our lives, that God sends His Son.

The manger where Christ was laid represents life improvised. It’s not plan A, it’s not plan B. It was never something anyone would have ever chosen. But it’s what life is right now.  It’s what’s available because the other options have fallen through. We pick up the pieces of our lives and try to move on. It can be in relationships, jobs, health issues, disappointments, trials, the pain.

It’s what makes people ask: “If God were working in my life, surely, THIS couldn’t be happening… If God exists, why is there so much evil in this world? And in MY life?”

Our lives are not always the picture-perfect Christmas card. It’s into the reality of brokenness in our world that the hope of God and the light of the world begins to reveal His life. There is a baby lying in a manger, He is Christ, the Lord.

It’s into those very places of brokenness, the manger scenes of our lives, that God sends His Son.

Oftentimes, we want God to wave His magic wand over our lives and make all the problems go away. We want God to remove all our weaknesses and problems. Sometimes, God says: That’s where I want to reveal myself. That’s where My strength is made perfect, even in your weakness.

Jesus Christ did not come as some would have imagined in His first coming. In His Second Coming, He will return as the King and Judge. But God first came to us as a Baby in the Manger and eventually, as the Lamb of God who would lay down His life on the cross.

Jesus placed in a manger in Bethlehem is not just a sentimental scene. It’s the way that God’s Kingdom operates.

Jesus was not born in a King’s place, but placed in a manger. He came as a humble servant, as the Lamb of God, to ultimately lay down His life as a sacrifice for sin.

From the manger to the cross, God’s ways are displayed. Will we learn Jesus’ ways so that our weariness and heaven burdens will be lifted? Will we truly be able to experience as the popular Christmas song “O Holy Night” say: A weary world rejoices?

Jesus invites you to learn His ways and bring your burdens to Him. All who are burdened and heavy laden can come to Him.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

Come and Behold Him!

Christmas is an invitation to come and behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Let the lights of Christmas draw you to behold Jesus, the light of the world, Whose light shines in the darkness (John 8:12)

Let the music of Christmas open your ears to the declaration of heaven and the hosts of angels who appeared to the shepherds and announced: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)

Let the candy canes of Christmas remind you of the Great Shepherd who will lead and guide His people like a shepherd with the shepherd’s staff (Psalm 23).

Let the Christmas tree and the gifts under the tree remind you that God so loved the world, He gave His Jesus, who died on the cross, a tree (1 Peter 2:24). Let it stir true joy and celebration in your heart, that God gave the best He had, His only Son (John 3:16)

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11 (ESV)

Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content.

Here are others articles that you might find helpful: What Is Worship According to the Bible? Definitions & Foundations How to Get to Heaven According to the Bible: It’s NOT by Being Good One Bible Study resource that I highly recommend is: Unlocking the Bible: A Unique Overview of the Whole Bible (You can check out the reviews on this link to Amazon). It has a chapter on every book of the Bible, is very clear, and has great insights. Be sure to get the book and not the one that has just diagrams, charts, and images. The covers look very similar.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Read the Christmas Bible Story

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25 (ESV)

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:1-21 (ESV)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV)

Giving thanks is a foundational response to God in the Bible.  When you grow in the knowledge of God and your focus is on Him, you can, as the Scripture says, “in all things give thanks.”

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1 (ESV)

What does the Bible say about giving thanks in all things? 

You can give thanks in all things because thanksgiving is a response to the goodness and grace of God. God’s nature does not change based on outward circumstances.

It’s difficult to be thankful when you are:

• Not trusting fully in God’s faithfulness
• Not fully yielded to God as the good King
• Proud or arrogant
• Discontented
• Anxious
• Focused only on the negative
• Jealous or envious of others
• Holding on to anger or bitterness

Thankfulness is one of the ways to measure your spiritual health. It’s an indicator of how much you know God. It can reveal how much you are trusting in Him.

When you are growing in the knowledge of God, you can give thanks in every circumstance. It doesn’t matter whether you have plenty or are in need. You can have a spirit of thanksgiving that carries you into God’s heart for your life.

In this world, it’s easy to take things for granted. We need to remember to give thanks in every circumstance.

God made the world to work in such a way that people can see His character and faithfulness in the world (Rom. 1:20).

• The air we breathe every time we take a breath
• The sun that gives light, warmth, and life to plants and all living things
• The intricate way our bodies work
• The laws of nature that keep our universe in order
• The beautiful things of the human spirit like love, kindness, wisdom, and compassion.
• And the list goes on…

We have an endless list of things that are common grace everyone experiences. We also have the greatest display of God’s goodness and faithfulness to the world, His special grace.

God’s steadfast love is fully displayed through Jesus Christ. He laid down His life on the cross to die for the sins of the world. He did this all out of love.

This takes our thanksgiving to a whole other level. 

When we give thanks, it aligns us with God’s goodness, opens us up to receive more from Him, and frees us from anxiety and worry. It carries us through any struggle and hardship in life. It even carries us through persecution and the valley of the shadow of death.

Giving thanks is meant to bring encouragement and strength no matter what you’re going through. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says about thankfulness, why it’s important and powerful, and how you can give thanks in everything. 

The Meaning of Thanksgiving in the Bible

What is the meaning of thanksgiving in the Bible?

Thanksgiving in the Bible means to respond to God’s goodness and grace with gratitude. The word for giving thanks in the Old Testament means to raise hands to God in gratitude. The New Testament word for thanks has the root idea of grace. 

The biblical definition of thanks is very rich and meaningful. It’s a different way of looking at life and how God works in the world. It’s based on God’s goodness towards mankind and involves responding to Him with our whole being.

In the New Testament, the word for thanks means to be “thankful for God’s grace.” The root word in Greek actually has the word grace in it.

When you give thanks, you’re responding to God’s goodness and graciousness. Everything in the Christian life is by God’s grace, and so requires faith on our part.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

    for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psa. 136:1 (ESV)

In the Old Testament, the main words for thanks come from the root word which means to lift up hands. Many English translations translate the word as thanks or sometimes, praise.

What does giving thanks have to do with lifting up hands? To open and lift your hands is one response when you’ve been shown grace and kindness. It’s a way of expressing openness to the person who gave the gift and a way of acknowledging their graciousness.

Thanksgiving is a response to the revelation of God. As God opens your eyes to see Him as He is, your whole being responds to Him with thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a beautiful picture of our response to God, our loving Creator and Father in heaven. Because you have been created by a kind Creator, you can live your life with purpose. Because you are loved by a loving Father in heaven, you are free to grow and thrive. It would be unnatural to be ungrateful.

Giving thanks is a response to the nature of God. We give thanks because He is good and His love endures forever.

Giving thanks with hands lifted is a sign of full surrender to God. The Lord is good and faithful. His loving kindness endures forever. Thanksgiving is a way of saying: “I let go of fighting for control of my life. I surrender it to You, Lord.”

We all came into this world empty-handed – as a baby with no possessions. We will leave with nothing that we can keep of our own belongings.

Giving thanks is a way of saying:

“God, I come empty-handed. Every good gift comes from You. In this age and in the age to come, I can live with confidence because You are good. Your nature does not change. You are faithful. 

You are the God of justice. You will make all things right. At the end of it all, everyone will say: “You are righteous and Your judgments, they are just!” And You did this all, while giving everyone space to voluntarily choose You.

Give me wisdom to live my life with thanksgiving.”

In responding to God, who is good, thanksgiving is a way to praise Him. God is the very definition of goodness because He’s the good Creator of all things. We can voluntarily respond to His goodness by lifting our hands to Him in worship.

What Does the Bible Say About Giving Thanks in All Things?

It’s entirely possible and necessary to give thanks in all things.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thes. 5:18 (ESV)

You can give thanks in all things because of God’s nature and character. He is faithful. He is good. He is gracious. He is merciful. He is full of love and compassion. He does not change.

Things in life can change at any moment, but when you’re filled with thanksgiving, you can weather any storm in life and come through it filled with praise and thanksgiving.

We don’t always know how life will go. But we always know what God’s will for us is: It’s to give thanks in light of His goodness. Because He is good and His nature does not change, we can always give thanks.

It’s sometimes explained that the Bible tells us to give thanks in all things, not for all things. No one in their right mind would be thankful for evil, wickness, injustice, and oppression. But no matter what happens, we can give thanks to God and He will carry us through.

It’s also possible to have many things but not be thankful. In today’s world, many people have more conveniences, live longer, and have more opportunities than any other time in the history of the world. But this doesn’t mean that life becomes more meaningful and fulfilling.

When we don’t give thanks, we can’t appreciate what I have. We’re always looking for what we don’t have.

It’s a serious thing to be ungrateful. Romans 1:21 explains that not giving thanks to God is one of the responses that leads to confusion and a heart filled with darkness.

This is a sobering thought, but that’s the reason Jesus died on the cross. He satisfied the justice of God through His sinless life and perfect sacrifice. He took the full wrath of God upon Himself. 

Knowing God and opening to His goodness results in thankfulness.

The natural response to God’s love and mercy is a thankful heart. 

The grace of God compels us to look beyond our own lives and peer into the mystery of the fullness of His love on the cross of Christ.

So much more can be said about the love and grace of God in Christ. Here is an article where I share what the Bible says about this important topic: Does God Love Me? How You Can Know For Sure (link opens in a new window). I hope it’ll open up new doors of insight into God’s love for you.

How to Give Thanks in All Circumstances

What does the Bible say about giving thanks in all things?

You can give thanks in all things if you focus on who God is. You can’t be gripped by the problems around you. You have to let God’s grace grip you instead.

When you’re growing in the knowledge of God, you can give thanks in every circumstance. It doesn’t matter whether you have plenty or are in need. You can have a spirit of thanksgiving that carries you into God’s heart for your life.

• Giving thanks is sometimes an act of faith. It’s an act of trust in a loving heavenly Father. It’s believing that what the Bible says about Him is true.

• Giving thanks makes you to look to God instead of what’s going on in the world around you. Instead of meditating on your problems, thanksgiving looks at what is good, encouraging, and life-giving.

• Giving thanks is a way of letting go of the things in your life. Letting go is a choice. It’s a way of lifting up your hands to God and looking to Him instead. This is the definition of the word used in the Old Testament for thanksgiving (see above).

God upholds all things by the word of His power (Heb. 1:3), so instead of grasping after the things in your life, let God uphold you.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things

Phil 4:8 (ESV)

Thanksgiving is at the core of prayer in the New Testament (Eph. 1:16). It’s the basis of why we can pray. We pray because God has revealed His goodness to us.

Prayer is not only about bringing a list of our needs and wants to God. God already knows what you need before you ask Him (Matt. 6:8). Instead, you can pray like Jesus taught in what’s known as the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13).

Start by looking to God. He is Our Father in heaven. He is whole, complete, and holy. Look to what His will, His Kingdom is. 

Wait until your mind has been clear of spiritual and mental “toxins,” your vision has been refocused, and your heart is rooted in God’s love. Then, go ahead and ask God for your daily bread, what you need today.

Give Thanks to the Lord for He Is Good!

• Is there a spirit of thanksgiving in your life?
• What can you do today to grow in the spirit of thanksgiving? 
• What trait of God’s character can you meditate on? 
• What can you be thankful for today?

As you grow in the knowledge of God, let His goodness lead you and carry you through every season of your life. So that in all things, you can give thanks.

Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content.

If you found this article to be helpful, here are some others that I think will encourage you: What Is Worship According to the Bible?  Put on the Whole Armor of God – What it Means & How to Do It Does God Love Me – How You Can Know for Sure

Thanksgiving Bible Verses

Here are several Thanksgiving Bible Scriptures to stir a spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude: (All Scriptures are from the ESV).

1 Thes. 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Psa. 136:1 – Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 100:4 – Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

Psalm 118:28 – You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you.

1 Corinthians 15:57 – But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

2 Corinthians 2:14 – But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

Psalm 145:10 – All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!

Psalm 111:1 – Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

Psalm 33:2 – Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!

1 Chronicles 16:8 – Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

1 Thessalonians 1:2 – We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.

PHOTO CREDITS

Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

It’s a powerful thing to pray Thy Kingdom Come, or as we would say in modern English, Your Kingdom Come. It’s a prayer that summarizes the entire Bible. But it brings up a lot of questions: What is God’s Kingdom? How does it come to earth? When will it happen? Let’s explore what this means in the Bible.

What does Thy Kingdom Come mean? 

To pray Thy Kingdom come means to invite God’s will in the world and to open to what God wants for your life. It is also looking forward to Jesus’ Second Coming to fully establish God’s reign. It’s a prayer that summarizes the entire Bible and what God wants to do on the earth.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10 (ESV)

Jesus taught His disciples to pray “Thy Kingdom come” in the Bible, in Matt. 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. It’s commonly called the Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father. It captures the essence of what the entire Bible is about. It’s a very powerful prayer that aligns with the very thing that God is after in the world.

As with any prayer, it’s not a magical, mystical phrase that you can just say without knowing what it means. Let’s explore what the Bible says so you can understand what it means and open to everything that God has for you.

Your Kingdom Come Means to Invite God’s Reign

What is the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of heaven in the Bible?

The Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign. It means that God is the King. When the Bible uses the phrase King of king and Lord of lords, it means that God’s throne is the highest. There are many presidents, prime ministers, and rulers on earth, but God’s rule and reign are above them all.

But doesn’t God do what He wants anyway? Why does Jesus teach us to pray this prayer? Is it even necessary?

We pray Your Kingdom Come because God looks for a people to partner with Him in seeing His will done on earth. The Bible teaches that God’s kingdom needs to be invited and welcomed. He is looking for a people who are surrendered fully to Him.

Thy Kingdom Come illustrates the truth that people need to invite God’s rule and power into the affairs of their lives through prayer. It’s not thinking “Oh, God will do it if He wants to…” It’s an active seeking. This is our responsibility and our great privilege. 

God wants to restore the world to His original design. We experience brokenness in the world because of our rejection of God and His plan. This is why we have war, sickness, injustice, and all manner of brokenness in the world.

What God wants, desire, and wills is His Kingdom. His Kingdom is good, merciful, and full of wisdom. It’s His divine design. It’s not fulfilled on the earth yet, but it’s His desire. And He wants it to be our joy and desire too. He doesn’t force us. He wants us to mature to know that He is good.

This is the message of the entire Bible from beginning to end, Genesis to Revelation. God wants to restore a broken and hurting world to His original design, where there is no brokenness.

Jesus’ main message was the Gospel of the Kingdom. 

The Gospel of the Kingdom, the Good News, is that Jesus’ reign will overcome all the sin and brokenness in the world. God is doing something about the brokenness and sin in our lives. Jesus entered into a broken and hurting world to die on the cross to restore mankind to God.

The diagram above shows this main theme of the Kingdom of God. It’s from an article where I explore The Main Message of the Bible: Its Central Theme & Purpose.If you want go more in-depth into what the Kingdom of God means I would recommend it.

Your Kingdom Come Means to Open to God’s Will

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Matt. 6:10 (ESV)

Jesus explains and expands what Your Kingdom Come means in the phrase right after it: Your will be done.

To pray Your Kingdom Come Your Will be Done, is to open to God’s will. It is to invite God to have His way instead of yours. It’s a yielding, openness, invitation for God’s will in your life.

