There are some verses that are taken out of context more than others. In fact, there are some verses that are so often quoted that people know the verse (and can almost quote it themselves), but neither the quoter nor the hearers realize that the verse is not being used in the context in which it was written. First Corinthians 2:9 is one such verse.
This verse is often quoted by a preacher who is trying to explain how wonderful heaven is going to be and how unimaginable its splendor really is. This verse is often read at funerals for a Christian to comfort family members with what God has in store for their dearly departed. Here is what the verse says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” Out of context, it certainly sounds like a nice description of heaven, but in context, heaven is not in view.
In First Corinthians chapter two, Paul wanted the Corinthian Christians to have absolute confidence in the foundation of their faith. Their faith was not initiated because of Paul’s “excellence of speech or of wisdom” (2:1) or his “persuasive words of human wisdom” (2:4). Paul told them that their faith was not “in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (2:5). He assured these brethren that “the wisdom” that he preached to them was “ordained before the ages for our glory” (2:7), and it was being “revealed” to the inspired writers by “God…through His Spirit” (2:10).
Stop for just a minute and take in all of this context. The “wisdom of men” was going to come “to nothing” (2:6), because “the wisdom of [that] age” could foresee nothing. The wisdom of God, on the other hand, could foresee everything. God had a glorious, eternal plan for man’s redemption, which had been “hidden” (2:7) in the mind of God until the unfolding of the Christian age. Now, “the Spirit of God” was revealing “the mind of God” and “the things of God” to inspired men, so that they could speak and write the “words” of God for man to know and understand (2:10-13).
Go back to verse 9. These inspired men were making known (through inspired revelation) “the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” What things had God prepared for those who love Him? His redemption through the blood of Christ (Eph. 1:7). His church (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 2:11-3:13). All spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph. 1:3). His special providence (Rom. 8:28). His abiding presence (1 John 4:13). The list goes on and on.
The verse is not about heaven. It’s about all of the tremendous things that God prepared for us now, in this age.