idk if this belongs here or what? But i have to be getting this all wrong...

[Harley.]

So, Idk where to start this. But I have a confession to make, I dread heaven, the new earth, whatever. Now before you attack me, let me explain.

I love Jesus. I love God. I am not an atheist trying to knock the faith. I have had experiences that I can only attribute to God, so I know hes real. However, I still dread heaven.

Ive been taught by multiple people that all we do in heaven is have one big old sing along around the throne. Bowing down for eternity. And I thought "nah theres no way thats right. That the INFINITE God is making heaven less diverse then present life". So I approached the scriptures, I studied, and studied, I looked at different meanings. And all I see is singing, singing and more singing.

I have no problem bowing down to God, in fact I look forward to it. But like all things, you want to do it only so much at a time. I, thanks to being made in Gods image, love to create. I write music, I like exploring, I like building. And I like seeing my creations being enjoyed, just like God does. Again, we are made in his image, so we have alot of the same characteristics. However, I always hoped to be able to do this on the new earth as well. Go exploring? Write music? Explore different cities that popped up around the earth? But from what I can see...its just singing...? Perpetual worship.

Just executing one command again and again and again!

Why? How is this supposed to excite me? All it does is make life purposeless. Why would I develop skills in this life if im not even going to be able to use them in the next? Whats the point of ANYTHING then?!!

I know this seems blasphemous. It probably is. But Ive kept it inside for way too long and I need to get it off my chest. Its not like God doesnt already know I feel this way...

 

[StephenDisraeli]

So, Idk where to start this. But I have a confession to make, I dread heaven, the new earth, whatever. Now before you attack me, let me explain.

I love Jesus. I love God. I am not an atheist trying to knock the faith. I have had experiences that I can only attribute to God, so I know hes real. However, I still dread heaven.

Ive been taught by multiple people that all we do in heaven is have one big old sing along around the throne. Bowing down for eternity. And I thought "nah theres no way thats right. That the INFINITE God is making heaven less diverse then present life". So I approached the scriptures, I studied, and studied, I looked at different meanings. And all I see is singing, singing and more singing.

I have no problem bowing down to God, in fact I look forward to it. But like all things, you want to do it only so much at a time. I, thanks to being made in Gods image, love to create. I write music, I like exploring, I like building. And I like seeing my creations being enjoyed, just like God does. Again, we are made in his image, so we have alot of the same characteristics. However, I always hoped to be able to do this on the new earth as well. Go exploring? Write music? Explore different cities that popped up around the earth? But from what I can see...its just singing...? Perpetual worship.

Just executing one command again and again and again!

Why? How is this supposed to excite me? All it does is make life purposeless. Why would I develop skills in this life if im not even going to be able to use them in the next? Whats the point of ANYTHING then?!!

I know this seems blasphemous. It probably is. But Ive kept it inside for way too long and I need to get it off my chest. Its not like God doesnt already know I feel this way...

We don't really know what eternal life would be like. I don't think we are capable of imagining what it would be like, because our present minds could not take it in. We are like fish living on the sea-bed and trying to understand the possibility of life on land breatihng in the air. The best information the New Testament gives us is "being in the direct presence of God", and the images of heavenly banquets and the new Jerusalem are ways of trying to express that. I think the image of the vast ampitheatre with everybody singing comes from Dante.

So don't worry about forming and coping with your own picture. Christian faith is all about trust. In this case, we are trusting the New Testament promise that being in the presence of God is better than not being in his presence.

 

[Handmaid for Jesus]

So, Idk where to start this. But I have a confession to make, I dread heaven, the new earth, whatever. Now before you attack me, let me explain.

I love Jesus. I love God. I am not an atheist trying to knock the faith. I have had experiences that I can only attribute to God, so I know hes real. However, I still dread heaven.

Ive been taught by multiple people that all we do in heaven is have one big old sing along around the throne. Bowing down for eternity. And I thought "nah theres no way thats right. That the INFINITE God is making heaven less diverse then present life". So I approached the scriptures, I studied, and studied, I looked at different meanings. And all I see is singing, singing and more singing.

I have no problem bowing down to God, in fact I look forward to it. But like all things, you want to do it only so much at a time. I, thanks to being made in Gods image, love to create. I write music, I like exploring, I like building. And I like seeing my creations being enjoyed, just like God does. Again, we are made in his image, so we have alot of the same characteristics. However, I always hoped to be able to do this on the new earth as well. Go exploring? Write music? Explore different cities that popped up around the earth? But from what I can see...its just singing...? Perpetual worship.

Just executing one command again and again and again!

Why? How is this supposed to excite me? All it does is make life purposeless. Why would I develop skills in this life if im not even going to be able to use them in the next? Whats the point of ANYTHING then?!!

I know this seems blasphemous. It probably is. But Ive kept it inside for way too long and I need to get it off my chest. Its not like God doesnt already know I feel this way...