One way to understand it is to think about the difference between God’s will and His purpose.

God’s will is not fully done on the earth yet. But, His purpose will be accomplished at the end no matter what.

God’s will is that everyone be saved, that marriages and families thrive, that communities live in peace. But people will to do what they want. You and I choose whether we want to do what God wants or what we want.

When we look at the world around us, we see that God’s will is not fully done. It’s His desire for us as the Creator and Father in heaven. We can still see traces of God’s beauty and His design. This is why we pray and this is why we invite God’s reign in the world and in our lives.

Right now, there is evil, wickedness, and lawlessness on the earth. It will continue to become more intense, and be fully mature and united in lawlessness. This is what Jesus explains in the parable of the Wheat and the Tares in Matthew 13:24-30,36-43.

God allows all this, but at the end, He still gets what He wants. After all, He is God. He allows a lot of things in the meantime, so that we will have time to choose Him.

Jesus reveals in the parable of the Wheat and the Tares that the opposite is true. 

It might look like evil and lawless that the Enemy has sown is winning on the earth, but don’t be alarmed. God is equally raising up a people that will invite and do His will. God’s people, His church, will come to full maturity before Jesus returns. 

The Church, people who repent and believe in the Good News of the Kingdom, is God’s answer to evil and lawlessness on the earth (Matt. 16:18). We may look weak, but God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. His purpose will triumph!

Before He went to the cross, Jesus prayed in Luke 22:42: “Not my will, but yours, be done.” If there was any other way than to die for the sins of the world, Jesus could have taken it. But He voluntarily laid down His life for you and me.

Jesus choose the Father’s will. He invites us to follow Him.

Here is a study I did on the Book of James. The emphasis that James gives in living out the Gospel is a great application of living and praying “Your Kingdom come.”

When you pray Your Kingdom Come Your Will Be Done, you’re praying in the name of the One who prayed it and lived it.

Thy Kingdom Come Means to Look Expectantly to Jesus’ Return

The Gospel is not complete without Jesus’ Second Coming. 

Jesus’ message was that the Kingdom of God was at hand. Jesus, as the King, came to demonstrate the Kingdom through His words and actions. His ultimate act was to die on the cross to make a way for people to enter this Kingdom. 

Yet, God’s Kingdom will not be fully on the earth until Jesus returns.

At Jesus’ Second Coming, He will fully establish God’s Kingdom on the earth by removing all the wicked and evil rulers. And He will remove all evil, wickedness, and lawlessness from the earth.

At His first appearing, Jesus came as a Suffering Servant to die for the sins of the world. At His Second Coming, Jesus is returning as the King and Judge. He is not coming as a baby in a manager but as the Judge to judge the world.

The Gospel is not complete without Jesus’ Second Coming.

Jesus is also returning as a Bridegroom for His people. They will be as a Bride that has prepared herself for her Bridegroom. Will Jesus return to find a Bride that is ready to be equally yoked with Him? Will the Bride make herself ready? Yes, we will be ready because God is preparing His Church (Eph. 5:25-27).

When He returns, Jesus will remove all that hinders love. God’s will and purpose for earth will be fully realized. His plan will be fully realized. Every bit of sin and evil will be removed, including from our hearts.

God’s people will be transformed into the likeness of Christ (1 Cor. 15:52). It’s amazing to think that we will love God with nothing of the “bent” of sin in our lives. We will love God with an everlasting love even as He loved us.

The Devil and his angels will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, along with all those who have followed him (Matt. 25:41). The Lake of Fire is what we usually refer to in English as hell. It’s an everlasting proclamation of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross to deliver us from sin and death. 

It’s an everlasting declaration of the nature of the God as He upholds justice. That is the reason Jesus, the Son of God, died on the cross. Jesus took the full cup of the Father’s wrath for us on the cross. He did not pass on the cup of the wrath of God. He did it for love. He did it for us. He did it with joy, even to take up His cross.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Heb. 12:1-2 (ESV)

When Jesus returns, He is bringing heaven with Him. He is bringing the Kingdom of God fully to the earth. Ephesians 1:9-10 summarizes the entire Bible. God’s plan and purpose all along has been to bring heaven and earth together.

Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Eph. 1:9-10 (ESV)

To pray Your Kingdom Come Your Will Be Done is to look forward to the day when God’s will is fully done on the earth.

In heaven, God’s will is fully done. It will be done here on earth just as it is in heaven.  This happens at Jesus’ Second Coming. Heaven and Earth will be united. And God Himself will dwell with mankind as that was His original design in the beginning.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Rev. 21:1-4 ESV (emphasis added)

God created the heavens and the earth in Genesis. 

He will restore and bring about a New Heaven and a New Earth, where there will be no brokenness or sin (Rev. 21:4).

Until then, God calls us to repentance and faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to fully surrender to Him, and to eagerly long for His return.

If you want to explore more on this topic, I would recommend this article: How Does the Bible End? (Link opens in a new window). In it, I explore what Bible says about Jesus’ glorious leadership at the end of this age.

What Does It Mean to Seek First the Kingdom of God?

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Jesus mentions this while telling His disciples not to be anxious about life (Matt. 6:25). God knows what you need (Matt. 6:32) and He will take care of you even as He takes care of all creation. Life is so much more than getting our needs met. To know Jesus is to know life (John 14:6).

To seek first the Kingdom of God means that you are looking for God’s will first in your life and in the world.

How can you seek first the Kingdom of God?

• Start each day by inviting Jesus into your day. Pray “Your Kingdom Come Your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.”

• When you find yourself getting anxious about life, be reminded of Our Father in heaven. What are the things that keep you up at night? Learn to bring those things to the feet of the cross. 

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Pet. 5:7 (ESV)

It’s not wrong to seek the things that you need. Jesus says to seek God’s Kingdom first. Always seek to do the right thing in God’s eyes, what is approved by Him.

• Store up your treasures in heaven. Don’t live for this life only. First live for God’s Kingdom. Don’t let your pursuit of the things of this world define you. Seek to obey Jesus first.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.

Matt. 6:19 (ESV)

God’s promise is that your needs will be met (Phil. 4:19). He will supply all your needs, your daily bread. The Lord’s Prayer follows this order. First is “Your Kingdom come…” Then we ask “Give us this day our daily bread.”

We live in a world that is experiencing brokenness caused by sin. People look for meaning in a successful career, a happy family, a secure future. These things cannot ultimately satisfy apart from God.

In light of these things, I think Jesus would say “Put your hope in me. Seek first the things I have for you. If you pursue the things in this world, it will lead to anxiety and hopelessness. Only my Kingdom can bring you peace and true joy.”

Let’s pray together with believers throughout history: “Your Kingdom Come.”

Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content.

If you enjoyed this article, here are others that I would recommend: Put on the Whole Armor of God – What it Means & How to Do It. I hope this article will bring clarity to what the armor of God is so you can experience God’s power in your life. It’s an important truth so that you can stand in the face of any spiritual pressures. Does God Love Me? – How You Can Know for Sure. In it, I explore 3 biblical ways that you can overcome doubt, shame, and guilt so you can be confident of God’s love. How to Be a Better Person According to the Bible. This article explains the biblical principles of how God transforms your life. You will see lasting change and growth in your life as you grow in Christ.

The armor of God is an important truth to understand and apply. It’s not just for children’s coloring pages with a cute soldier in full armor. It’s after all, a command in the Bible, to put on the whole armor of God.

I had an opportunity to spend an entire year studying and teaching on the book of Ephesians. It was one of the most impactful things that I’ve experienced. I want to share some of the things that I learned as it sheds light on what the armor of God in Ephesians 6 really is and how you can put it on.

Ephesians 6:14-17 describes the 6 pieces of the armor of God.  To put on the whole armor means to believe all that Jesus has done (Eph. 1-3) and to live it out in daily life (Eph. 4-5). It is living in the power of everything that God has done in every area of life even when there are challenges.

In other words, to understand the armor of God in Ephesians 6 correctly, you have to look at what Ephesians chapters 1-5 say. It has to be understood in its right context.

Putting on the whole armor of God is not mainly about a technique or paying attention to darkness and evil. It’s not about a secret prayer, a mystical spiritual experience, or visualization techniques. 

To put on the full armor of God is to apply all of the Gospel to all of your life.

The armor of God is often misunderstood and misapplied. It’s meaning is vague, so people don’t know how to put it on. The Armor of God is receiving and applying everything that God has done for you. This is explained in Ephesians chapter 1-5.

The whole armor of God is the expression of your full trust in God and what He has done for you through Jesus Christ. Your victory in spiritual warfare was secured at the cross of Christ and the blood that was shed there (Rev. 12:11).

A wrong understanding of the armor of God can lead to confusion about what the Chrisitan life is about. If taken out of the context of the Bible, it can become a distraction from the main and plain teachings of Jesus.

One of the greatest revivals in the history of the early church took place in Ephesus. The Gospel went to the entire region of Asia Minor in 2 years and unusual miracles took place to confirm the message of Jesus. It toppled the worship of a Roman goddess and many people burned their magic scrolls to follow Jesus instead.

All this took place because of the message of the Gospel that Paul lays out in Ephesians. The Gospel conquered the Roman Empire one heart, one home at a time. It transformed the culture of the region without direct political involvement, big budgets, or events. It was the raw power of the Gospel, including the right application of it through the armor of God.

In  this article, let’s look at what putting on the full armor of God means in more detail so you can apply it correctly to your life. The full armor is meant to bring strength, stability and encouragement so you can receive all that God has for you.

What Does It Mean to Put on the Whole Armor of God?

The whole armor of God is mentioned in chapter 6, the last chapter, of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

When you understand Ephesians 1-5, you can understand what Paul’s final point in Ephesians 6 means. Paul starts in chapter 6 with the word finally. Ephesians 6 is Paul’s last point in the letter. It builds on what he’s been talking about in the previous 5 chapters.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Eph. 6:10-11 (ESV – emphasis added)

• The first 3 chapters of Ephesians explain your position in Christ. It describes how you’ve been seated with Christ in heavenly places.
• Ephesians 4 through 5 describe how you’re to walk, or live, as a follower of Jesus. 
• Ephesians 6 is the conclusion that describes how you’re to stand even in the face of opposition.

To put on the armor of God is to first understand all the spiritual blessings that God has already blessed you with (Eph. 1:3). The first chapter describes the way God has blessed you.

The 12 Spiritual Blessings in Eph. 1 That Are Related to the Armor in Eph. 6

In Christ, You Are…

1. Blessed with every spiritual blessing (v. 3)
2. Chosen to be holy and without blame (v. 4) 
3. Predestined (v. 5)
4. Adopted as sons (v. 5)
5. Accepted in the Beloved (v. 6)
6. Redeemed through His blood, according to the riches of His grace (v. 7)
7. Forgiven of your sins (v. 7) 
8. Given wisdom and understanding of His will (v. 8-9)
9. Given an inheritance (v. 11)
10. To bring praise and glory to God (v. 12)
11. Sealed with the Holy Spirit (v. 13)
12. Guaranteed of inheritance until your redemption is fulfilled (v. 14)

To put on the full armor is to understand every single blessing, not missing any piece. God has given you every blessing in the heavenly places and every blessing is necessary.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Eph. 1:3 (ESV – emphasis added)

Every piece of the armor in Ephesians 6 serves a different purpose to protect you, so you need to put on the full armor of God.

In the same way, every blessings in Ephesians 1 addresses a different point of attack that you might experience, whether it’s an attack against your faith, a sin that makes you feel guilty, or feeling confused about what to do in your life. We’ll look at this in more detail below when we look at each piece of armor and what blessing in Ephesians 1 it corresponds to.

How to Put the Armor of God On? You put on the full armor of God by believing what God has done for you through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1-3) and by living out the elements of the armor in every area of your life (Eph. 4-5).

Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God

The reason for the whole armor of God is because you need it in order to withstand the spiritual pressures that you’re going to face.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Eph. 6:11 (ESV)

The full armor of God is what protects you when you have doubts, fears, and guilt. The way you stand against the accusations of the Enemy is to believe what God’s Word says about you instead.

Spiritual warfare is the term that some people use to describe this spiritual battle that Eph. 6 talks about. The battle is real and can’t be ignored, but so are the armor and weapons that God has already give you so you can stand against anything that comes your way.

Effective spiritual warfare is God-centered, not Devil-centered.

Spiritual warfare in the Bible is focused on God and what Jesus has done for you.  Jesus and the Apostles in the New Testament were not focused on the devil.

Ephesians 6 does not talk about engaging with spiritual forces in the heavenly realms directly. Are there spiritual forces in heavenly places? Absolutely. Eph. 6:12 even explains the spiritual hierarchy of the realm of darkness.

The spiritual realm is real, but the way you engage and respond to spiritual attack is by focusing on God and on what Jesus has done for you.

A wrong emphasis on spiritual warfare can lead to distraction, powerlessness, and confusion. If spiritual warfare is misunderstood, or focused on demons or trying to get other people to change, it’s possible to use spiritual warfare as an excuse and not deal with the real underlying issues.

For example, if there’s a problem in your relationship with someone, you might want to just pray and do “spiritual warfare” to make it better or to force the person to change. This is not what the Bible teaches.

If it’s a relational issue, you need to talk to the person in humility and with wisdom, not just pray and “do spiritual warfare.” In other words, you can’t do Ephesians 6 armor of God without doing Ephesians 5, living out the Christian life that Jesus has made available to you. This is how you engage in the spiritual warfare around you according to the Bible.

You’ve been blessed with every spiritual blessing, you are a child of God, you’ve been forgiven of all your sins. Now, you can go and stand in the face of this relationship challenge no matter what the outcome will be and no matter how the other person responds.

God is a Deliverer and Jesus sets the captives free. God delivers you from the bondage of sin and the power of it over your life. Call out to Jesus to set you free and He will deliver you. 

Many people pray something like “God take away my anger.” Then they feel bad that they got angry again in a few days. If it just stops at a prayer, then they’re not receiving fully all that Jesus has made available to them.

Jesus has so much more for you. He wants to restore you and transform you into His image.

Jesus died on the cross for the penalty of sin and the power of sin to control your life. The way you gain victory is by believing what He said and turning from your old ways. You put off the old, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new (Eph. 4).

Spiritual warfare is not asking God to take away your sin. Jesus did that on the cross. It’s applying the Word of God because of what Jesus has done. Receiving His power and standing in the face of struggle – confident in Christ and being transformed daily more into Christ’s image.

I wrote an article about the Biblical way how you can apply Ephesians 4-5 in your life and how to experience the new life that Jesus makes available to you. If it’s something you want to look into more I think it’ll be very helpful: How to Be a Better Person According to the Bible.

Spiritual warfare is not a secret method of prayer to change a person, a city a church or a nation. It’s the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the right response to it in repentance and faith that brings real transformation.

The power in spiritual warfare is the cross of Christ and the blood that was shed there. How you apply it to your daily life is what it means to put on the full armor of God.

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Col. 2:13-15 (ESV – emphasis added)

Where in the Bible Does It Talk About the Armor of God?

The Bible mentions the armor of God in several places.

