Christians: We know that in Heaven, God will wipe away every tear ...?

Question

However, do you think that when we initially get there and are judged by Jesus (the believer's judgment) that we will have regret for the time in our lives that we've wasted in not serving Him?

I'm just curious what others' thoughts are on this. I *do* think that there will be regret --- not lasting regret, but regret when we get there. What do you think?

Revelation 21:4

and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

I'm really shocked that my question which seemed harmless enough and was aimed at Christians made so many people angry and defensive.

For the poster who thinks I'm trying to convince myself --- wow. I never cease top be amazed that people could think that I could just grit my teeth and *try*. Faith is a gift that God gave me, and He grows dearer to me day by day, and truly, I am not 'trying' to convince myself of anything.

I really am amazed that this question has been met with such animosity! I hope it didn't come across as an attack in any way. If so, I am sorry.

Answer 1

I know that when I had my near death experience, as I was leaving my body, I knew that I was going to be in front of Jesus and He was going to say to me "Well done good and faithful servant". I was already starting to experience peace and joy that I have never known. I don't know what happens when we get there. I know that I lived a life of regret before this experience and was surprised to know that He saw me that way.

Answer 2

I also am surprised at what you've drawn -- seems a pretty innocent question to me. I do agree that we (I) will have some pretty deep regrets for the time we've wasted, and that it won't be lasting regret. Personally, and this is an earthly viewpoint that I hope to grow out of, right now I'm more worried about embarrassment if/when my sins are enumerated. Yeah, that's gonna suck.

Btw, Rev. 21:4 is referring to the New Jerusalem, what I understand to be a symbol for Heaven (b/c ALL Revelation is symbolic), and thus is NOT an earthly thing.

Also, in reference to the C.S. Lewis post, I recommend reading (if you haven't already -- I have it and read it every now and again) The Great Divorce. Along with Mere Christianity, it's one of my favorites of his.

Have a great day!

Answer 3

Yes, I do think there will be regret over the time we missed not serving Him. But I think the Most High will be there to wipe away our tears ...can you just imagine! God will wipe our tears away personally and comfort us! What a picture of love and mercy! What an awesome Father! Wonderful question! Made me think! May the Lord bless you!

Answer 4

I totally know what you are saying and yes I have thought exactly about what you are saying- so I will star this question!
And I understand how you are viewing it now, as in our love for the Lord should be shown every single day! We should not waste one day of it--- but we also know that works will not get us there either, so this is not about works, but rather our love for the Lord, and if we will feel some bit of regret not having served Him as much as we could have.....
I know I don't deserve ANY rewards in heaven, and just being with my Lord and Savior IS my reward! Amen!

Answer 5

This is where we get to be the brunt of God's sense of humor I think. I imagine he's gonna have a list of everything I've ever done wrong and is gonna make me listen as he reads the whole thing, growing angrier with each line. But it's all a big 'April Fools' joke in the end, and all the angels bust up laughing at my terrified expression (I wonder if human souls can still wet themselves...).

Come on, you wouldn't be able to just let it go either--admit it!

Answer 6

I know I will. I'll regret the times that I thought I could make it on my own without Him. I'll regret the times that I sinned. But God is a forgiving God and I know that Jesus loves me and He paid the price for my sins. I'm thankful that I got the chance to confess my sins and accept Him as my personal Lord and Savior.

Answer 7

ki,
You focus on the best stuff!!!

Some people have said that because we are imperfect, even at the end of our lives, and even though we are judged as being sinners who are in Christ,
--there is still some... perfecting/cleaning up/ completion of transformation --to be done.
Roman Catholics refer to this as "Purgatory" and see it as a period of time.
I believe it was C..S. Lewis who SPECULATED (at that point in time, he had not been there, so he was not as knowledgeable as he is now) that part of the purifying process was to see one's now-ended earthly life from the viewpoint of Heaven, from God's perspective, and to regret what one had done wrong that had separated one from God, and to yearn for the completion of transformation to be totally in communion with God.
Not external punishment but the remorse of conscience is "worked through" with the action of God, the Holy Spirit.
And these tears too, along with the tears we have cried when we have suffered for Him and with Him, will be wiped away.

BTW-
for one of the other answerers,
Whatever it was that I loved about those who will not be in the Kingdom, will be there because all Goodness comes from and is connected to God, and He will be there.

Perhaps I'm "blaming" poor C.S. Lewis for my fantasy.

Answer 8

I've always had this idea floating around in my mind that the tears being wiped away may in fact be the tears we shed for the unsaved persons who will at that point be eternally separated from God. This pure speculation, of course.

Answer 9

I, too, have frequently been surprised and disappointed by reactions on this site.

About your question...we'll just have to wait and see. It's my belief that people get preoccupied with the afterlife, heaven, hell, and other unknowable things. Yes, we have clues from the Bible, but we should really concentrate on living lives that are pleasing to God while we still have time.

Best Wishes,
James

Answer 10

Regrets would only bring sorrow and as you well know, there is no sorrow in heaven. In your glorified body, your mind also will be made perfect and you will be able to travel as quick as the thought of being there. Awesome! And it blows my mind to think how so many forfeit all of this when they reject Christ Jesus as their Lord and King....