Trust this word
1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Look forward to this promise.

 

[sandman]

So, Idk where to start this. But I have a confession to make, I dread heaven, the new earth, whatever. Now before you attack me, let me explain.

I love Jesus. I love God. I am not an atheist trying to knock the faith. I have had experiences that I can only attribute to God, so I know hes real. However, I still dread heaven.

Ive been taught by multiple people that all we do in heaven is have one big old sing along around the throne. Bowing down for eternity. And I thought "nah theres no way thats right. That the INFINITE God is making heaven less diverse then present life". So I approached the scriptures, I studied, and studied, I looked at different meanings. And all I see is singing, singing and more singing.

I have no problem bowing down to God, in fact I look forward to it. But like all things, you want to do it only so much at a time. I, thanks to being made in Gods image, love to create. I write music, I like exploring, I like building. And I like seeing my creations being enjoyed, just like God does. Again, we are made in his image, so we have alot of the same characteristics. However, I always hoped to be able to do this on the new earth as well. Go exploring? Write music? Explore different cities that popped up around the earth? But from what I can see...its just singing...? Perpetual worship.

Just executing one command again and again and again!

Why? How is this supposed to excite me? All it does is make life purposeless. Why would I develop skills in this life if im not even going to be able to use them in the next? Whats the point of ANYTHING then?!!

I know this seems blasphemous. It probably is. But Ive kept it inside for way too long and I need to get it off my chest. Its not like God doesnt already know I feel this way...

I think nobody really knows…. Or can even grasp what God has in store for us.

I can pretty much assure you it’s not going to be sitting around, holding hands, and singing kumbaya.

When I look a the scripture in Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

It is hard to even imagine what Gods idea of the exceeding riches of His divine favor in his kindness could possibly entail ….and yet…. He is going to show us that in the ages… ages …ages…to come, through Christ Jesus.

I believe it is beyond our scope of human reckoning to even attempt to quantify the spiritual realm of divine favor that we will be in …………….I can promise you boredom will not be in our vocabulary.

 

[keras]

The truth about our future:

Jeremiah 33:1-3 The Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was imprisoned. The Lord says: If you call to Me, I will answer and tell you of great and mysterious things that you are unaware of.

Jeremiah prophesied to the House of Judah, many years after the House of Israel was taken into exile by the Assyrians. He foretold how things would be after the Babylonian conquest of Judah, but this was not completely fulfilled then or after the Roman conquest of Judah in 70-135 AD.

Jeremiah 33:4-5 & 10 The houses of this city and the great buildings of Judah which are now destroyed by the sword of judgement, will be filled with dead bodies. They are those slain by the Lord Himself, because He has turned away from them. The Lord says: See this Land, now in ruins and devoid of people and animals.

Again; not fulfilled as yet. Jeremiah 9:10-11, Isaiah 4:3-6, Zephaniah 1:1-18



Ezekiel 21:14...swing the great sword of slaughter three times, whirling about Judah.

As Ezekiel says: there will be a triple fulfilment of the punishments of Judah. Two of these have happened, by Babylon and Rome but the next is ‘by the Lord Himself’, by the means of a Coronal Mass Ejection, an explosion on the suns surface. Isaiah 30:26 This event is prophesied and graphically described over 100 times in the Bible, as ‘the terrible Day of the Lord’s vengeance and wrath’. The entire Middle East will become ‘ruined and devoid of people and animals’. This was not the case with the two previous punishments. Ezekiel 6:14, Hosea 4:3, Zechariah 3:10

But for now, as we await this sudden and terrifying Day that the Lord will take action, we must:

Isaiah 35:3-4 Brace the arms that are limp, steady the knees that give way, say to the anxious: Be strong, fear not. Your God comes to save you, with His vengeance and retribution. Jeremiah 30:4-11, Zephaniah 3:16-20, Hebrews 10:37-39

Isaiah 35:5 THEN the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Isaiah 29:24 The confused will gain understanding and the obstinate will accept instruction. Isaiah 6:9-10

The truth about this coming event is not generally known among believers. The reason is due to beliefs in false theories, Isaiah 29:9-12, or a lack of interest in prophecy. They remain ‘in the dark’ about what will happen. 2 Thess. 5:1-11

Only during or after it happens, will understanding be given to all those who have been unable to comprehend the Prophetic Word. They will say: It was there; in plain language, but I couldn’t see it!