• Ephesians 6:10-18
• 1 Thes. 5:8
• Romans 13:12
• Isaiah 59:17

Ephesians 6 gives the most detailed explanation and mention of the whole armor of God in the Bible. It describes the 6 pieces of the armor that we’ll look at in more detail in the next section.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 also mentions 2 of the pieces of the armor: the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of the hope of salvation. Romans 13:12 says to put on the armor of light. In that passage, to put on the armor of light is to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 13:14) and to live as He calls you to live.

What we can take away from this is that the importance of the armor of God is not so much in the analogy of the armor, but in what each part does. In other words, the main point is not that the breastplate is righteousness as in Ephesians or it’s faith and love in 1 Thessalonians. The point is that righteousness is important as well as faith and love.

The main point of the armor is not the analogy of the individual pieces but the reality and power of the spiritual weapons God has given you.

Isaiah 59:17 describes the Lord putting on 2 of the pieces of the armor we see in Eph. 6: Righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation on His head. 

He put on righteousness as a breastplate,

    and a helmet of salvation on his head;

he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,

    and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.

Isa. 59:17 (ESV)

So why is the armor of God called that in the Bible? It’s not just because it comes from God, but it is God’s. He gives you His armor to wear. It’s actually what He wears.

It’s not an armor that man can make up. It’s God’s armor. You’re not trying to resist temptation in your own strength or will-power. It’s all in God’s strength.

What Are the 6 Pieces of the Armor of God?

In Ephesians 6, the 6 pieces of the armor of God are:

1. Belt of truth
2. Breastplate of righteousness
3. Shoes – readiness of the Gospel of peace
4. Shield of faith
5. Helmet of salvation
6. Sword of the Spirit

Some people say that there is a 7th piece, which is praying at all times in the Spirit. That is an important thing to do in order to stand against spiritual attack but it’s not connected to a piece of armor like the others are in Ephesians 6.

It’s more accurate to say that praying in the spirit is an activity that flows out of putting on the full armor of God. It’s not technically one of the pieces of the armor.

Now, let’s look at each piece of the armor of God in more detail.

What Is the Belt in the Armor of God?

The belt of truth is the first piece of the armor of God that’s mentioned in Ephesians 6. 

Some Bible scholars explain that the belt keeps all the pieces of the armor together. Other say that the belt in the Roman armor provides support to the solider like a weight-lifter might wear a belt to reduce stress on his back.

The main point of the belt is not the part of the armor that it’s associated with. That’s the analogy. The point is that we need to live in truth.

To put on the belt of truth means to put your full trust in God’s truth and in what He says. It means that you value God’s truth more than the lies that the Accuser might whisper or shout in your ear. Will you believe what God says about you or will you believe the Devil, the deceiver?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

Eph. 1:3 (ESV)

You put on the belt of truth when you say: “I’m not trusting in the lies of the enemy. I believe all that the Bibles says about what Jesus did for me.” Eph. 1:3 says that God has given you every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. It says that you’ve been raised with Christ and seated with Him. It says that you’ve been chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Putting on the belt of truth means choosing to trust what God has done for you more than how you might feel at the moment.

Are you wondering if God still loves you? Instead of looking to yourself or listening to the lies of the Accuser, choose to look at the cross, where Jesus died for you. It’s where God’s love was fully displayed for you. It’s the constant, where Jesus, the Truth (John 14:6) died for you.

Are you feeling the weight of guilt and shame because you fell into the same sin again? Will you choose to believe that God accepts you and likes you because of what Jesus has already done for you? Will you trust in God’s love for you because Jesus has already paid the price of the penalty of your sin? Will you believe God’s truth?

If this is a battleground for you and you want to to be confident in God’s love, here’s an article you might be interested in: Does God Love Me – How You Can Know for Sure (link opens in a new window). In it, I explore 3 biblical ways that you can overcome doubt, shame, and guilt.

If you believe God’s truth, then you’ll be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy. It’ll be like a belt that supports you so that you can stand.

What Does the Breastplate of Righteousness Mean?

The breastplate of righteousness is what protects the core of your being from every spiritual attack. The breastplate covers what’s closest to your heart. 

It affects whether you walk in confidence as someone who is sure that God loves them. It affects how you feel about yourself at the heart-level. Are you trying to earn God’s favor in your life?

You put on the breastplate of righteousness by trusting in what God has done for you in Jesus. Righteousness, the fact that you are good enough to be received by God, is a gift that’s given to you, not something that you could ever earn on your own.

For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

Rom. 5:17 (ESV – emphasis added)

You put on the breastplate of righteousness when you can say: “I don’t have to trust my own goodness. I trust Jesus to be righteous for me.” God accepts you and enjoys you because of what Jesus did.

To put on the breastplate of righteousness means to belive what Ephesians 1:4-6 says about you. You have been chosen by God to be holy and without blame before Him in love, you’ve been predestined to be adopted by God, you are fully accepted by God through His Beloved, Jesus.

What Does Feet Shod With the Gospel of Peace Mean?

In Ephesians 6, the armor of God includes covers for the feet. A modern equivalent would be shoes or sandals.

 It’s described as the preparation or readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace.  As part of the armor of God that helps you stand against any spiritual attack, it’s an important piece.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect

1 Pet. 3:15 (ESV – emphasis added)

This means that you can always be prepared to take the message of God’s peace to the people around you. God has gone to the utmost to reconcile us to Himself through Christ (2 Cor. 5:18). You are now His ambassador. You are the salt and light of the world.

The shoes are of peace because God’s peace is made available to people through what Jesus, the Prince of Peace did on the cross in dying for sin. The Gospel, or Good News, is that the sin that separated people from God has been paid for by Jesus. Through faith in Christ and receiving this gracious gift of God, there can be peace and reconciliation with God.

Why is this part of the armor of God? It’s there as an encouragement so that even when times get tough, you can always share the message of God’s love with people. Even through times of discouragement or even persecution, you can stand and do God’s will. You can tell people about the Good News of Jesus, the Gospel of Peace.

You put on the preparation or readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace when you say: “Lord, I’m ready to go whenever, wherever You call.”

What Does the Shield of Faith Mean?

The shield of faith is the part of the full armor of God (Eph. 6) that protects you from the flaming darts of the enemy.

Faith is an important part of your relationship with God. It’s impossible to please God without faith (Heb. 11:6).

Faith is how you start in your walk with God, by believing in Jesus. Faith is also how you progress in spiritual growth. Faith is what will help you keep standing until the end, when you stand before Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

To take up the shield of faith means to put your personal trust in God in every circumstance.

It means putting your faith in God’s power, His will, and His desire to bring it about in the world and in your life.

You take up the shield of faith when you choose to trust in God more than anything else.

God alone is able to forgive you, save you, and finish the work that He began in you.

When the enemy attacks, it’ll be to try to shake your faith and trust in God. He will come to shake your trust in God’s Word, in His Love for You, and in His plans for your life. He comes to shake your confidence in God.

Your feelings and your mind can change but when you choose to take up the shield of faith, you grasp firmly to the unchanging God, Who is the source of all that is good (James 1:17).

What Is the Helmet of Salvation in the Bible?

The helmet of salvation is part of the spiritual armor (Eph. 6) that points to the truth that God is the One who saves and delivers.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 also describes this piece of the whole armor of God as the helmet of hope of salvation.

In Isaiah 59:17, the Lord puts on the helmet of salvation. This means that He is the one who saves and delivers. The world is in a state of brokenness. Darkness will continue to increase until Jesus returns. But, you can have a hope in God’s salvation that will help you stand through any trouble in this life.

This is the same helmet that you’re invited to put on. It’s God’s armor.

God is the One who brings salvation to the world. Jesus’ very name means “the Lord Saves.” 

The helmet of salvation brings protection to your mind and brings hope no matter what happens in this life. The Good News of Jesus brings real hope. The Gospel is not only that Jesus died and was buried. He also rose again. And Jesus will return again at the end of this age to bring God’s Kingdom fully on the earth (Revelation 21-22).

Salvation is not only about going to heaven when you die. It’s about God making all things new when Jesus returns (Rev. 21:5).

You put on this helmet of salvation when you put your hope fully in God. Look to the One who started the work of redemption and will one day complete it.

What Is the Sword of the Spirit in the Armor of God?

Ephesians 6 concludes the list of spiritual armor with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

Hebrews 4:12 also describes the word of God as a two-edged sword.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

The word of God brings truth and freedom to the very core of your being. It’s a weapon that can be used to destroy the crafty works of darkness.

Jesus used the word as a sword three times in Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus countered every temptation from the Devil with the Word. Jesus answered each temptation by saying: “It is written” and quoted from the Scriptures.

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Matt. 4:4 (ESV)

As you commit to read and obey God’s Word, you are using the sword of the Spirit. Let God bring freedom and deliverance to your mind and to the core of your being.

You use the sword of the Spirit by engaging with the Word of God and committing to follow all that Jesus commands.

What Does It Mean to Pray in the Spirit on All Occasions?

To pray in the Spirit on all occasions is to engage your heart with God at the deepest level of your heart. 

It’s prayer from the depths of your spirit empowered by the Holy Spirit. It’s prayer that is ongoing, on all occasions. The Holy Spirit’s role is to take of the things that belong to Christ and make them known to you (John 16:14). So in order to put on the full armor of God, the ministry of the Holy Spirit is essential.

Praying in the Spirit is not mentioned as one of the 6 pieces of the full armor of God, but it flows out of putting on the armor of God. After you’ve put on the full armor of God, it naturally follows that you’ll be praying in the Spirit. Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and pray in the Spirit.

It’s not prayer just on the surface, of simply asking God for stuff. Rather, praying in the Spirit is an ongoing communion with God. It’s a longing to know His heart and mind. This is Paul’s prayer in Eph. 1:17-23, that God would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation that you might know Him more.

Some connect praying in the spirit with speaking or praying in tongues (1 Cor. 14:6, 14-15). Paul explains that praying in tongues is to pray with your spirit and brings benefit personally. Jude also explains that praying in the Holy Spirit is related to being built up in your faith.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.

Jude 1:20 (ESV)

Stand Firm

What does stand firm mean in the Bible? Ephesians 6 gives the exhortation to “stand” 3 times, in verses 11, 13 and 14. To stand firm means to resist and overcome the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11).

You can stand firm because you’ve already been seated with Him (Eph. 1-2) and are walking according to His word (Eph. 4-6). 

Putting on the whole armor of God is not asking God to make the battle stop. It’s standing in the victory of Jesus on the Cross and applying it to your daily life. 

The Bible says that there will be tensions, tribulations, and even persecution in the days ahead before Jesus returns (Matt. 24:9-24). Keep standing firm by keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus and His glorious leadership. He has overcome the world!

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (ESV)

Recommended Resources:

Knowing God is one of the keys to experiencing His goodness, power, and wisdom. This book is a real gem that has helped many people press into the knowledge of God. It’s definitely a classic: The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life (link to Amazon – opens in a new window). 

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

“The man who comes to a right belief about God is relieved of 10,000 temporal problems…”

(A. W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy)

Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content.

If you enjoyed this article, here are others that I would recommend: Summary of Ephesians: Meaning, Outline & Application. In this article, I share my full studies in the book of Ephesians. The believers at Ephesus experienced one of the greatest revivals of that time. What did they believe and how did they live? Ephesians reveals how Paul unpacks the Gospel and how we can apply it to our daily lives. Thy Kingdom Come – What It Means & How to Pray It. It’s from the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples. It explores the powerful prayer which summarizes the entire Bible. If you want to start taking up the sword of the Spirit, I recommend you try out using a Bible Study tool called the Sword Method of Bible Study. In the article, I share an easy and effective way to study the Bible. 25 Most Powerful Bible Verses: How to Apply Them to Your Life. It’ll help you apply some of the principles we looked at in the Armor of God.

Myths & Misconceptions About Heaven – What the Bible Really Says

The Bible describes what heaven is like and it’s different than the way many people think it’s going to be. Even as Christians, our view of heaven is often shaped more by popular books, movies, and traditions than the Bible. 

The biblical view of heaven is much better and brings more meaning and hope for life on earth now. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions, so let’s look at what the Bible really says.

What is heaven like? Heaven is a place where God has His way completely. It’s an eternal place of great beauty and glory without any evil. The Bible teaches that heaven will come down to earth. Heaven is not one long church service and people will do meaningful work.  Everyone’s reward will be different. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all will be who is in heaven and who is not.

Heaven will not be boring and it’s not an eternal vacation or retirement. People will not be floating around with wings like spirits without bodies. Heaven is not an endless musical production where people sing all day long. These things are not true according to the Bible.

These myths and misconceptions are a distraction from the real beauty and power of what the Bible teaches about heaven. These myths cause us to live disconnected from what seems like a completely different world that we will go to after we die. 

Heaven will be much better than people think! Let’s look at what the Bible really says and uncover some of the commonly held myths and misconceptions about heaven.

After you read this article, if you still have unanswered questions about heaven, I recommend you check out this book: Heaven (link to Amazon – opens in a new window). It answers just about any question you might have about heaven and it’s recommended by many respected pastors.

Heaven Is a Place Where God Has His Way Completely

Heaven is a place where God’s will is completely done. That’s why Jesus taught His disciples to pray: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” Matt. 6:10 (ESV).

Right now on earth, we live in brokenness. We’ve left God’s perfect design and choose to go our own way. Our sin has led us into this brokenness. There is sickness, crime, war, and death. But in heaven, there will be no more tears, no death, or any pain (Rev. 21:4).

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Rev. 21:4 (ESV)

Heaven is where God dwells. (Deut. 26:15). It’s where people who open to God’s love and forgiveness will go. Jesus says in Luke 18:17 that people need to receive God’s love with faith and trust like a child. It’s through what Jesus did on the cross that would open the door for people to enter God’s Kingdom, heaven.

God is the King and His will is done completely in heaven, His Kingdom. And He wants His Kingdom to fully come to earth

Heaven and Earth Will Be Joined Together

This brings us to our first major myth and misconception.

Most people hope to “go to heaven” when they die and pass from this world. Is heaven on earth or is heaven in the clouds?

The Bible’s teaching on heaven is much more rich and meaningful than that.

“Heaven,” as people usually refer to it, is a temporary place that people go to until God makes a New Heaven and a New Earth.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 

Rev. 21:3 (ESV)

What Jesus taught us to pray will be fully answered at that time. This has been God’s plan all along, to unite heaven and earth, through Jesus, when the time is fulfilled.

If there was one verse to summarize the entire Bible, Eph. 1:10 would probably be a great choice.

As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Eph. 1:10 (ESV)

Most people only think of heaven as a place where we go when we die. But heaven and earth will be united under Jesus as the head over all things. We see in Revelation 21-22 that heaven, the New Jerusalem actually comes down to earth. 

There will be a New Heaven and a New Earth. It will still be heaven and earth, but it will be completely renewed.

This table shows how God’s plan from the very beginning, in Genesis, will be fulfilled at the end, as shown in Revelation.

HEAVEN & EARTH (Gen. 1-2)	NEW HEAVEN & NEW EARTH (Rev. 21-22)
In the Beginning (Gen. 1:1)	All things New (Rev. 21:5)
God’s Kingdom Lost (Gen. 3)	God’s Kingdom Fully Restored (Rev. 22)
Mankind Separated from God (Gen. 3:9)	God Dwelling with Man (Rev. 21:3)

God will dwell with man. We will get to see His face (Rev. 22:4). The tree of life in Genesis 2:9 will be accessible again in Rev. 22:2. Will heaven be like the Garden of Eden? It will be like what Adam and Eve experienced in the Garden of Eden. But it won’t just be restored, it’ll be fully upgraded and fulfilled.

