Longing for heaven
Hello. I have been dealing with a terminal illness with no more help from doctors. I do believe that God has healing for me and I want His will to be done in my life. I guess my question is, and a part of me feels bad saying this, but is it a sin to want to die so I can go home to be with Him and Jesus? I am tired of the suffering and pain that it is causing me and my family. I am scared to die, but I know there is a better place for me in heaven, free from all this, and I get to be with Jesus. Thank you.
Dear friend, it is not a sin to want to be in heaven with Jesus. When the apostle Paul was first imprisoned in Rome, he wrote to the Christians in Philippi that he had mixed thoughts about continuing to live on earth or being with his Lord in heaven. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:21-24). In 2 Corinthians 5:2 that same apostle spoke of his “longing” for heaven.
While we look forward to our perfect life with God in eternity, we refrain from doing anything that would hasten the day of our death. We recognize that our times are in God’s hands (Psalm 31:15).
The unknown experience of physical death can present us with fears and concerns. Thank God that he has taken away our reasons for fear. God has turned death into the means by which we enter his presence in heaven. Forgiveness of sins is God’s gift to you through faith in Jesus Christ his Son (Ephesians 1:7). Eternal life is God’s gift to you through faith in Jesus Christ his Son (John 11:25). As a baptized child of God, remember how God has clothed you with the garments of salvation Jesus won by his holy life and innocent death (Galatians 3:26-27). Continue to use God’s gospel in word and sacrament for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of your faith.
I trust you are in contact with your pastor. Do utilize the resources he has for you and your family. God bless you all with strength and peace and joy.