Soon after that, many prophesies say how the holy Land will be regenerated;

Jeremiah 33:6-9 In this Land, will be heard once more the sounds of joy and gladness, of weddings and celebrations. People will shout: Praise the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever’, as they offer thanksgiving in the House of the Lord. By the Word of the Lord: In this place and in all its towns, now ruined and cleared of all peoples and animals, flocks and herds will once more graze. My people will receive all the blessings that I have promised to them. Ezekiel 36:8-12, Amos 9:13-15

Isaiah 35:10 The Lord’s people, set free, will come back and enter Zion with shouts of triumph, with great joy and singing praises to their God. Suffering and sorrow will flee away. Zechariah 9:16-17, Romans 9:24-26

Great are the promises the Lord has made to His faithful Christian people. We will indeed ‘sing praises to the Lord’, when we are settled into our inheritance, all of the holy Land.

The House of the Lord: The new Temple will be built in Jerusalem. Haggai 2:6-9
Ref: logostelos.info

 

[Marilyn C]

So, Idk where to start this. But I have a confession to make, I dread heaven, the new earth, whatever. Now before you attack me, let me explain.

I love Jesus. I love God. I am not an atheist trying to knock the faith. I have had experiences that I can only attribute to God, so I know hes real. However, I still dread heaven.

Ive been taught by multiple people that all we do in heaven is have one big old sing along around the throne. Bowing down for eternity. And I thought "nah theres no way thats right. That the INFINITE God is making heaven less diverse then present life". So I approached the scriptures, I studied, and studied, I looked at different meanings. And all I see is singing, singing and more singing.

I have no problem bowing down to God, in fact I look forward to it. But like all things, you want to do it only so much at a time. I, thanks to being made in Gods image, love to create. I write music, I like exploring, I like building. And I like seeing my creations being enjoyed, just like God does. Again, we are made in his image, so we have alot of the same characteristics. However, I always hoped to be able to do this on the new earth as well. Go exploring? Write music? Explore different cities that popped up around the earth? But from what I can see...its just singing...? Perpetual worship.

Just executing one command again and again and again!

Why? How is this supposed to excite me? All it does is make life purposeless. Why would I develop skills in this life if im not even going to be able to use them in the next? Whats the point of ANYTHING then?!!

I know this seems blasphemous. It probably is. But Ive kept it inside for way too long and I need to get it off my chest. Its not like God doesnt already know I feel this way...

I think that is a great question. Yes, people have portrayed heaven as sitting on a cloud, playing harps and singing. Absolute nonsense.

May I give you some idea as to what glories are to come. Now, firstly we know that God is a creative God and He has not run out of ideas, thus He will be creating. What do we think this gigantic universe is all about. Once the earth is under the Lord`s rulership, (ie. rebellion put down) then there will be peace, harmony and creativity to follow.

Then because the Lord has made us like Himself, we will have capabilities beyond our imagination. Our different giftings will be amplified and even given more to be a part of what God is creating. We will all be in unity, and thus projects will be worked through together and accomplished well.

`Singing` in God`s word often indicates `unity` of purpose. See what the different groups sang about. That is the truth they stand for. `Singing` is a symbolic picture of harmony and unity.

Hope that helps and makes you excited to be a part of ongoing creativity by our great Lord and God.

 

[Douggg]

We are like fish living on the sea-bed and trying to understand the possibility of life on land breatihng in the air

Great analogy.

 

[Jamdoc]

So, Idk where to start this. But I have a confession to make, I dread heaven, the new earth, whatever. Now before you attack me, let me explain.

I love Jesus. I love God. I am not an atheist trying to knock the faith. I have had experiences that I can only attribute to God, so I know hes real. However, I still dread heaven.

Ive been taught by multiple people that all we do in heaven is have one big old sing along around the throne. Bowing down for eternity. And I thought "nah theres no way thats right. That the INFINITE God is making heaven less diverse then present life". So I approached the scriptures, I studied, and studied, I looked at different meanings. And all I see is singing, singing and more singing.

I have no problem bowing down to God, in fact I look forward to it. But like all things, you want to do it only so much at a time. I, thanks to being made in Gods image, love to create. I write music, I like exploring, I like building. And I like seeing my creations being enjoyed, just like God does. Again, we are made in his image, so we have alot of the same characteristics. However, I always hoped to be able to do this on the new earth as well. Go exploring? Write music? Explore different cities that popped up around the earth? But from what I can see...its just singing...? Perpetual worship.

Just executing one command again and again and again!

Why? How is this supposed to excite me? All it does is make life purposeless. Why would I develop skills in this life if im not even going to be able to use them in the next? Whats the point of ANYTHING then?!!

I know this seems blasphemous. It probably is. But Ive kept it inside for way too long and I need to get it off my chest. Its not like God doesnt already know I feel this way...

Don't worry, I have the same fears, a lot of people profess that opinion, and when I start to believe them, I get inconsolably depressed. To be more specific, I hate singing, so by these people's teachings my choice is: be tortured forever by fire and brimstone, or be tortured forever by doing something you hate doing repeatedly. Who even wants to exist when the outcome is bad for you no matter what? How do you even bother waking up and getting out of bed with that kind of knowledge?