To be precise, the New Earth will be our eternal home. We will be with the Lord forever as He comes to dwell with man once again. (Rev. 21:1-3; Isa. 65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:13; Eph. 1:9-10)

The Bible speaks many times of the earth as continuing forever. It will be our inheritance (Matt. 5:5; Ps. 37:29; 78:69; 104:5; 105:10-11; 125:1-2; 1 Chr. 23:25; 28:8; Isa. 60:21; Ezek. 37:25; Joel 3:20). Here are 2 verses from this sampling of verses.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Matt. 5:5 (ESV)

The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.

Psa. 37:29 (ESV)

Here’s a diagram from another article that I wrote that gives an overview of the main message of the Bible in a simple way: The Bible Explained for Beginners (Simple Guide & Diagram). It sums up what we’ve been talking about so far.

We Will Do Meaningful Work in Heaven

This brings us to a 2nd common misconception about heaven:

It’s often thought that work is only for this earth. Heaven is often portrayed in movies and books as a place of eternal retirement and relaxation.

The Bible teaches that there will be work “in heaven” and it will be entirely effective and fulfilling. As we looked at in the previous section, our eternal home is the New Earth, where the New Heaven will come to be joined with.

The Bible says that we will have resurrected bodies like Jesus had after He rose from the dead. Jesus is called the first fruit (Col. 1:15, 18) and we will be like Him. We won’t be floating around like spirits without a body.

Also, the Bible never says that people have wings, nor do most angels for that matter. There are several spiritual beings in the Bible like the Seraphim and Cherubim that do have wings, but they are the exception.

Won’t we get bored in heaven? Wouldn’t heaven be boring without anything to do?

We will have a lot of work to do in the New Heaven and New Earth. The difference between now and eternity is that on the New Earth, the curse will no longer be in effect (Rev. 22:3-5; Gen. 317-19). That means work will be entirely fulfilling and meaningful.

Imagine how fulfilling work can be if there is no insecurity, injustice, jealousy, or deception. We will be able to work and cooperate with God and with each other. Work is frustrating on earth right now because we are under the curse of sin (Gen. 3:17). That curse will be completely removed in the New Earth.

No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Rev. 22:3-5 (ESV)

We will serve God (Rev. 1:6) and we will reign as God’s representatives in His Kingdom (Rev. 1:6; Luke 19:17; 1 Cor. 6:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 2:26; Matt. 19:28; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 20:6)

We will rule and reign over God’s creation (Rev. 22:5). It won’t be to take advantage of others, but to serve and bring creation to its fullest potential (Matt. 20:25-26)

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Cor. 15:58 (ESV)

Your life on this earth is an internship for the real work “in heaven.” Your work now, whether it’s caring for family, working in an office, or serving others, all matters to God.

One surprise in heaven will be that the strong and powerful in this age will not be the ones who are great in the age to come. It’s those who are meek who will inherit the earth (Matt 5:5) “So the last will be first, and the first last.” (Matt. 20:16).

Heaven Is Not One Long, Never-Ending Church Service

This brings us to our third myth or misconception about heaven.

Some people mistakenly think it’ll be better to party in hell than to be stuck in a boring church service forever. But this is not the view that the Bible presents. Heaven will not be one never-ending musical where we sing in a choir all day long. Rinse. Repeat… Forever.

This doesn’t take away from the fact that God is worthy of worship day and night, forever. There are angelic beings that worship around His throne day and night (Rev. 4). But this does not mean that it’s the only thing going on in heaven forever.

Our worship of God will be more meaningful in heaven than ever before. We won’t be hindered by any doubt or shame, or the limits of our mind. We’ll be able to fully and freely receive from God and give our hearts fully to Him without any sin. We’ll be able to fully and completely love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind.

As we stand on the sea of glass before God’s throne (Rev. 15:2), the gathering place of heaven, our hearts will be fully alive and experience God fully (Rev. 22:4)

There is constant worship in heaven, but we’ll also be doing a lot of other things (Acts 3:21; Rev. 20:1-6; Isa. 2:1-4; 9:6-9; 11:1-16; 51:1-8; 60-62; 65:17-25; Ps. 2:6-12; 110:1-7; Deut. 8; 28; Mt. 5:5; 6:10; 17:11; 19:28; 28:19; Acts 1:6; 3:21).

God doesn’t just create the entire universe and then throw it all away, never to be seen again. God redeems all of creation through Jesus Christ. Even the earth is groaning until that day (Rom. 8:19-23). Right now, there are sickness, earthquakes, famines, and natural disasters. There won’t be any of those in the New Heaven and New Earth.

There is a lot more continuity in the New Heaven and New Earth that we might imagine. The Bible doesn’t give a lot of details, but enough for us to know that it’ll be completely fulfilling and exciting.

Everyone Will Be Rewarded Differently

Another myth or misconception about heaven is about our eternal rewards.

It’s sometimes assumed that being in heaven and being with God Himself are the rewards and there won’t be any need for anything else. That is true, but God Himself chooses to give rewards.

The Bible teaches that the only way anyone can get into heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the way to open to God’s love (John 14:6).

You can only get into heaven based on your faith in Christ, but your rewards are according to your works. This means that everyone’s reward will be different (1 Cor. 3:8-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 22:12; Matt. 16:27).

Each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

1 Cor. 3:13-15 (ESV)

What can these rewards be? One of the rewards in heaven, or on the New Earth, is strategic work assignments (Matt. 25:21; 19:28; 20:21-23; 25:23; Lk. 19:17-19; 22:29-30; 1 Cor 6:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rom 8:17; Matt. 19:30). In ruling and reigning with God, people will have different assignments.

Another reward is heavenly praise or honor from God (1 Pet. 1:7; 1 Cor. 4:5; Luke 19:17).

You can ask yourself: Am I living for the praise that only Jesus can give? Am I being faithful with the resources, opportunities, relationships that God has entrusted into my life and that are in my sphere of influence?

You Can’t Go to Heaven by Being a Good Person

This brings us to our last myth or misconception about heaven.

Will I go to heaven or hell? Many people hope that their good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds and they will somehow make it into heaven.

The Bible teaches that people don’t go to heaven automatically. Heaven is actually not our default destination. No can can go to heaven based on their good works (Rom. 3:23; 6:23) because no one can be “good enough.”

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Rom. 3:23 (ESV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom. 6:23 (ESV)

No one can be good and righteous enough to enter heaven on their own merit (Isa. 59:2; John 14:6)

The Good News that the Bible offers is that Jesus died on the cross to pay for the penalty of your sin. You don’t have to wait until you die to know if you’re going to heaven or not. You can know today and open your heart to God’s love. Is there anything that’s keeping you from opening to God’s love right now?

Here’s an article where I explain how you can know for sure if you’re going to heaven rather than leaving it to chance.: How to Get to Heaven According to the Bible: It’s NOT by Being Good.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 (ESV)

Here on Earth as It Is in Heaven

Heaven is an amazing and beautiful place, full of God’s glory. It’s going to be everything you love about this world without any of the things that make it terrible.

What difference does the Biblical teaching on heaven make in your life right now on earth? How does setting your mind on things above give you a sense of purpose here on earth?

A wrong view of heaven makes people live disconnected with life as it is today. Some people look forward to an endless existence as spirits floating around in the clouds. Because of these misconceptions about heaven, people live disconnected with the beautiful eternal reality that the Bible presents.

You will get to see God’s face, there won’t be a need for the sun or any light because God Himself will be the light. If you believe what the Bible says about heaven, it will help you connect that eternal reality with whatever you’re going through now.

You don’t have to wait until you die. You can live for God today. You don’t have to live life bored or without hope. You can live life with full hope and purpose. 

The reality of heaven brings purpose and meaning to life here on earth right now.

Things on earth can be good, but they’re not meant to satisfy the deepest longings in your heart. You are a person made in God’s image, with a spirit that can only be fully alive if you encounter God’s love.

Faith is more than just about praying and reading the Bible. Your entire life matters to God. Your family, your work, your studies, and your recreation all matter. It can be more meaningful now and in heaven, on the New Earth, where heaven and earth will be joined together, you’ll find your deepest fulfillment in God.

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 

Rev. 21:5 (ESV)

Here are a few questions that I didn’t touch on in this article, but in case you were wondering:

Will we eat in heaven? The resurrected Jesus ate with His disciples. He prepared them a meal and ate bread and fish with them. (John 21:4-14). The Bible speaks of food in God’s Kingdom (Luke 22:29-30; Rev. 2:7; 21:5-6; 22:2).

Will there be animals in heaven? Isa. 11:6-9 describes the New Earth, where there will no longer be any hurt nor destruction. God saved animals from the flood (Gen. 6:19-20) and He established the Covenant with “every living creature” (Gen. 9:9-17).

Will we be reunited with our pets? Will I see my dog in heaven? The Bible doesn’t say specifically that we will or not. It’s something we “leave on the shelf” until God reveals more. But based on what we know about God, it would not be inconsistent with the Bible for God to reunite us with our pets.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Col. 3:1-3 (ESV)

Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content.

If you enjoyed reading this article, here are a few that I think you’ll also enjoy:

What Does God Look Like – Why It Matters in the Bible. In it, I look at the throne-room scene in heaven. Heaven is a reflection of who God is and what He looks like.

How to Get to Heaven According to the Bible: It’s NOT by Being Good. I share a couple of videos in it that describe how you can be sure you get into heaven and not leave it to chance.

What Is the Meaning of Life According to the Bible? In it, I explore the question of the meaning of life. The point is not to get to heaven but to know the beautiful God who has made a way for us to be with Him.

Photo by Jasper Boer on Unsplash

3 Ways to Overcome Doubt, Shame & Guilt

It’s easy to believe that God loves you when things are going well. It’s when things get difficult that you might begin to wonder if God really loves you. If God loves you, why would bad things happen? Could God still love you if you did something bad or hurt someone? Is there a way to know for sure that God loves you? Let’s look at how the Bible answers these important questions.

How Can I Be Sure God Loves Me?

You can know God loves you from what He says in the Bible. 

You might try looking for the answers in your emotions, your thoughts or your circumstances. The answer that satisfies the longing of your heart won’t be found anywhere else than in God’s Word. You have to go to God and His Word to know whether He loves you or not.

You can’t know whether God loves you based on other things:

• How you feel at the moment.
• Whether something bad happened to you or you’re having a bad day.
• If you fell into your old bad habits or addictions.
• If you’re looking for a special spiritual experience.

Those things will always change so you can’t base God’s love on those things. People grasp for answers when there’s pain and heartache. You can run to God, instead of away from Him to other things. Then you can settle down your heart and listen to God through His Word.

Instead of trying to be a better person (link to an article where I share what the Bible says about how to see lasting positive changes in your life), put your focus on what God did for you.

If you base it on other things, you will be on an endless roller coaster, depending on how you feel. You might feel good if you had a good day. But you might feel doubt and shame if you fall into old habits, patterns, or addictions to numb your pain.

Even the excitement of special spiritual experiences and miracles will fade eventually. Seeing a sign or getting a special feeling only lasts for a short time.

God delivered the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt, but they still grumbled (Exo. 16). God fed them for 40 years with the miracle of manna, but they even got tired of that. They got tired of a miracle.

The only way to be sure whether God loves you is to listen to what God Himself says in the Bible.

What does the Bible say?

3 Ways You Can Know That God Loves You

You can know God loves you because Jesus died on the cross.

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:9-10 (ESV)

The cross is the demonstration of God’s love. It’s how you can measure how much God loves you. If you ever needed proof that God loves you, it’s the cross.

The cross is not God’s reward to you for being a good person. The cross is God’s love displayed to you before you even looked for Him.

The cross is the proof that God loves you. When you face doubt, guilt, or shame, you can run to God because of the cross of Jesus.

God gives Himself to you (Gal. 2:20). God didn’t just give you good gifts and blessings in life. God gives none less than Himself to you. Law and justice could not force God to love you. He gives Himself to you on the cross out of love.

If you’ve never opened your heart to God’s love, know that God is inviting you. The way you open to God’s love is by receiving Jesus. God’s love is displayed on the cross where Jesus died for your sin.

Admit to God that you’ve turned away from Him. Believe in Jesus, that He’s the Son of God, who died for you on the cross for your sin. Commit yourself to Jesus and to follow His Word. Will you begin to love Him back because He first loved you?

When you do, God forgives you of your sin, adopts you as His child, and fills you with His love. You can know for sure you’re going to heaven.

You can know that God loves you because He adopted you as His child (Rom. 8:15-17)

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Rom. 8:15-17 (ESV)

When you said “yes” to God, there was a cry in your heart that said “Daddy!” Abba is the Aramaic word in the Bible for father (V. 15). God adopted you as His son or daughter to show that He loves you (John 1:12). 

Ephesians 1:18 even says that you are God’s inheritance. God has everything in the world because He’s the Creator. The only thing God doesn’t have is your voluntary love. 

An amazing truth in Eph. 1:18 is that you are His inheritance. You are the riches of His glorious inheritance. At the end of the day, God gets your voluntary love, and to Him, it’s glorious. This is how much He loves you. That’s why He gives Himself to you.

You can know that God loves you if you love others with God’s love (1 John 4:7–8)

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:7–8 (ESV)

When you are able to love others, it’s a reminder that love is from God. You can love others because God loves you. You can forgive others because God forgave you (Matt. 6:14-15).

Does God Love Me When I Sin?

When things are going well, you might not wonder whether God loves you or not. But what if you sin, go your own way, and live your life apart from God? Is God’s love unconditional? Does God love you no matter what?

In the sense that God’s heart is always open to you, yes, absolutely. His love never fails. He never changes. In this sense, God’s love is unconditional. God forgives and loves the unforgivable and the unlovable. There’s nothing that anyone can do to earn God’s love.

God loved you while you were His enemy (Rom. 5:10). He made a way for you to come to Him before you even wanted to. God doesn’t love you because you are a good person. He loves people who sin. Jesus didn’t die for you because you had better potential than others. He died for you out of love.

God’s love is displayed on the cross where Jesus died. It’s not based on your performance.

But it’s also true that if you’ve received God’s love, you naturally want to do His will and not go your own way. God’s love is constant, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatic. You have to choose and want to receive God’s love voluntarily. God will not force His love on you and He will not force you to love Him back. It’s voluntary on your part.

You can’t do good things to try to get God to love you. You can only respond to God’s love because He loved you first.

If you find yourself living in rebellion, not wanting to follow Jesus, then it’s possible you never understood or received how much God loved you as He displayed on the cross.

If you’re continuing to turn away from God and live in sin, then ask if you’ve really opened to God’s love. Is it possible that God loves you, but you don’t receive His love and you don’t love Him back?

If you’ve sinned and turned away from God, what can you do? Turn back to Him. He loves you. He has always loved you, as you can tell from the cross. Christ died for sinners and enemies. Christ died for the ungodly, the broken, the fragile, and the hurting.

If you’re asking “does God love me even when I sin?” Yes, absolutely. That’s why He wants you to come back to Him.

