Heaven Is the Prize

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14 (KJV)

Every race has a goal, every contest has a crown, and every journey has a destination. For the Christian, that destination is heaven – the everlasting home of the redeemed, the kingdom where God reigns in glory. Heaven is not a fantasy to comfort the weary but the very promise of Christ to all who follow Him faithfully to the end.

When life grows difficult and the road seems long, the believer must keep this blessed hope alive in the heart. Heaven is the reward of the faithful, the crown of righteousness awaiting those who persevere. As the Catholic hymn gently reminds us:

“Yes, heaven is the prize.

My soul shall strive to gain;

One glimpse of Paradise

Repays a life of pain.

’Tis Heaven, ’tis Heaven is the prize.

’Tis Heaven, ’tis Heaven, yes Heaven is the prize.”

Jesus Himself spoke of heaven as a real, prepared place for His followers. He told His disciples:

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” – John 14:2–3

What a comfort to know that heaven is not a dream but a divine promise! Christ Himself is the builder and host of that eternal home. The streets are not paved with sorrow but with gold; the air is not filled with weeping but with songs of praise. Heaven is the reward of love – love for God, for truth, and for righteousness.

And so, in the midst of trials and earthly struggles, the soul whispers again in faith:

“Yes, heaven is the prize.

My soul shall strive to gain…”

Heaven is worth every prayer, every act of love, every cross we bear, for even one glimpse of Paradise repays a life of pain.

The Apostle Paul compared the Christian journey to a race — a race that demands endurance, discipline, and focus. He wrote:

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24

We are not running for earthly rewards but for a crown that never fades. Paul declared near the end of his life:

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 4:7–8

Heaven, then, is not the possession of the careless but the prize of the committed. It is not for those who start the race and turn back, but for those who endure to the finish line. The Christian life is not about speed but faithfulness; not about popularity but perseverance.

And when the way feels steep or the cross heavy, the faithful heart sings:

“One glimpse of Paradise

Repays a life of pain.

’Tis Heaven, ’tis Heaven is the prize.”

Every saint who has walked this earth has endured hardship, temptation, or loss – but they endured with heaven in view. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:18:

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

The hardships of today are small beside the splendor that awaits. The tears we shed will be wiped away by the hand of God Himself. The hymn’s verse captures this truth perfectly – even one glimpse of Paradise repays a life of pain.

Jesus encouraged His followers not to store treasures on earth but in heaven:

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt.” – Matthew 6:20

Heavenly treasure is not measured in gold or silver but in faith, humility, and love. The sacrifice we make for God’s kingdom is never forgotten; the prayers we whisper in the dark are heard by the One who promises light everlasting.

So when faith is tested and the journey feels long, the soul should rise and sing:

“Yes, heaven is the prize.

My soul shall strive to gain.”

Many lose sight of heaven because their hearts are fixed on earthly things. Yet Scripture urges us:

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2

The heroes of faith endured by keeping heaven in view. Abraham left his homeland, “looking for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Moses chose to suffer affliction with God’s people rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, for “he had respect unto the recompense of the reward” (Hebrews 11:25–26).

If we are to reach heaven, we too must fix our eyes on the prize, not the distractions around us. The Christian journey requires courage, purity, forgiveness, and humility. The path may be narrow, but it leads to life everlasting.

“’Tis Heaven, ’tis Heaven is the prize.

’Tis Heaven, ’tis Heaven, yes Heaven is the prize.”

John, in Revelation, gives us a glimpse of the glory to come:

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” – Revelation 21:4

Heaven is the end of every sorrow and the beginning of endless joy. There, we shall see Jesus face to face. There, the saints will sing the song of the redeemed. There, the weary shall find rest, and the faithful shall shine as the stars forever.

All the sacrifices, tears, and prayers of this life will seem light compared to the eternal joy of that home. Truly, one glimpse of Paradise repays a life of pain.

Beloved, heaven is not a myth; it is the Christian’s reward – the crown laid up for those who overcome. The Lord says in Revelation 3:11:

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

So let us run the race with patience. Let us forgive, love, and serve. Let us live in holiness and hope, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Heaven awaits the faithful. And as the hymn reminds us, with every breath of longing, with every act of love, with every cross we bear – we echo the song of the saints:

“Yes, heaven is the prize.

My soul shall strive to gain;

One glimpse of Paradise

Repays a life of pain.

’Tis Heaven, ’tis Heaven is the prize.

’Tis Heaven, ’tis Heaven, yes Heaven is the prize.”