But what the bible actually teaches is a new earth, with earthly activities (see Isaiah 65) and God/Jesus promise over and over and over again that dominion of that new earth is shared with people. That we'll actually be ruling and having dominion, responsibilities on the new earth, it won't just be singing and praising.


see Isaiah 65 from verse 17 and beyond

but also read the letters to the churches in Revelation, look at some of the promises made by Jesus.

Revelation 2

26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Revelation 3

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revelation 21

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

In essence nothing that is good will be denied.

and I'll point you to another place as well because I know I will get pushback that the reward is seeing Jesus and you need nothing else than to fall on your face and praise and adore Jesus.. however Paul writes of more on top of that.

Romans 8

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Believe me, it can be a difficult hurdle of faith to not listen to all the pastors and other believers who teach a 24/7 sing along worship service. That view is prevalent EVERYWHERE

But it's not what the bible teaches.

 

[Harley.]

Don't worry, I have the same fears, a lot of people profess that opinion, and when I start to believe them, I get inconsolably depressed. To be more specific, I hate singing, so by these people's teachings my choice is: be tortured forever by fire and brimstone, or be tortured forever by doing something you hate doing repeatedly. Who even wants to exist when the outcome is bad for you no matter what? How do you even bother waking up and getting out of bed with that kind of knowledge?

But what the bible actually teaches is a new earth, with earthly activities (see Isaiah 65) and God/Jesus promise over and over and over again that dominion of that new earth is shared with people. That we'll actually be ruling and having dominion, responsibilities on the new earth, it won't just be singing and praising.


see Isaiah 65 from verse 17 and beyond

but also read the letters to the churches in Revelation, look at some of the promises made by Jesus.

Revelation 2


Revelation 3


Revelation 21


In essence nothing that is good will be denied.

and I'll point you to another place as well because I know I will get pushback that the reward is seeing Jesus and you need nothing else than to fall on your face and praise and adore Jesus.. however Paul writes of more on top of that.

Romans 8


Believe me, it can be a difficult hurdle of faith to not listen to all the pastors and other believers who teach a 24/7 sing along worship service. That view is prevalent EVERYWHERE

But it's not what the bible teaches.

God bless you for this response. Really, wow. Thank you! If you dont mind my final pester, what do you think it means by "all things" it cant mean literally everything so what does it mean?

 

[Jonaitis]

“What we love about this life are the things that resonate with the life we were made for. The things we love are not merely the best this life has to offer—they are previews of the greater life to come.”
– Randy Alcorn, from his book 'Heaven'

 

[Jamdoc]

God bless you for this response. Really, wow. Thank you! If you dont mind my final pester, what do you think it means by "all things" it cant mean literally everything so what does it mean?

That's the eye has not seen nor ear heard part. But all things means all things as far as I can tell.

I mean if what you really want is things like earthly wealth and fancy things I mean, Paul and other Apostles talk about crowns, symbols of wealth and authority, the streets are paved with gold, but here's the thing:

When such a thing is given so freely, and so abundantly, do you still value it?
God is capable of providing it, but what gives it value now is scarcity and perception of worth among people.
But when there is no scarcity because God provides everything you need... the only value it has left is it's intrinsic beauty. Jesus and angels wear golden girdles, so it's not like that sort of thing is beyond what God would be willing to give.. but would it be such a big deal if it's freely given? I think likely we won't care so much about some things like that.

Now mind you, if it's something that involves sin, sure, that won't be given. But anything good? That would be freely given.

Think about Eden. Adam was given everything he needed. God wasn't holding out on him. The lie the serpent used was to convince us that God was holding out on us, not giving us something good. But what had He actually held back on? Accountability for our own actions, and death, and the capacity for evil. Nothing good.

Now there are about 4 "things" that I wrestle with, things that scripture has said aren't in the new earth, things that I find good and God at least, used to consider good, and I wonder if I should not interpret these literally, or if God has changed His mind.. I don't know.

1. Marriage
See Matthew 22:30, it seems like God changed His mind, He gave us marriage, then seems to take it away. I don't understand. However there is a union between Christ and the Church, and marriage is a picture of that, and if this union is all inclusive then it essentially puts everyone in a covenant relationship, it's all part of the same marriage. Furthermore, usually the assumptions about lacking marriage in heaven/the new earth is that there is no sex, and no procreation. However Isaiah 65, particularly Isaiah 65:23, mentions the people of God having offspring on the new earth. Also Song of Solomon, a book in scripture considered Inspired word of God, that does not mention God a single time, and is about romantic love between a husband and wife, with sexual imagery. Why is a book about romantic love and sex, part of the 66 books of the bible forever if such things cease to exist after the resurrection? My thought is, they do not. It's going to be an unpopular position, but the scripture has to be reconciled, and while Jesus says there will be no more marrying and giving in marriage, nothing about an end to love, intimacy, relationships, or even sex and procreation is mentioned.