Confess your sin to Him. God didn’t change. You did, but it’s okay. If you pretend that you don’t have sin, then, you’re being blind to it. Everyone has sinned. Rather than running away from God, you can run straight to Him.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:9-10 (ESV)

Jesus once told a story about the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). It’s about the lavish love of a father. Even when his son took his inheritance money and squandered it all, the father still loved him. The father always loved him. 

When the son came back with a repentant heart, the father forgave him and gave him the best he had. This is how God responds to you when you’ve sinned. He wants you to come back to Him. He’ll run to you when you do.

Hebrews 12:1-2 explains that Jesus went to the cross because of the joy that was set before him. This means that He went to the cross – remember this is while you were his enemy – He did it out of joy. Jesus’ joy is you. You are the prize of His heart. Jesus went to the cross out of joy for you even when you didn’t want Him.

God’s love makes you want to love Him back and put away the things that hinder His love. You can stop living for yourself and pursue Jesus from now on.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Heb. 12:1-2 (ESV)

Stop living for yourself, put aside every weight and sin which hinders you from pursuing God. Turn back to Him like the prodigal son turned back to his father.

God still loves you when you sin. And if you really know that God loves you, you will turn back and not want to sin.

In John 8:1-11, the religious leaders brought to Jesus a woman who was caught in adultery. Jesus challenged the religious leaders and told them that the one who doesn’t have sin can be the first to throw a stone at the woman.

Jesus shows her mercy and compassion instead of condemning her. When the woman’s accusers all leave her, Jesus’ speaks to the woman. And it sums up what we’ve talked about so far.

…And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

John 8:11 (ESV)

God’s love is constant. It never changes whether you sin or not. Open to God’s love and turn back to Him. Go and sin no more. Live for God.

Does God Love Everyone?

This also applies to the question of whether God loves everyone or not. He absolutely loves everyone. The cross is proof of God’s love.

Because God loves everyone, everyone has a chance to respond to the cross. God does not hold it back from anyone. Everyone can receive forgiveness of sin through faith in Jesus. 

This means that they can also reject God’s love because it needs to be received voluntarily. God doesn’t force His love on people and force them to love Him.

Jesus went to people who were rejected and outcast by others. Jesus went to everyone to seek them out. He also went to the cross for everyone.

God loves everyone, but His love is displayed in its fullness on the cross. God loved the world in a very specific way: He gave us His Son (John 3:16). He so loved the world. That means He loved the world in this way. 

The cross of Jesus is the most extravagant, magnificent display of love, where a sinless God died for His enemies to make them His children.

God loves everyone. Everyone can come to the cross and put their faith in Jesus.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matt. 11:28 (ESV)

How to Be Confident in God’s Love

Do you ever find yourself doubting and wondering does God love me? Have you been on the roller coaster of doubt, going through the ups and downs of not being sure?

It’s like picking petals from a flower and wondering: He loves me… He loves me not… He loves me.. He loves me not…

You can keep from falling back into doubt and move forward in faith. How do you do this?

The key to being confident in love is to take your focus off of yourself and put it on God. Then let His love flow through you to others.

If you put your focus on how you feel, whether you’re having a bad day, or how long it’s been since you had a special spiritual experience of hearing God’s voice, then you’ll be doubting God’s love for you over and over again.

If you put your focus on the cross, where God’s love was displayed, you’ll find strength and know God’s embrace. 

Begin to thank God for His love for you on the cross instead. You can take your focus off the things that don’t bring confidence in God’s love.

Instead of wondering if God loves you, go and love someone in your life.

You can also focus on loving the people in your life.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Gal. 5:22-23 (ESV)

When you love God and love others, you can know that it’s the fruit or result of God’s Spirit in your life. It’s His fruit, not yours. You can find confidence that His love is in you as God pours out His love in you (Rom. 5:5, 8).

Are you having a hard time believing that God can love you? You can make this your prayer:

Pray: Lord, You say you love me. I will believe and receive it. I open to Your love, God. Thank You for loving me even to the point of death on the cross. Empower my heart to love You back, to live in Your love and to love others.

You live out God’s love in your daily choices, big and small. These small steps of thanksgiving to God and loving others will add up day by day.

Paul prayed for the believers at Ephesus that they would be rooted and grounded in love (Eph. 3:17). That’s God’s heart for you that you would be like a tree with roots that go down deep into the good soil of God’s love. Then you can receive His power and strength in your life.

So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love.

Eph. 3:17 (ESV)

I wrote an article about How to Get to Heaven According to the Bible (link opens in a new window). It talks about how you can’t get to heaven by being a good person. It will encourage you to fully open to God’s love displayed on the cross and not try to earn it.

God Cares for You

Luke 12:7 says that God has a number for every single hair on your head. He doesn’t just know how many there are. Each of your hairs has a number. That’s how much God cares for you.

If you find yourself doubting God’s love, think about the ways that you can know for sure.

When you find yourself asking does God love me? Ask yourself:

• What does the Bible say?
• What does the cross of Jesus say?
• How can I love God back and love let His love flow to others?

You can be rooted and grounded in His love. Love God back and let His love flow through you to people in your life.

People might change, but God never changes. His love is constant.

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.

Psalm 36:5 (ESV)

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom. 8:38-39 (ESV)

Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content.

If you found this article to be helpful, I think you’ll also enjoy: Put on the Whole Armor of God – What it Means & How to Do It. I hope this article will bring clarity to what the armor of God is so you can experience God’s power in your life. It’s an important truth so that you can stand in the face of any spiritual pressures. Thy Kingdom Come – What It Means & How to Pray It. It’s from the prayer that taught His disciples. It explores the powerful prayer which summarizes the entire Bible.

Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash

The Bible reveals who God is and how He related to people. There are a lot of Scriptures that describe what God is like, His character. But there are also a few places in the Bible that have a description of God’s actual appearance. And these descriptions are quite similar throughout the Bible.

What does God look like? There are several people in the Bible who saw God and lived to tell about it. They describe God’s appearance as a brilliant light and a consuming fire. They also describe the details around His throne. All this reveals who God is and how He relates to people.

The Bible describes God’s appearance as a brilliant light because there is no darkness in Him at all (1 John 1:5). This describes God’s beauty, holiness, and purity. God is completely good and pure in His dealings with mankind.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1 John 1:5 (ESV)

God’s appearance is also described as fire because of His fiery desire and burning passion (Heb. 12:29). God is not an emotionless being or an impersonal spirit. The consuming fire speaks of His passion for His people and His fiery zeal for justice.

For our God is a consuming fire.

Heb. 12:29 (ESV)

People who saw God also describe His throne. God is the creator and ruler over everything.

People also mention the rainbow that surrounds God’s throne. The rainbow speaks of God’s mercy and faithfulness. This is a reassurance that all God’s dealings with mankind are surrounded by His mercy.

There are other descriptions of God in the Bible, but these are the most common and significant ones. When we put all these pieces together, we get a stunning picture of who God is.

It’s important to note that God is all these, not just one. He is light, but He is also a consuming fire. He has a deep desire and love for His people, but this also means that He will remove all that gets in the way of that love. He will also make a way for people to come to Him and He is patient in all His ways.

How is God described in the Bible?

God is beautiful, pure, and good. He is also full of desire and passion for His people. This passion means that He will remove anything that hinders love. God sits on a throne that is above every other throne but He still deals with mankind in mercy and compassion.

What does this mean for you? God reveals these things about Himself in the Bible throughout human history so you can know how He feels about you and what He has done for a hurting and broken world.

The descriptions of God’s appearance point us to who He is and His character. These insights into what God looks like is not just for trivia, but to strengthen God’s people through every struggle that they face.

The descriptions above are from encounters with God over a period of about 1,500 years, from Moses to the Apostle John. Others, like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Isaiah also saw God and their descriptions are quite similar.  Let’s look at some of these God-encounters in more detail and we’ll also look at some of the other Bible verses describing God.

The picture that the Bible paints really brings out the beauty and majesty of God. We’ll start with the encounter John records in the book of Revelation. John was the last person in the Bible to see God. And he gives the fullest description of God.

John shares what God looks like in revelation to encourage people who are being persecuted for their faith. You are meant to live in that reality of God right now. The Bible explains God’s appearance so that as you gaze on God’s beauty and majesty, you’ll be strengthened and encouraged in your faith.

What Does God Look Like in Revelation?

John, a disciple of Jesus Christ, had an encounter with God that is recorded in the book of Revelation. He was imprisoned on the Island of Patmos for his faith. Revelation is the last book of the Bible and a fitting conclusion and a summary of the Bible. John also records a physical description of God in Revelation.

The book of Revelation shows the leadership of Jesus at the end of this age. God’s physical description fits in well with how He relates to the world. I’ll explain this in more detail after we look at God’s appearance.

First, let’s look at the text and then we’ll look at some of the descriptions in more detail.

At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.

Rev. 4:2-6 (ESV)

God is Light

What is God’s appearance like? John describes God’s appearance as jasper, a precious stone (Rev. 4:3).

Jasper is a stone, like a diamond, that shines brightly when light goes through it. John is highlighting the radiance and clarity of God’s appearance. It speaks of God’s dazzling purity. There’s no darkness in Him at all. Rev. 21:11 describes jasper as a precious stone that is as clear as crystal.

Having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.

Rev. 21:11 (ESV)

John also describes in another book of the Bible that God is light.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1 John 1:5 (ESV)

Those who encounter God often experience the light that surrounds Him (Dan. 10; Eze. 10:4; Rev. 4). Paul explains that God dwells in unapproachable light (1 Tim. 6:16). Psalm 104:2 describes God as having light as a garment that surrounds Him. He is crystal clear and brilliant in His purity and He wraps Himself with light.

The first act of God as Creator was to call light into being and separate it from the darkness. It reflects who He is.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.

Gen. 1:3-4 (ESV)

Why Does It Matter That God Is Light?

God is light and He is surrounded by light. This speaks of His beauty, holiness, and purity. God is good and He related to mankind in His goodness and purity. There is not even a hint of evil or wickedness in Him.

1. God is light, so you can know that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. 

James describes God as the Father of lights (James. 1:17). Because God is the Father of lights, He is pure and constant in His goodness and purity. He is not 99.99% pure. There is no evil in Him at all.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 (ESV)

2.  God wants you to live in His light. God relates to us in the manifestation of His light. The greatest blessing is to have the light from God’s face shine on you. This is part of the blessing that Aaron the priest would pray over the people of Israel in the Old Testament.

The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you.

Numbers 6:25

3. In the age to come, we will live in the light of God (Rev. 22:5; 21:23). The book of Revelation ends with God’s people living in His light. There is no night there and there’s no need for a light source like the sun because God Himself is their light. 

God Is a Consuming Fire

John describes God’s appearance as sardius (Rev. 4:3), deep red . Carnelian is the modern term. It’s a stone with a deep red color. Some also say that it could be like a ruby.

This speaks of God’s fiery desire and burning passion. The Bible talks about the zeal of God, His great energy and enthusiasm. God has a great desire for His people.

This also speaks of God’s zeal for justice. There is zeal to remove all that is not holy.

John sees the God of sardius-like passion upon His throne. One of the first direct descriptions of God in the Bible is that He is a consuming fire. This means that He is calling for absolute loyalty to Him. 

For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Deut. 4:24 (ESV)

God had just delivered the people of Israel out of Egypt where they were oppressed as slaves. God tells them that He wants them to be His people. He wants all the nations to be blessed. He calls His people to live in righteousness and justice.

Being jealous has a negative side to it when it’s fleshly, but when it’s applied to God, it speaks of His zeal, fervor, and passion.

Not only does God’s appearance resemble light and fire, holy fire surrounds His throne. There are also seven lamps of fire and seraphim (spiritual/angelic beings whose names literally mean burning ones) burn before it. There is also a sea of glass which is ablaze before the throne of God.

Whenever people encounter God’s glory in the Bible, they also see the manifestations of fire: clouds, lightnings, thunderings. Moses saw God on Mt. Horeb and saw His glory in the burning bush (Exo. 3:2, 6). Moses learned that God is holy, separate. Isaiah saw Seraphim, the burning ones, that worship around the throne of God (Isa. 6:2). Daniel saw the throne of God a fiery flame (Dan. 7:9).

Why does it matter that God has sadius-like passion and zeal? God is not only light, purity, and goodness. He is focused on the ones that He loves and this zeal desires exclusivity in the relationship. 

Jesus said that the first and greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matt. 22:37).

God’s love is not passive. Love is not toleration, but pure desire.

Desire implies want, but not lack. Jesus lacks nothing but still wants us. The jealousy of God is essential to His moral character. It causes worship and confidence in His people, and fear in all who come against that fiery love (Heb. 12:28-29).

God Is on a Throne Surrounded by a Rainbow

People who saw God in the Bible also describe His throne and the rainbow that surrounds it.

The throne represents God’s rule and reign. We have rulers and governors over nations and regions. There is a throne that is high above every throne. This throne is completely pure and just. There’s no wickedness or injustice with God, the Judge upon His throne.

Ezekiel saw the same things that John later saw in Revelation. He saw God, the light all around Him and the sea of glass beneath the throne. Ezekiel also saw the throne and the rainbow around it (Eze. 1:26-28; 1:22). 

Isaiah and Daniel also saw God’s throne, although they don’t mention the rainbow around the throne (Isa. 6:1-8; Dan. 7:9-10). Isaiah also mentions the seraphim, the burning-ones that John later saw.

What’s the importance of what all these people saw? First of all, there is a throne. There is one who sits upon it. On the throne, there is a King and He is also the Judge. Life is different when this is true.

The throne shows that God’s throne and His Kingdom are above every other throne and government. He is patient so that people will have time to turn to Him. But ultimately, God will bring justice on the earth. He has to punish the evil that is on the earth, otherwise, He would not be a just judge. His purity and justice require it.

The good news is that there is a rainbow around His throne. All of His dealings with mankind is tempered by His mercy. The rainbow speaks of God’s mercy, patience, and faithfulness. This is great news because otherwise, no one would be in His Kingdom.

Where else did a rainbow appear in the Bible? After God sent the flood in Noah’s time, God gives the rainbow as a sign of His ongoing mercy and patience from that point on (Gen. 9:12-16).

What this means is that God is pure and just, but He relates to you in His mercy. Everyone has turned away from God’s design and pursued life apart from God. But God makes a way out and gives people time to turn to Him.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 

2 Pet. 3:9 (ESV)

God’s justice will catch up with the earth, but He is patient and merciful to make a way out and gives people time to turn to Him.

Jesus Is the Fullness of the Glory of God

Looking at what the Bible says about God’s appearance wouldn’t be complete without looking at Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

John describes Jesus as the light that has come into the world (John 1:4-5). There was a time when Jesus revealed His glory to His disciples and they saw His face shining like the sun (Matt. 17:1-2). And Jesus says in John 8:12 (ESV):   “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Colossians 2:9 (ESV) explains that in Jesus, the  “whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”

This means that when people saw Jesus, they saw God (John 14:9). That’s one of the reasons Jesus came to earth, to reveal God’s true nature to mankind. People had wrong ideas and religions about what God is like. Jesus removes the blinders.

One amazing thing is that we are created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27). God created you to look like Him and not like any other animal or creature. God became a man and dwelt among us (John 1:14).

