There’s an interesting verse in the final Book of the Bible on the topic of heaven. In speaking about the city to come, it says, “On no day will its gates ever be shut”, with this reason attached, “for there will be no night there.” I’m not sure that phrase rules out the idea of sleep in heaven; it is more an expression that all dangers will be removed. Nothing with ever threaten the holy city. It will always be safe and sound.

Is there a second reason? Perhaps this: That we will not be held as prisoners, and therefore do not need to be locked in. Prisons neither have back doors, nor side exits, nor occasions where the doors are left open or unlocked, and all for obvious reasons. But the fact that the gates are left open is a beautiful expression of freedom, and a mutual expression of trust between God and his people.

Is there a third reason? If so, perhaps this: To enjoy again and again the act of coming through the gates. How heaven will work is not entirely revealed, except that it will be a home of righteousness. If there is some holy purpose for going out on some holy adventure, then there will the joy of coming back in – the joy of celebrating grace, and the comfort of coming home to holy community, and the thrill of reporting to God. Is there a fourth reason? I dare say so, and more.