But, because the popular opinion is that you simply lose the desire for such things.. I wrestle with it. It's not something I can firmly believe .. that a lack of intimacy in my life is in fact temporary. I have massive loneliness issues and FOMO after having read Matthew 22:30, but God keeps steering me at Romans 8:32 and Revelation 21:7 as if to underscore that I'm not going to miss out on anything, that the answer to my prayers is not just "no" but "not yet"
But other believers will steer me towards believing the answer is "no, not now, not ever"
So I wrestle, between what men teach me, and what the bible says.

2. Oceans
Revelation 21:1 would indicate that there are no more oceans. In Revelation 16, the 2nd bowl kills every single lifeform in the oceans.. and so it stands to reason with a literal interpretation that God just killed all the sea turtles, whales, dolphins, sea otters, and other things I find enjoyable in the oceans, things that God created in Genesis 1 on the 5th day, and said they were good... and doesn't restore them. I wrestle with the idea that God changed His mind and now does not consider dolphins and sea otters good. Some people teach it literally and that it's so that we have "more room" for all the people living on the earth, and I find that a lousy explanation. But it's not explained to be not literal, so.. I wrestle with whether God really changed His mind and just hates sea turtles now, or if it's not literal, and the new earth will in fact have oceans and ocean life.
I've always wanted to scuba dive, but physically cannot in this body.
I hope that my prayer is being answered "not now", and not "not now, not ever, suck it up, buttercup"

3. Night
Revelation 21 and 22 both say there will be no night. I like night, I like stargazing, I like seeing planets, the vastness of space, I like catching meteor showers, comets, and I've never seen an aurora with my own eyes, and every time I've prayed to see one when there was a possibility of seeing one in my location.... it instead got really cloudy. If there's no night on the new earth.. well, it'll be impossible, God would have been giving me stones when I asked for bread. So I hope it's not literal, but, nothing in the context suggests it is just allegory, so I wrestle with the idea of it being literal.

4. Eating Meat
After the flood, God expanded what is considered food for us to include eating meat. In Isaiah 65, carnivorous lions now go back to being herbivores, and it's said there will be no death, that'd kind of logically preclude eating any meat, which, I'm just not the biggest fruit guy. So does God actually give us a gift, and then later take it away? Something I wrestle with, though I know some pastors joke about meat growing on trees. Maybe so.

 

[Jamdoc]

Randy Alcorn has kind of an interesting take on the sea was no more thing just believing there's oceans they're just not salt water, he likes snorkeling, so I think he was kinda disappointed as I was with the literal interpretation of that clause of the verse.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

So, Idk where to start this. But I have a confession to make, I dread heaven, the new earth, whatever. Now before you attack me, let me explain.

I love Jesus. I love God. I am not an atheist trying to knock the faith. I have had experiences that I can only attribute to God, so I know hes real. However, I still dread heaven.

Ive been taught by multiple people that all we do in heaven is have one big old sing along around the throne. Bowing down for eternity. And I thought "nah theres no way thats right. That the INFINITE God is making heaven less diverse then present life". So I approached the scriptures, I studied, and studied, I looked at different meanings. And all I see is singing, singing and more singing.

I have no problem bowing down to God, in fact I look forward to it. But like all things, you want to do it only so much at a time. I, thanks to being made in Gods image, love to create. I write music, I like exploring, I like building. And I like seeing my creations being enjoyed, just like God does. Again, we are made in his image, so we have alot of the same characteristics. However, I always hoped to be able to do this on the new earth as well. Go exploring? Write music? Explore different cities that popped up around the earth? But from what I can see...its just singing...? Perpetual worship.

Just executing one command again and again and again!

Why? How is this supposed to excite me? All it does is make life purposeless. Why would I develop skills in this life if im not even going to be able to use them in the next? Whats the point of ANYTHING then?!!

I know this seems blasphemous. It probably is. But Ive kept it inside for way too long and I need to get it off my chest. Its not like God doesnt already know I feel this way...

All your thoughts and feelings can be attributed to the weakness of the flesh.
"I like" is the common theme in your thread. How about what God likes? This is what is meant by surrending all to Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Blessings.

 

[Hazelelponi]

So, Idk where to start this. But I have a confession to make, I dread heaven, the new earth, whatever. Now before you attack me, let me explain.

I love Jesus. I love God. I am not an atheist trying to knock the faith. I have had experiences that I can only attribute to God, so I know hes real. However, I still dread heaven.

Ive been taught by multiple people that all we do in heaven is have one big old sing along around the throne. Bowing down for eternity. And I thought "nah theres no way thats right. That the INFINITE God is making heaven less diverse then present life". So I approached the scriptures, I studied, and studied, I looked at different meanings. And all I see is singing, singing and more singing.