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 (ESV)

When you look at Jesus, you can see the love of God, His justice and His mercy. The way Jesus, the Son of God, relates to people in the Bible is how God relates to you. Jesus laid down His life on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin. The cross is where love and justice meet. God’s justice is satisfied through Christ’s death and His love is extended to you.

Jesus is fierce in His judgment against religious people who hinder others from coming to God. He goes into the temple in Jerusalem and flips over all their tables where people were trying to make money in the house of prayer (Matt. 21:13). But Jesus is tender-hearted and gentle with the hurting and broken.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matt. 11:28-30 (ESV)

We Will See God’s Face

Some people might wonder whether it’s even necessary or proper for people to be curious about what God looks like. Shouldn’t it be enough that you believe in Him?

One thing to note about studying God’s appearance is that people can’t see the fullness of God’s glory yet. It would be too much in this life (Exo. 33:20).

You can’t stare at the sun directly for long without damaging your eyes. If you see the fullness of the sun, you might never see anything else again! And the sun is millions of miles away. With God, we’re not just talking about physical intensity, but One who is perfect and holy in being.

Although you can’t see Him fully, the Bible repeatedly reveals different aspects of what God looks like. God reveals Himself. And what He does is meant to bless you. 

Why does the Bible show how God looks? So that you will be fascinated in your spirit and heart (Psa. 27:4). Also to strengthen and sustain you to endure through hardships and difficulties.

When the early church was living in persecution and tribulation, God gave them a revelation of Jesus through the book of Revelation. He showed them what He looks like.

God does the same for you. He reveals His beauty and majesty to you so you can trust Him, know that He is good, and His justice will triumph. The descriptions of God’s appearance from the Bible is meant to produce something in you. It releases a spirit of wisdom (Eph. 1:17-21) to know God so that your love and loyalty will be stirred up.

Right now, you might only see Him dimly (1 Cor. 13:12) but Revelation 22:4 says that you will ultimately get to see the face of God. Right now, you might not know the shape of His face or how tall He looks. But, you can know things about Him that are real and significant.

The human heart longs to be fascinated. You were created by God to draw near to Him and reflect His glory in your life (2 Cor. 3:18). Every other craving in life will leave you empty until they are satisfied in God.

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

John 17:3 (ESV)

Does your view of God give you strength to endure and press in to know this beautiful God? That requires a higher vision. The knowledge of God ruins us for status quo Christanity. You cannot stop at anything less than the knowledge of this living God.

This has just been an introduction to the beauty and majesty of God’s appearance in the Bible. I hope it’ll encourage you to press in to know God more. Not just as a curiosity, but as something that is meant and given by God in the Bible to exhilarate your spirit.

One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.

Psalm 27:4 (ESV)

If you want to go deeper in the knowledge of God, I highly recommend A.W. Tozer’s book The Knowledge of the Holy (Link to Amazon – opens in a new window) One of my favorite quote from that book is:

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A. W. Tozer (The Knowledge of the Holy)

Also, you might be interested in this article where I explore what the Bible says about heaven and uncover the 5 most commonly held myths and misconceptions: 5 Surprising Truths About Heaven in the Bible: What Is Heaven Like? [link opens in a new window]

And lastly, I wrote an article about 11 Ways to Study the Bible [link opens in a new window]. I want to encourage you to take one of those methods and go deeper in your pursuit of God through His Word.

Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content.

Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash

Where do you turn when you’re tired, worried, or need comfort? When you’re overwhelmed and feel like giving up? You can depend on God’s truth and His Word to encourage, inspire, and bring a fresh perspective. You can move beyond any challenges you might face with these encouraging Bible verses.

Here are 21 different sets of verses depending on the season you’re in. These are Scriptures that have encouraged me through my most difficult times. I’ve also shared them with others through the years. Feel free to skip to the section that applies most to you right now. Or share with someone the section that would be helpful to them.

Encouraging Bible Verses for Strength

For Courage to Face Challenges and Hard Times

Philippians 4:12-13

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Phil. 4:12-13 (ESV)

There will be times when you have plenty. At other times, you will have to deal with not having enough. There will also be times of loss. Some people have to overcome more challenges than others.

Whether you have plenty or are in need, you can always do God’s will. You can receive strength from God and do all that He has called you to do.

Paul says in these verses that he found the secret of being content in every circumstance. It allowed him to know that he can always do God’s will.

Paul found the secret that his contentment was in God and not the circumstances around him. It was not the amount of money he had. Paul knew that he could be rooted in God’s immovable strength.

Don’t trust in the power of your circumstances. Don’t put your trust in what you have and don’t be discouraged by what you don’t have. Put your hope in God. Trust in God’s strength. You can do all things through Him who gives you strength.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil. 4:6-7 (ESV)

It feels terrible to be powerless and not be able to do anything to change things. One temptation is to get worried and anxious. The word anxious in the original literally means to be divided, distracted.

Don’t be pulled apart in different directions and let it become a drain on your soul. No matter how weak you might feel, God has given you a choice. Don’t be anxious about anything.

Focus your energy on seeking God instead. Bring it to God in prayer and ask Him to supply your need.

Spend your energy on thanking God instead of getting anxious about what you don’t have. Remember the times when God was faithful in your past. Thank Him for His care and concern for you.

The promise in these verses is that God’s peace will protect you and guard you as a military soldier would guard a post.

God’s peace surpasses understanding. When you’re stuck, it might not make sense from your perspective. 

God’s peace goes beyond what you have or don’t have. God’s peace doesn’t depend on your circumstances or how strong you feel. His peace will guard you.

Pray because God cares for you and claim the promise of His peace.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Josh. 1:9 (ESV)

Sometimes you need God to give you strength that you don’t have. 

Other times, you have to use the courage that God has already put in you.

When you’re weak and can’t stand on your own, you need God’s comfort. See the verses for comfort in the next section below. Other times, you need God’s reassurance to be courageous.

God doesn’t say that he will give Joshua a new strength. God is already with Him. God will be with him wherever he goes.

The Lord commands Joshua to be strong and courageous.

What are you waiting for in your life? What are the explanations of why life is the way it is? Could it be that God is calling you to be strong and courageous? If that’s the case, be encouraged. 

Be strong and have courage. It’s time to be faithful with what God has given you. Don’t wait for something new to change. God shows up when you trust Him and take the step of faith.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Tim. 1:7 (ESV)

God gives His spirit to dwell in His people. This is one of the precious benefits of believing and following Jesus. If you’re not sure about your relationship with God, read about how you can be certain in this article first: How to Get to Heaven According to the Bible.

If you’ve put your faith in Jesus, then God’s Spirit already dwells in you. When God works in you, it does not produce fear.

Are there things you’re doing or not doing because of a spirit of fear? Are there people, challenging circumstances, or uncertainties in life that keep you from following Jesus and serving others?

God’s spirit is about His ability, love and self-control. These are not character traits that you try to develop. These are fruits of His Spirit in you. Thank Him for them, count your old self as dead, and live in His power for your life.

Are you trusting in God and relying on Him? Are you taking responsibility for your life and for the choices you’re making? Do your decisions and thoughts come from God’s power? Are they rooted in His love?

Receive and live in God’s Spirit today.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Cor. 10:13 (ESV)

Everyone faces temptation and can be overtaken by it. Even the people who are strong get overwhelmed at times. This is common to everyone’s experience.

Are you facing temptations that you can’t seem to overcome? This verse reveals that God doesn’t let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

God has put great strength and ability in you. Even if temptations seem overwhelming, you will find God’s strength in the deep places of your soul.

When these trials and temptations come, God will provide a way out. The answer is not always the removal of the problems or people in your life. Prayer is not a way to try to get other people to change. They are responsible before God for their decisions.

The encouragement of this verse is that no matter what you might face, God will give you a way to stand up under it and get through it.  
Don’t be discouraged if you feel like temptation has overtaken you. Stand in God’s strength.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV)

Everyone has limitations. Everyone, young and old, gets tired and weary at some point. We are all human. You can only do so much, give so much, and endure so much.

God doesn’t get tired though. The Lord is the everlasting God and the Creator of the earth.

God delights to give power to people who are weak, weary and exhausted.

Choose to wait on God. Come away and recharge with God. Don’t try so hard to regain your strength. Let God recharge you and refresh you.

Take time to rest, reflect, and do things that are life-giving to you. Take this time to recalibrate your compass and commit to follow Jesus and obey His commands. As you do this, let God renew your strength. 

Wait on God.

Romans 8:31-32

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Rom. 8:31-32 (ESV)

Even if it feels like the whole world is against you, everything is different if you are sure that God is for you. You can rise above suffering, persecution, and even the valley of the shadow of death.

If God, the Creator and sustainer of the universe is for you, then who can be against you? Who is the man, the obstacle, the failure, or the suffering that can hinder you from fulfilling God’s plan for your life?

The important thing is to be sure that God is for you. If you have put your faith in Jesus, then you can know for sure that you belong to God now. 

The Father did not spare to give to His only Son. This proves that God is for you. Everything else in life is a bonus on top of that.

It’s all by His gracious gift. Let your life and thoughts be aligned with that. Don’t live like someone who hasn’t received God’s grace. God is for you. Who can be against you?

Encouraging Bible Verses for Comfort

To Experience God’s Comfort and Compassion in Hard Times

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Pet. 5:7 (ESV)

When you are experiencing tough times, it can seem like God is far away. Why have these things happened? 

This verse highlights a simple but comforting truth. God cares for you. Use this opportunity in your life to connect to the God who cares for you.

You can lean on Him. You don’t have to carry this burden on your own. Actually, you can cast all of your burdens on Him. The big things and the little things. God’s care for you is enough to cover all of them.

In times of pain, your mind might race to try to figure out answers. Sometimes this helps but most times, it doesn’t. The answers may eventually come but start by trusting God and receiving His heart for you. 

He cares for you. You can cast all your anxiety upon Him.

Luke 12:22-24

Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?

Luke 12:22-24 (ESV)

The stress of not having enough is a source of burden to many people. Everyone needs money, clothes, food, and a place to live. Trying to meet these needs for yourself and others can become overwhelming.

This verse instructs you to not worry. It can feel like worry is uncontrollable. It sounds too simple to just stop doing something. But if God commands you to do it, it’s because He will empower you to do it.

The reason you don’t have to worry is that God is capable and He is caring. He’s able to take care of you. He takes care of the birds. You’re much more precious to Him than the birds.

He’s inviting you to trust in Him. Your life is in His hands. From this perspective, you can get a better perspective on what really matters in life.

Many people realize this on their death-bed. You don’t have to wait until the last moment. You can live with God’s wisdom and strength today.

Worrying doesn’t help. It can even become a problem in itself. God’s Word calls you to not worry. Let your response be: “I will not worry. Help me and strengthen me, God.”

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Psalm 23 (ESV)

This is a Psalm that has given peace and comfort to countless people through the ages. I’ve even read it at many funerals because the families requested it.

It brings comfort to know that the Lord is your shepherd. The Good Shepherd cares for His sheep, nourishes them, and protects them.

There are times when He will make you lie down and rest. Use these opportunities to rest reconnect and get a new perspective on what really matters in life. He will lead you to places of rest and deep nourishment for your soul if you open to His shepherding.

You can learn to live with gratitude for what you have and not be disappointed over what you don’t have. He will make you lie down in green pastures and restore your soul.

God can guide you even when you’re going through the valley of the shadow of death. You can live well. You can also face death well if God is with you. He can also help you live a full life no matter what stage of life you’re in.

Because the Lord is your Shepherd you really will not lack anything.

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Cor. 12:9 (ESV)

It can seem that the best solution to life’s problems would be to make the problems disappear. But usually, the answer is not making your problems and people go away.

There are many times that God answers miraculously and breaks in with His grace to remove barriers. Other times, He simply reassures you that His grace is enough. He is with you, you don’t have to worry. 

It’s one of the mysteries of life. You have to learn to live with complete faith in God. He is always the answer. His answers are not always what you might expect, but His grace will never be lacking in your life if you lean on Him.

Paul had asked the Lord three times to take away this thorn in the flesh. Whatever this thorn in the flesh was, it bothered Paul enough to press into God.

Trusting God is dying to your old self and allowing Jesus’ life and the fruit of His Spirit to show up instead. 

Paul learned that God’s grace is at its most powerful operation when he is weak. This is true in your life too. It’s okay to embrace this weakness. When you do, the power of Christ will rest on you.

Psalm 42:11

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

Psalm 42:11 (ESV)

Trusting God in hard times is not easy. It can seem easier to isolate yourself and try to numb your pain. 

It’s also tempting to retreat inwards into worry and pity. Before it leads to sadness and misery, open to God’s help. Put your hope in God.

Trusting in God is not only about knowing the victories and the mountain tops. It’s also about walking with Him through the valleys. If you need, He will carry you through those too.

Let praise bubble up in you. Let Thanksgiving flush out negative thoughts. There might be turmoil all around you, but you can put on the garment of praise as you look to God.

2 Corinthians 4:16

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Cor. 4:16 (ESV)

Are you at a time that you feel like you want to give up? This verse shines a light on the truth that there is an eternal glory that awaits you. No matter how dark and difficult times might get in your life, there is an eternal glory that will can’t even be compared to.

This is difficult to imagine in the middle of pain and loss. It’s okay to go through a season of grief and go through sadness.

As you process what’s going on through difficult times, begin to look to things that are not seen, those things that are eternal and lasting. Grief, hardship, and loss are real, but they are temporary. 

There is an eternal reality that you are being prepared for. Even if your outer self is wasting away, you can know God’s peace and renewal in your inner being.

As you draw near to God and receive His strength and comfort, you can begin to see your current affliction as light and momentary.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Cor. 1:3-4 (ESV)

God is the Father of mercies. He is full of compassion and grace. He is the God of all comfort. God’s comfort can be very real to you whatever affliction you might face.

To bless means to speak well of, to praise. You can bless God anytime, even in hard times. Begin to speak of God’s character, His comfort, and mercy. As you being to speak out and praise God, your focus and attention will go to Him.

As you being to receive from God and not dwell on your afflictions, it’ll stir up more praise.

Whatever you’re going through, you will be in a unique position to comfort and encourage others. It’ll be in these times that you can give the most powerful encouragement to someone. Let God use you to comfort others as you open to receiving more from Him.

Encouraging Bible Verses for Perseverance

To Not Give up Praying and Doing Good

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matt. 11:28-30 (ESV)

To do God’s work is a great privilege. To be used by Him is the highest honor. But, if you begin to serve Him in your own strength, it will eventually become a heavy burden to you.

There is a yoke, a burden, and a responsibility of doing God’s will and serving others. The one that you take yourself will be overwhelming. 

The burden that Jesus gives you will be easy and light. Which one are you carrying right now? Come and learn from Jesus. He is gentle and meek. Your work and service in Christ can become a season of rest for your soul.

It’s okay if you have to unlearn some of the patterns of thinking and unhealthy burden-bearing that you might have learned along the way. It’ll be worthwhile in the long run to learn from Jesus’ example.

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 (ESV)

This verse seems to guarantee that there will be trouble and problems in this world. But it’s realistic. It’s the world that we’re living in apart from God.

Don’t be surprised by trouble and tribulation. It’s not a sign that you’re doing wrong or you’re missing the mark. Sometimes, it’s just the nature of living in a broken and hurting world.