I have no problem bowing down to God, in fact I look forward to it. But like all things, you want to do it only so much at a time. I, thanks to being made in Gods image, love to create. I write music, I like exploring, I like building. And I like seeing my creations being enjoyed, just like God does. Again, we are made in his image, so we have alot of the same characteristics. However, I always hoped to be able to do this on the new earth as well. Go exploring? Write music? Explore different cities that popped up around the earth? But from what I can see...its just singing...? Perpetual worship.

Just executing one command again and again and again!

Why? How is this supposed to excite me? All it does is make life purposeless. Why would I develop skills in this life if im not even going to be able to use them in the next? Whats the point of ANYTHING then?!!

I know this seems blasphemous. It probably is. But Ive kept it inside for way too long and I need to get it off my chest. Its not like God doesnt already know I feel this way...

Just a couple thoughts here, but in eternity there's no such thing as time.

Here on earth we are fully cognizant of the passage of time - what's there to be cognizant of in a realm where time itself doesn't exist?

It's not like your back is going to get stiff, or knees sore.

Have you ever felt even a partial communion with God in your Spirit?

Can you honestly say you wanted that communion - even that partial knowing God as you are known (to the extent possible in our flesh) to end?

Can you even begin to imagine that in a totality so pervasive it's every fiber of your being completely knowing God as you are known in the fullest communion of Spirit?

I think the main thing you've missed is that! You seem unable to think outside of the only environment you've ever known - a place where the passage of time is felt, and boredom is easy because of our flesh.

But if it helps you - God has always kept His people busy since the beginning. Even Adam in the Garden was given a mate and a friend in Eve and chores (tending the garden) and the Angels in heaven are given tasks regularly...

Just because the overarching picture is one of worship - God knows His creation well. He's not going to let you be bored. That's my promise to you.

 

[Harley.]

That's the eye has not seen nor ear heard part. But all things means all things as far as I can tell.

I mean if what you really want is things like earthly wealth and fancy things I mean, Paul and other Apostles talk about crowns, symbols of wealth and authority, the streets are paved with gold, but here's the thing:

When such a thing is given so freely, and so abundantly, do you still value it?
God is capable of providing it, but what gives it value now is scarcity and perception of worth among people.
But when there is no scarcity because God provides everything you need... the only value it has left is it's intrinsic beauty. Jesus and angels wear golden girdles, so it's not like that sort of thing is beyond what God would be willing to give.. but would it be such a big deal if it's freely given? I think likely we won't care so much about some things like that.

Now mind you, if it's something that involves sin, sure, that won't be given. But anything good? That would be freely given.

Think about Eden. Adam was given everything he needed. God wasn't holding out on him. The lie the serpent used was to convince us that God was holding out on us, not giving us something good. But what had He actually held back on? Accountability for our own actions, and death, and the capacity for evil. Nothing good.

Now there are about 4 "things" that I wrestle with, things that scripture has said aren't in the new earth, things that I find good and God at least, used to consider good, and I wonder if I should not interpret these literally, or if God has changed His mind.. I don't know.

1. Marriage
See Matthew 22:30, it seems like God changed His mind, He gave us marriage, then seems to take it away. I don't understand. However there is a union between Christ and the Church, and marriage is a picture of that, and if this union is all inclusive then it essentially puts everyone in a covenant relationship, it's all part of the same marriage. Furthermore, usually the assumptions about lacking marriage in heaven/the new earth is that there is no sex, and no procreation. However Isaiah 65, particularly Isaiah 65:23, mentions the people of God having offspring on the new earth. Also Song of Solomon, a book in scripture considered Inspired word of God, that does not mention God a single time, and is about romantic love between a husband and wife, with sexual imagery. Why is a book about romantic love and sex, part of the 66 books of the bible forever if such things cease to exist after the resurrection? My thought is, they do not. It's going to be an unpopular position, but the scripture has to be reconciled, and while Jesus says there will be no more marrying and giving in marriage, nothing about an end to love, intimacy, relationships, or even sex and procreation is mentioned.

But, because the popular opinion is that you simply lose the desire for such things.. I wrestle with it. It's not something I can firmly believe .. that a lack of intimacy in my life is in fact temporary. I have massive loneliness issues and FOMO after having read Matthew 22:30, but God keeps steering me at Romans 8:32 and Revelation 21:7 as if to underscore that I'm not going to miss out on anything, that the answer to my prayers is not just "no" but "not yet"
But other believers will steer me towards believing the answer is "no, not now, not ever"
So I wrestle, between what men teach me, and what the bible says.

2. Oceans
Revelation 21:1 would indicate that there are no more oceans. In Revelation 16, the 2nd bowl kills every single lifeform in the oceans.. and so it stands to reason with a literal interpretation that God just killed all the sea turtles, whales, dolphins, sea otters, and other things I find enjoyable in the oceans, things that God created in Genesis 1 on the 5th day, and said they were good... and doesn't restore them. I wrestle with the idea that God changed His mind and now does not consider dolphins and sea otters good. Some people teach it literally and that it's so that we have "more room" for all the people living on the earth, and I find that a lousy explanation. But it's not explained to be not literal, so.. I wrestle with whether God really changed His mind and just hates sea turtles now, or if it's not literal, and the new earth will in fact have oceans and ocean life.
I've always wanted to scuba dive, but physically cannot in this body.
I hope that my prayer is being answered "not now", and not "not now, not ever, suck it up, buttercup"

3. Night
Revelation 21 and 22 both say there will be no night. I like night, I like stargazing, I like seeing planets, the vastness of space, I like catching meteor showers, comets, and I've never seen an aurora with my own eyes, and every time I've prayed to see one when there was a possibility of seeing one in my location.... it instead got really cloudy. If there's no night on the new earth.. well, it'll be impossible, God would have been giving me stones when I asked for bread. So I hope it's not literal, but, nothing in the context suggests it is just allegory, so I wrestle with the idea of it being literal.

4. Eating Meat
After the flood, God expanded what is considered food for us to include eating meat. In Isaiah 65, carnivorous lions now go back to being herbivores, and it's said there will be no death, that'd kind of logically preclude eating any meat, which, I'm just not the biggest fruit guy. So does God actually give us a gift, and then later take it away? Something I wrestle with, though I know some pastors joke about meat growing on trees. Maybe so.

Also I was brain storming about this and I think I fiured ssomething out that def helped me. And since I know you struggle with this as well I thought Id share.

Per the bible, we know that those of us who do more for God in this life will be rewarded greater in heaven,
Matthew 16:27
For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds.
Romans 2:5-6
But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds…
This one is obviously about hell not heaven but it shows that God is BIG on this idea of diversity, and hates sameness.
Theres a few others as well. I believe there is something in Corinthians as well but I may be wrong.

Anyways, say Steve over here does 50x more then I do for the kingdom of heaven, obviously he will get a GREATER reward then I will. It makes 0 sense then to say "ok now go join the choir for eternity". Whats the point of different rewards then if we all just sing for eternity? It makes no sense, so that put my heart at ease a bit. The other thing that hit me was this, if we just sing, whats the point of the new earth? When was the last time God made something that held no purpose? Never. What so hes just going to create a new earth and then leave it empty cause we are all around the throne? Makes no sense either. Just thought Id throw those out there/

 

[Jamdoc]

All your thoughts and feelings can be attributed to the weakness of the flesh.
"I like" is the common theme in your thread. How about what God likes? This is what is meant by surrending all to Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Blessings.

why can't we both like? Why's it total drugery of "I'm miserable but at least God is happy?" Wouldn't it be better for both to be happy?

 

[3 Resurrections]

Trust this word
1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Look forward to this promise.

You forgot to keep going in the context. "But God HATH REVEALED THEM unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God....Now we HAVE RECEIVED, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might KNOW the things that are freely given to us of God." These are spiritual things which we already possess in this life, ever since the New Covenant was launched back in AD 33. You don't need to look forward to this promise, because you are already enjoying it, whether you realize it or not.

So, Idk where to start this. But I have a confession to make, I dread heaven, the new earth, whatever.

I've got news for you - you're already enjoying the improved conditions of the "new earth". This "new earth" Isaiah predicted was not describing conditions of the after-life in heaven. If you look at the list of conditions in Isaiah 65:17-25, it included aspects for the "new earth" which could not possibly be descriptive of the after-life in heaven at Christ's final return. There is death of children (v. 20), the presence of sinners (v. 20), the planting of crops (v. 21-22), our building houses to dwell in (v. 21), the birth of offspring (v. 23), and prayers going up to God (v. 24). How can there possibly be birth of children after the resurrection, when there is no more marriage nor giving in marriage? That would make these bastard children being born in heaven. Not possible. Or why would we need to pray at all if we are directly face-to-face with God?

That means this "new earth" Isaiah spoke of must be describing the improved conditions now on earth for the "New Jerusalem" (the New Covenant church on earth in which we as believers act as "living stones" built on Christ the chief cornerstone).

This planet is not destined for annihilation; "The earth abideth forever". Scripture says that God did not create this world in vain; "He formed it to be INHABITED." That means even in the after-life resurrected condition for us when Christ returns , this planet is still destined for human habitation. We will not be bored. As resurrected individuals at that point, just as the resurrected Christ did, we will be able to traverse freely between both heaven and this earth, which will be purged of the presence of all human evil forever.

After our bodily resurrection, God fully intends to employ us with all our individual gifted skills, which are a reflection of His creative character. Christ once spoke of His Father by saying, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." Creative, productive activity is an innate part of God's character. If you are a member serving in God's family now in this life, this kind of service will continue after you are resurrected in a glorified body, with new incorruptible characteristics that will allow the fullest expression of that individual service.

I repeat, you will not be bored. If Christ once said that even a cup of cold water given in His name was to serve Himself, that means every righteous act of whatever skill level done in His name in our glorified bodies will be an act of worship and homage to our Creator.

 

[Harley.]

You forgot to keep going in the context. "But God HATH REVEALED THEM unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God....Now we HAVE RECEIVED, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might KNOW the things that are freely given to us of God." These are spiritual things which we already possess in this life, ever since the New Covenant was launched back in AD 33. You don't need to look forward to this promise, because you are already enjoying it, whether you realize it or not.



I've got news for you - you're already enjoying the improved conditions of the "new earth". This "new earth" Isaiah predicted was not describing conditions of the after-life in heaven. If you look at the list of conditions in Isaiah 65:17-25, it included aspects for the "new earth" which could not possibly be descriptive of the after-life in heaven at Christ's final return. There is death of children (v. 20), the presence of sinners (v. 20), the planting of crops (v. 21-22), our building houses to dwell in (v. 21), the birth of offspring (v. 23), and prayers going up to God (v. 24). How can there possibly be birth of children after the resurrection, when there is no more marriage nor giving in marriage? That would make these bastard children being born in heaven. Not possible. Or why would we need to pray at all if we are directly face-to-face with God?

That means this "new earth" Isaiah spoke of must be describing the improved conditions now on earth for the "New Jerusalem" (the New Covenant church on earth in which we as believers act as "living stones" built on Christ the chief cornerstone).

This planet is not destined for annihilation; "The earth abideth forever". Scripture says that God did not create this world in vain; "He formed it to be INHABITED." That means even in the after-life resurrected condition for us when Christ returns , this planet is still destined for human habitation. We will not be bored. As resurrected individuals at that point, just as the resurrected Christ did, we will be able to traverse freely between both heaven and this earth, which will be purged of the presence of all human evil forever.

After our bodily resurrection, God fully intends to employ us with all our individual gifted skills, which are a reflection of His creative character. Christ once spoke of His Father by saying, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." Creative, productive activity is an innate part of God's character. If you are a member serving in God's family now in this life, this kind of service will continue after you are resurrected in a glorified body, with new incorruptible characteristics that will allow the fullest expression of that individual service.

I repeat, you will not be bored. If Christ once said that even a cup of cold water given in His name was to serve Himself, that means every righteous act of whatever skill level done in His name in our glorified bodies will be an act of worship and homage to our Creator.

This is actually something ive looked into quite a lot, however I am by no means an expert. From what I can tell, Isaiah was given the prophecy with no idea that there would be a distinction between the Millenium and the eternal age. So you have to separate the verses. We also see in other parts of Isaiah (like isaiah 60) that the prophet does like to jump around alot in his writing. Man was originally made to rule (Genesis 1) and we will reign at the end (Revelation 22) over the earth once more. Satan hasnt stopped God's plan, merely delayed it. I think that the planting of Crops and the building of houses is most likely discussing the eternal state. We know for a fact that we will have jobs of varying degrees in eternity based on our works here. Isaiah also says that God's "Elect" shall long enjoy the works of their hands, elect pointing to those who have slavation, not those in the millienium.

 

[Jamdoc]

This is actually something ive looked into quite a lot, however I am by no means an expert. From what I can tell, Isaiah was given the prophecy with no idea that there would be a distinction between the Millenium and the eternal age. So you have to separate the verses. We also see in other parts of Isaiah (like isaiah 60) that the prophet does like to jump around alot in his writing. Man was originally made to rule (Genesis 1) and we will reign at the end (Revelation 22) over the earth once more. Satan hasnt stopped God's plan, merely delayed it. I think that the planting of Crops and the building of houses is most likely discussing the eternal state. We know for a fact that we will have jobs of varying degrees in eternity based on our works here. Isaiah also says that God's "Elect" shall long enjoy the works of their hands, elect pointing to those who have slavation, not those in the millienium.

It is the eternal state. a lot of people try to say Isaiah 65 is Millennium but it says outright that it is the New Heavens and New Earth. Millennium is like, Isaiah 2. Where they talk about beating swords into plowshares. The New Earth won't have weapons to beat down, it'll be new, only a Millennial reign, an era of peace on a planet that has been plagued by war in the past will have weapons to repurpose, can really explain the "swords into plowshares" bits.

 

[keras]

It is the eternal state. a lot of people try to say Isaiah 65 is Millennium but it says outright that it is the New Heavens and New Earth.

Can you not see that Isaiah 65 talks about both the Millennium and Eternity?
Isaiah himself says that his Prophesies are a little here, a little there. Isaish 28:13

Obviously the beating of swords into ploughs, is Millennial, as is births and death. None of that will be in the Eternal state. Revelation 21 to 22.