Jesus tells you this ahead of time so that you can be prepared and open to His peace.

Peace is not the absence of problems and troubles in this world. Peace is the rest and strength that only Jesus can give that allows you to face and go through anything that you might encounter in this life.

In Jesus, you can experience this peace. It can be yours. There will always be trouble, but keep your eyes fixed on the One who overcame the world.

Galatians 6:9-10

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Gal. 6:9-10 (ESV)

It’s natural to get tired when you’re laboring, doing good and serving others in your family, in the church, or in the world.

These verses are a reminder to not get weary while you serve others. Serving and ministering to others takes time and energy. A mother nurtures her child for many years. There will be many diapers and other messes to clean up. All this takes time.

A proven formula in ministry is: Milk → Mess → Maturity

If you’ve been sowing and sowing and feel like you’re not reaping, don’t give up. Make sure you’re sowing the things of God, but keep the long-view in mind. Things that are worthwhile can’t be rushed. It will be worth it in the end.

Matt. 28:18-20

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matt. 28:18-20 (ESV)

These words of Jesus, often referred to as the Great Commission, are the mission of the church. It’s to make disciples of all nations.

You are part of this mission. The Great Commission isn’t to become a disciple. It’s to become a disciple-maker. 

What does this mean? It means that wherever you are in your spiritual journey, you can encourage and help someone. 

It means that you are in full-time ministry. Every follower of Jesus is in full-time ministry. Your relationships, your family, your work – it’s all under God’s rule and reign. 

Invite God’s Kingdom and Jesus’ wisdom and authority wherever you live and work. Commit to follow Him and tell others and give them the invitation too.

Jesus’ promise is that He will be with you. This is not just a warm, fuzzy promise. In the context of following Jesus and letting your life be the salt and light to those around you, Jesus is with you. He will never leave you.

Matthew 6:11

Give us this day our daily bread.

Matt. 6:11 (ESV)

This request from the Lord’s Prayer is a reminder to ask God daily for your needs. Every day is a new day to receive God’s strength and wisdom for that day.

The fact that Jesus wants you to pray for it means that God wants to answer it. God knows what you need before you ask Him. The reason to pray is not to inform God, but to be in partnership and complete dependence upon Him.

The daily bread that God will give you is usually not the yearly-bread. It’s what you need for today to follow Jesus. Don’t wait for everything to fall into place before you follow Jesus. Move forward with what God gives you.

Sometimes, I wish God would give me all the money that I need so I can quit everything and just do His will. Everything would be so much easier. I’m learning that I can choose to do God’s will with the time and energy that I have right now.

God doesn’t need your strength. He’s after your heart and full surrender. Take simple steps of faith and keep pursuing Jesus.

Luke 18:1

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Luke 18:1 (ESV)

God remembers your tears in the night. He also honors the prayers that have gone before you. Don’t give up praying and don’t lose heart. 

If you’ve been asking for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done, don’t quit. Keep believing for people to come to Jesus, to be delivered, to be healed, to have their eyes opened to truth.

Study the prayers that Paul prayed for the churches: Eph. 1:17-23; Eph. 3:16-21; Phil. 1:9-11; Col. 1:9-12; Rom. 15:5-7; Rom. 15:13; Rom. 10:1; 1 Cor. 1:4-8; 1 Thes. 3:9-13; 2 Thes. 1:11-12; 2 Thes. 3:1-5. They are God-centered, positive in focus, and always in line with God’s Word.

It’s not easy to stay focused when you don’t see results right away. Don’t lose heart. Follow the example of Paul who fulfilled his service to the church through the ministry of the Word and prayer.

Romans 8:38-39

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom 8:38-39 (ESV)

God’s love is able to sustain you through any difficult season. There can be times of discouragement or when you feel there is little positive fruit from your work. God’s love can sustain you through being misunderstood and unappreciated by others.

These verses paint with the broadest stroke in showing all possible powers and places. The conclusion is that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

God’s love can sustain you through times of persecution and great tribulation.

This is possible because of the width and length and height and depth of God’s love (Eph. 3:16-19). 

Be rooted in His love. Be protected by God’s love. Be exhilarated by His love.

Be Encouraged

Let me know in the comments below which of these encouraging Bible verses have been particularly meaningful to you. Or are there other verses that God has used to encourage you through a difficult season? How did they affect you?

Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content.

Photo #1 by Chris Meads on Unsplash

Photo #2 by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Photo #3 by Krisjanis Mezulis on Unsplash

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and not think about what happens when this life is over.  But sometimes, things can happen that make you pause to ask the important questions. As a pastor, and a police chaplain in the past, people have asked me these questions – some of them on their deathbed. The Bible has clear answers and guidance that has brought peace to many people.

How to get to heaven according to the Bible? According to the Bible, you get to heaven by putting your trust in Jesus Christ and following Him.

Although we might ask about how to go to heaven, the Bible doesn’t actually use the phrase “go to heaven.” That’s more of a modern-day way to talk about it. Rather, the Bible talks about having “eternal life” or being “saved.” In Acts 16:30-31, someone asks how he can be saved. The answer is: “Believe in the Lord Jesus.”

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 

Acts 16:30-31 (ESV)

This is what the Bible calls the Gospel, or Good News. To believe in Jesus doesn’t mean to know some facts about a religion. In this article, we’ll explore more what that means.

Before we do, here’s a video that explains the Gospel. It’s a drawing called the 3 Circles.

You Don’t Get to Heaven by Being a Good Person

A common misconception is that you get to heaven by being a good person. You don’t go to heaven if your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds. The Bible is very clear that this is not the case. No one would be good enough to earn heaven.

God doesn’t grade on a curve when it comes to getting to heaven.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Eph. 2:8-9 (ESV)

Eph. 2:8-9 explains that you are saved by grace, through faith. 

• Grace means that we get to heaven by God’s gracious, free gift, not because we earned it.

Faith means that you get to heaven by believing in God and His way. It’s based on something that He did, not something that you did.

• Faith is trusting in God and what He did and not in yourself or something you did.

It’s not a result of works. This means that you don’t get to heaven based on your good or bad deeds in this life. That “no one may boast” means that you can’t take credit for it. You can’t get to the pearly gates and say: “Peter, let me in because I’ve been a good person!”

Note: This is not in the Bible. Peter is not at a pearly gate waiting for you. Even if he happens to be, the point is, you won’t be able to take credit for getting into heaven by your good deeds.

This might be a relief to some people but a frightening idea for others! The bad news is that you can’t get to heaven by being good. The good news is that even if you’ve lived a less than stellar life, or have done much worse, God did something for you so that you can get to heaven.

The good news is that even though you are not a good person (everyone has sinned), Jesus died for your sins. You can be forgiven of your sin because Jesus paid for the penalty of your sin. He paid for it with His death on the cross.

Heaven Is Not the Default Destination

Another misconception is that heaven is the default destination. You don’t automatically go to heaven. The Bible says that you can be saved because there is something you needed to be rescued from.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom. 6:23 (ESV)

The Bible says that the wages, or penalty, of sin is death. Sin is when we depart from God’s way and go our own way. Sin is what separates us from God. Sin leads us into brokenness in this life.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Rom. 3:23 (ESV)

You don’t automatically go to heaven. The destination of mankind is separation from God. If God is life and the author of life, our sin has led us away from God and into spiritual death.

People today might wonder about “going to hell,” but Revelation 20:14-15 describes the final destination as the lake of fire. This would be what people would be referring to as “hell.” The lake of fire is what is prepared for Satan, who opposes God’s plans in the world.

The whole story of the Bible is that God makes a plan to rescue and redeem people from the lake of fire. To “get to heaven” in the Bible means to be saved from death and eternal separation from God. What are we saved from? From sin and the results of it. We are rescued from our eventual destination, the lake of fire.

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

2 Cor. 4:4 (ESV)

According to the Bible, people have been blinded from the truth. It takes God’s work to help you see the light of what your real situation is and understand the good news of what God has done for you through Jesus.

You Get to Heaven by Trusting in Jesus

God did something about our situation and our destination of the lake of fire. God wouldn’t be a just Judge if He didn’t uphold justice. But in His love, He did something so that He can save as many people as possible from going there. He wants everyone to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4).

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:16-17 (ESV)

The most important point in the Bible about getting to heaven or being saved is that you have to trust in Jesus. John 3:16 is possibly the most well-known verse in the entire Bible.

John 3:16 means that God shows His love to the world in this way: He sent His only Son, Jesus. If you believe in Jesus, God will rescue you and you will have eternal life. You will not perish as a result of the penalty of sin. You’ll be saved from your final destination, the lake of fire.

Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 9:10). Jesus saves you by dying in your place. He became your substitute by dying on a cross. He became the sacrifice for your sin to pay the penalty. Jesus died so you can have eternal life.

And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Mark 1:15 (ESV)

The Bible says that you need to repent and believe in the gospel, the Good News of Jesus.

You don’t get to heaven by being a good person, but by believing in the good news of Jesus.

Who will enter heaven? Those who have believed in the good news of Jesus Christ will enter heaven. According to the Bible, there is no other way to salvation except through Jesus (Acts 4:12). Jesus says in John 14:6 (ESV): “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

To repent means to see things differently. Repent doesn’t mean to just feel bad about your sin our your life. It means seeing things from God’s perspective. In the Bible, repent literally means to “think differently after.” After you hear the good news of Jesus, think differently about God, the world, and yourself.

How would your life be different if you saw things differently? If you believed that God really loved you enough to give you His only Son? If your sins are forgiven so you don’t have to live in fear, shame, and condemnation anymore?

• Would you have a peace that can carry you through the difficult times in life?
• Would your life be filled with gratitude?
• Would you begin to live life in God’s design and not be the boss of your own life?

If you repent and see from God’s perspective, you will live life differently. Jesus will become the Lord, or boss, of your life. To trust God means to surrender to Him and to live life in His design.

Going to Heaven Is More Than About a Final Destination

What the Bible says about going to heaven is much more than just going somewhere when you die. It’s more than having “fire insurance” from the lake of fire.

The Bible presents a way to think about your entire life from God’s perspective. It helps you put things into perspective so you can find peace and thrive in this world. You can be filled with God’s true love. God’s plan for your life is that you would have life and that more abundantly (John 10:10).

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 10:10 (ESV)

It’s not just about going to a certain place when you die. It’s about how you can live life in God’s design starting today. It’s about experiencing how God begins to restore your life to His design.

The way the Bible defines “eternal life” is not by the destination or how long eternity will be. Eternal life is defined by the quality of life, of knowing Jesus. If Jesus is the King of your life, how would your life be different? To live because of Him and for Him defines your life.

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

John 17:3 (ESV)

To know this life that the Bible talks about, you don’t have to wait for your deathbed. That life can start now. You can receive God’s forgiveness and you can forgive others. You can find peace and love and live in God’s design.

What God wants from you is not burdensome. But, it does require you to surrender your life to Him. Following Jesus doesn’t mean you’ll have a perfect life with no problems. Everyone on earth has problems. Jesus promises to give you a peace that goes beyond your understanding (Phil. 4:7).

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (ESV)

You Can Be Sure That You Are Going to Heaven

The Bible says that you can have assurance that you are going to heaven. It’s not something that you can just go by people’s opinions or experiences. It’s not a matter of emotions or guesswork. It’s not something that’s worth gambling eternity on.

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Rom. 10:9 (ESV)

Here’s another presentation of the Gospel using the 3 Circles.

If you want to know for sure that you’re going to heaven, you can respond to God’s love today. It’s more than just about going to heaven when you die. It’s about living a life of obedience to Jesus Christ out of love for Him. You can respond in repentance and faith and call out to God in prayer today

Pray by simply talking to God and say: “God, I admit that I’m living in brokenness because of my sin. I will not trust in my own strength to get me out of my brokenness. Thank you for sending Jesus, Your Son, to die for me. I turn from my ways and believe in Jesus as the Son of God. Be the Lord of my life. Thank you for forgiving me of my sin. I ask that you would begin to restore your life in me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer, click the button below for the next step to take. I want to help you with some tools to follow through on your decision as you being your new relationship with God.

How to be sure you are saved? Praying to believe in Jesus isn’t about saying some magic words. It’s what you mean in your heart and how you live your life from now on that will give you the certainty that you belong to God.

Also, feel free to contact me with any questions you might have about the Bible or what steps to take next as you follow Jesus.

Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content.

If this article was helpful, here are a few more you might be interested in: 5 Surprising Truths About Heaven in the Bible: What Is Heaven Like? Sometimes our assumptions about heaven are based more on movies or books than on what the Bible says. Do you know these 5 significant and important truths? How to Become a Better Person According to the Bible. In this article, I share what the Bible says about how you can begin to see lasting change and growth in your life. Easiest Way to Study the Bible. In that article, I share a simple tool you can start using right away to read and study the Bible. You can start using it on the book of Mark in the Bible.

Photo by Edwin Andrade on Unsplash

There are times when we need a breakthrough in our lives. Whether you need strength, hope, courage, inspiration, or perspective, nothing can substitute for experiencing the overcoming power of God.

What are the most powerful Bible verses?

Here are 25 powerful Bible verses followed by a brief explanation of their meaning and how you can apply them to your life. That way, they are not just inspirational, but you can receive from God and actually experience the power of God’s Word for yourself.

25 Most Powerful Bible Verses

• When You Feel Weary & Need God’s Strength (7 Verses)
• When You Need Hope, Freedom & Deliverance (7 Verses)
• When You Need Courage to Serve and Minister to Others (7 Verses)
• When You Need Inspiration & Fresh Perspective in Life (4 Verses)

You can read them in order or go straight to the part that most applies to you right now.

As you read the verses below, remember that knowing God is the key to experiencing His goodness, power, and wisdom. A really helpful book that has helped a lot of people is this classic: The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life (link to Amazon – opens in a new window).

Here are a couple of quotes from the book: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” “The man who comes to a right belief about God is relieved of 10,000 temporal problems…” (A. W. Tozer).

When You Feel Weary & Need God’s Strength

Ephesians 3:16-19

That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Eph. 3:16-19 (ESV) [emphasis added]

This is a prayer that God would strengthen you in the core of your being. It happens through the power of God’s Spirit. It works in your inner being, in the core of who you are.

As you trust in Christ, you will be rooted and grounded in His love. You will be motivated by God’s heart and not by the world around you. God will bring stability and wisdom into your life. This will give you the strength to know the full dimensions of Jesus’ love for you.

Personalize this prayer and make it your own. Say: “God, strengthen me with power through your Spirit in my inner being. Jesus, dwell in my heart. Root me and ground me in Your love. Strengthen me.”

If you’ve ever wondered about God’s love for you, here’s an article you might find helpful: Does God Love Me – How You Can Know for Sure. In it, I share 3 keys to overcome doubt, shame, and guilt, so you can be confident of God’s love for you.

2 Peter 1:3

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.

2 Peter 1:3 (ESV)

God has given you everything that you need to live your life. As you commit to knowing God more, you’ll see how beautiful and good He really is. Make it your aim to know God and know that He has given you everything you need. If you’re lacking anything, ask your Father in heaven to provide. He will give you the wisdom, strength, and truth you need.

As we think about God’s glory, did you know there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about what the Bible really says about heaven? Here’s an article that reveals 5 Surprising Truths About Heaven in the Bible.

Ephesians 6:10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Eph 6:10 (ESV)

There will be things that come against God’s plan for your life. You can stand in the face of it with the strength that God provides. Don’t be surprised when the trials and temptations come against you. Be strong in God. Remember that it’s His might that will carry you, not your own.

Ephesians 6:11-20 lists the armor of God that is provided for you in Christ. All of these are aspects of God’s blessing to you if you believe in Jesus and what He has done for you on the cross. Stand strong as you lean on God and what Jesus has done for you, not in your own strength.

I wrote an in-depth article about how you can put on this armor of God. You can find it here: Put on the Whole Armor of God – What it Means & How to Do It. There are a lot of misconceptions about what it is and how you put it on. I hope the article will be helpful to bring clarity and God’s power in your life.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Phil. 4:13 (ESV)

There is nothing that God has called you to do that He won’t equip you to finish. God is the one who strengthens you. If God has given you an assignment in life, whether it’s your family, a job, or a ministry, He will strengthen you so you can fulfill that assignment.

Memorize this verse and thank God for its truth. Speak it aloud whether you’re in a season of need or plenty. You are able to do all things through God who strengthens you.

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Cor. 12:9 (ESV) [emphasis added]

God’s grace is enough for you to take you through whatever you face in life. Grace is God’s favor and His power to take you from where you are to where He wants you to be. The way God often works is to show His power when you are weak. 

Paul had asked God 3 times to take away this “thorn in the flesh.” God did not answer that prayer in the way Paul expected. God’s response to Paul is that whatever he is facing and whatever he thinks would be the solution for his problems, God is releasing His favor and power towards him. That grace is enough for him to carry him through whatever challenges he will go through in life.

The weaker you feel, the greater God can display His power through you. You can learn to trust in Him and He gets the glory and the credit, so you learn to trust Him more next time.

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isa. 40:29-31 ESV

God is the one who gives power to those who are tired and weary. Everyone, even young people, can get weary of all that happens in life. If you’re at the “end of your rope,” commit to doing God’s will. Wait on the Lord.

To wait on God means to rest in Him. Stop striving to try to fix things in the world. Look to God as you meditate on His Word over and over again. Just as a waiter is waiting on the guests, ask God what is on His heart for you. That’s where your strength will be. You will mount up with wings like the eagles!

Colossians 1:9-15

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Col. 1:9-15 (ESV)

This prayer asks God to strengthen you with all power. God’s might is glorious. He created the world and holds it all together. When you lean on God instead of your own strength, you’ll experience endurance, patience, and joy that only God can give. 

Personalize this prayer and make it your own. Say: “God, fill me with the knowledge of Your will.. Strengthen me with all power, according to Your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.”  Give thanks to God regularly because He has an inheritance for you along with everyone who pursues Him.

If you’ve ever wondered “Why is it so hard to read the Bible?” Here’s what I’ve found to be the most helpful: 7 Tips to Help When You’re Struggling to Read the Bible. It’ll help you receive the strength you need from God’s Word for every season of your life.

When You Need Hope, Freedom & Deliverance

Exodus 15:26

Saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”

Exo. 15:26 (ESV)

One of God’s names is “the Lord, your healer.” That’s the way God chose to reveal Himself to the people of Israel. Jesus says in John 10:10 (ESV) that ‘the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

It’s the very nature of God, to be a healer. When Jesus ministered on the earth, He healed people, delivered people from demons, and comforted hurting hearts.

Focus on listening to God and not your weakness. Prayer is not an exercise of reminding God of all the problems in your life. Prayer is much more than just asking God for things. The way Jesus taught his followers to pray (Matt. 6:9-13) is to start with focusing on God, who is your Father in heaven and ask for His priorities and plans to come about in the world and in your life. After you’re aligned with heaven, you can begin to ask for your “daily bread,” or your daily needs.

Prayer begins with beholding the glory of God as our Father, then looking to Him as One who is holy – there is none like Him- and as our King – His Kingdom is coming. After that, you can look to God as your Provider and ask Him about your daily bread.

Luke 11:20

But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Luke 11:20 ESV

Jesus came to tell people that God’s Kingdom, His rule and reign, was coming on the earth. Jesus not only proclaimed it, He also demonstrated it by healing people who were sick, delivering people by casting out demons and evil spirits, and caring for the poor.

All it takes for God to cast out demons is a finger, not even His whole hand!

Jesus not only healed and delivered people, He also taught them the truth and showed people how to live so that they would get free and stay free. Jesus came to deal with the root of the issue. Jesus came to destroy the devil’s work (1 John 3:8). You can look to Him as your Deliverer and Healer.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Tim. 1:7 (ESV)

God doesn’t motivate or manipulate us with fear. He brings light and truth. When He gives us His spirit, it’s not of fear. When God moves in your life, you’ll know His power, love, and self-control. Love is a greater motivator than fear or manipulation.

Whatever fears or phobias you might be facing, let God bring it to the light. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit. Ask Him to strengthen your spirit. God’s power is not a frantic display. It’s purposeful, full of love, and under control. Trust that God can display His power in your life.

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matt. 6:14-15 (ESV)

Unforgiveness is a trap that will ensnare you and the person you don’t extend forgiveness to. Jesus died on the cross so you can be forgiven of your sin and the power of other people’s sin to trap you is disarmed. This is why people who follow Jesus can display amazing forgiveness to others. 

Forgiveness is not pretending that an offense is okay. Forgiveness is not weakness. Forgiveness is a choice that you make to honor God because He has forgiven you of your sins.

If you have a difficult time forgiving someone, decide if it’s something that you’re willing to obey God in. Commit to obey. Choose to forgive because God forgives you of your sin. It will set your heart free to receive God’s forgiveness and not let that other person’s sin against you hold power over you anymore.

Revelation 12:11

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Rev. 12:11 (ESV)

No matter what kinds of trials and tribulations come your way, you can overcome them. The power is in the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, and the word of your testimony.

The blood of Jesus is what makes it possible for your sins to be forgiven, but also allows you to forgive others who’ve wronged you. It sets you free from people, so you won’t be stuck in the trauma of the offense anymore.

Apply the blood of Jesus. Receive God’s forgiveness and forgive others. Don’t let bitterness, offense, and fear take a root in your heart. Cultivate the word of your testimony.

Remind yourself what God has done for you. Tell others what God has done. That becomes your witness and testimony. Many people throughout history have been martyred and they were able to even forgive their enemies through it. This is what Jesus did on the cross. That power is available to you right now no matter what you’re facing today.

Romans 8:31-32; 8:37-39

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom. 8:31-2, 37-39 (ESV) [emphasis added]

How do you know whether God is for you or against you? If you know that God sent His Son, Jesus to die on the cross for you, then you know that God is for you. Even if you feel like the entire world is against you, you can know that God is for you. If God gave you the greatest gift of His Son, wouldn’t He also give you all things?

You can know that you are more than a conquer through Him who loved you. What could separate you from God’s love? Nothing. The work of Jesus on the cross reaches over every chasm and overcomes every mountain of obstacle so that God’s love reaches you. Rest in God’s love for you in Jesus.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Cor. 10:13 (ESV) [emphasis added]

Why is God allowing a certain trial or hardship in your life? It can either be because of people’s sin, Satan’s rage against God’s people, or God’s discipline in your life so you can walk in the right path. You can’t always know which one it is. It’s sometimes all of them. But, God’s plan and purpose overrides all of it, so that He will finish the work that He’s doing in you (Phil. 1:6).

God doesn’t allow you to go through anything beyond your ability to handle. God always leaves a way out, so you can endure it. Find out what that way is. Don’t run and self-medicate. Run to God and find your refuge in Him. The testing of your faith is needed to produce perseverance and maturity in your life (James 1:2-4). You can stand up under whatever trials and temptations you’re facing.

If you want to see true and lasting change in your life, I recommend this article where I share what the Bible says about how you can experience God’s power to change: How to Be a Better Person According to the Bible.

When You Need Courage to Serve and Minister to Others

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 (ESV) [emphasis added]

God has called every Christian to be a full-time minister of Jesus. To minister means to serve. God will use you to impact the world around you by living out and telling others about the Good News of Jesus.

God has empowered you to serve. Power is the ability to do something.

In Acts 1, Jesus told His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, the waiting was over. A new era of every follower of Jesus being filled with the Holy Spirit was starting.

Holy Spirit, who Jesus promises to those who follow Him, will give power so you can be a witness of God. You are a testimony to people that God is alive. This power is God’s, not from yourself.

Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matt. 28:18-20 (ESV) [emphasis added]

God has given you an assignment to serve others. The way you do that is by living out your new identity in Christ. Authority is the authorization, the permission to do something. 

Not only does God give you the ability to minister and serve others, He gives you the authority to do it.

Ask God to open your eyes to the needs around you, to people around you. Begin to pray for people daily that they might open to God’s love. Offer to pray for them. If they’re open to it, pray with faith and love. Jesus promises to be with you until the end of the age.

Luke 10:19

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.

Luke 10:19 (ESV)

Jesus gives authority to those who follow Him and want to do His will. Nothing will harm you unless God allows it. This doesn’t mean we’re to be brash and undisciplined. (Matt. 10:16). If God has given you an assignment, trust that He will provide what you need to fulfill it. God will give you boldness.

In Luke 7:1-10, there is a Roman Centurion who understood the concept of delegated authority. Jesus is surprised by this man’s faith and heals the servant without even going to see him. This Roman Centurion was able to receive from God for his servant because he understood Jesus’ authority. God has delegated authority to you. Trust Him as you serve others.

1 Peter 4:11

Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11 (ESV) [emphasis added]

Serve with the strength that God gives you. When you serve in God’s strength, it leads people to God and doesn’t call attention to your gifts. This is what brings the most glory and honor to God.

It’s possible to burn-out by serving others. Learn to rely on God’s strength and not on your gifts and talents. Ask yourself: “Are there things that I’m doing out of my own strength? What is my motivation? Is it to honor God or is it because I care about how I look to other people?”

There will always be needs in the world and opportunities to minister. If you try to do everything, you’ll miss out on the one thing that God has called you to do. Pray and receive wisdom from God. Trust God with whatever you can’t do.

Develop faith to be able to not do some things so you can do the things God wants you to do.

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Rom. 1:16 (ESV)

The Good News of Jesus Christ is powerful. It’s the power of God to save everyone who believes in God. There’s no one who is too far from God if they will turn to Him.

The power to change lives is not in the style and forcefulness of how you deliver the message. The power is the message itself. Share the good news of Jesus naturally and sincerely.

We can’t control who responds, but we do control who hears the good news. Share with courage and without shame. Not everyone will accept you, but for those who do, it’ll be life-changing.

1 John 2:20, 27

²⁰ But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge...
²⁷ But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

1 John 2:20, 27 (ESV)

God will lead you into all truth. Stay teachable and always let God’s word search you (Psa. 139:23-24). You have an anointing from God Himself.

God pours His Spirit, like oil over your life. The anointing is real and is not dependent on you. It’s something God gives to His people so that we can know Him. 

God gives teachers to help the church mature. But every follower of Jesus also has an anointing and must grow personally and not just depend on others for spiritual milk (Heb. 5:14).

The Holy Spirit is your teacher (John 16:13). You’re enrolled in the school of the Holy Spirit. Strategies, methods, and tools are all useful, but you have the most important thing, God as your teacher. Every time you read the Bible, pray: “Holy Spirit, teach me. Release truth to my mind and spirit.”

Ephesians 1:17-21

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 

Eph. 1:17-21 (ESV) [emphasis added]

This is a powerful prayer that reminds us of how God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. It’s a prayer that we would know God more so that we can understand what He wants us to do, how God feels about us, and experience the greatness of His power. This power is the same power that worked in Jesus when God raised Him from the dead.

Take time to personalize this prayer and memorize it. It’s one of the foundational prayers in the entire Bible. It reminds us that the most important thing is to know God. Everything else is secondary.

The pursuit of the knowledge of God frees us from distractions and keeps us focused on what matters most. Out of this place of the knowledge of God, we can live our lives with wisdom. Then and only then, can we fulfill our assignments from God. The book I mentioned earlier is a great read on this topic: (A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy – link to Amazon – opens in a new window).

When You Need Inspiration & Fresh Perspective in Life

John 3:16-17

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 

John 3:16-17 (ESV)

God’s love and plan for the world is one of the main themes of the Bible. When we look at the world around us, we see that we live in brokenness. We try to get out of it by pursuing money, relationships, or religion. We might try to numb our pain with substances, but we’re stuck. But, God doesn’t leave us in our brokenness.

Jesus enters into our brokenness. He lived a perfect sinless life, died on a cross for our sin, and was raised to life from the dead. He says that if we would 1) turn from our old ways, 2) believe that He is the Son of God who died for our sin, and 3) make Him the Lord, or boss, of our lives, He will begin to restore God’s original design in us. This is what the Bible calls the Gospel, or Good News! Take a moment to call out to God and respond by doing those 3 things.

Revelation 21:4-5

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” 

Rev. 21:4-5 (ESV) [emphasis added]

God will make all things new. We live in a world of brokenness. No matter what we’re facing, it’s helpful to start with the end in mind. The Bible is the unfolding story of how God gets us from the brokenness our world is in to be restored to His original design.

You don’t have to wait until you’re in heaven to experience this. You can live with faith and joy because you know “how the story ends.”

There are at least 5 times that God showed himself to people in the Bible. They actually lived to tell about it. Here’s an article that looks into: What Does God Look Like –  Why it Matters in the Bible. I hope it’ll encourage and inspire you to pursue Him more!

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thes. 4:15-18 (ESV)

According to the Bible, Jesus will come back to finish what He started. He will fully establish God’s will on the earth. He will come back on the clouds (Rev. 1:7) and believers who are alive at the time will be caught up in the air with Him. Those who are dead will rise and return with Jesus. The Bible gives us this hope as an encouragement.

Check your heart to see if there’s a longing in your heart for Jesus’ appearing. Is the cry “Come, Lord Jesus” a reality in your heart (Rev. 22:17)? Don’t let the temporary things of this world distract you from the most important things in life and in the age to come. Be comforted because Jesus is coming back for you (John 14:3).

Ephesians 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Eph. 1:3 (ESV)

God has held nothing back when He blessed us in Christ. In the heavenly places, we’ve been given every spiritual blessing.

To bless means to speak good things. God has spoken every good thing that could ever be spoken over us. We’ve been chosen in Christ, forgiven, and given the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is why we can live with thanksgiving no matter what happens (1 Thes. 5:18).

We’re not trying to get to heaven by being good. We’ve been guaranteed acceptance by God because of what Jesus did (John 1:12). We’re now living who we are, our new identity as new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Because we’ve been blessed, we can bless God.

I hope these 25 powerful Bible verses have encouraged and challenged you. Let me know in the comments below which one was the most meaningful for you.

Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content.

If you enjoyed this article, I think you’ll love Encouraging Bible Verses for Strength, Comfort, Perseverance. In it, I share 21 Bible verses to encourage you through the different seasons of your life. I also wrote an article about some of the misconceptions people have about how to get to heaven. It will help you know for sure what the Bible says: How to Get to Heaven According to the Bible: It’s NOT by Being Good.

Photo by Anton Repponen on Unsplash

Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash

Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash