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Even Depressed By The Idea Of Eternal Life

AntiVillain

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According to a good bit of Bible-interpretations I've seen, you only get eternal torment or seeming eternal boredom in the end.

And whenever I've inquired further into such concerns, I've mostly just gotten canned, same-old-same-old responses such as Matthew 22:30 (which, BTW, sounds like a complete rip-off for lifelong singles (barring disinterested ones, of course) and such) and/or 1 Corinthians 2:9 (which has only added to the troubling vagueness, IMO).

The idea of "soul sleep" is the only real appealing prospect at this rate, IMO (but sadly, I don't believe in that).

Can someone please help prove my worries and discouragement wrong?
 

DaisyDay

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I think that might be the appeal of Buddhism for some people - if they are really, really good, their reward is to not be reincarnated.

One of the worst tricks of depression is that you forget what it's like to not be depressed - you think you've always been this way and that you'll always be this way, but it's not true.
 
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I know first-hand that when you have depression your mind doesn't work right. Try hard to consider the possibility - even if you can't come up with any details - that eternal life is not going to be boredom. I'm not sure what we'll be doing, but if we're sitting on clouds strumming harps for all eternity I'd be pretty bummed out. No, I'm sure we won't be bored -- I just don't know what all we'll be doing. Whatever it is, I expect it will be enough to last through eternity :)

We can't even *imagine* what it's going to be like!

1Co 2:9-> But as it is written: "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."
 
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Our everlasting life with Him will be awesome. Heres a thread i had a while back kind of talking a bit about it.
http://www.christianforums.com/threads/what-awaits.7942614/

And regarding hell, I personally believe it isn't an everlasting torture kind of thing for people that go there, I think they are completely destroyed, which is also considered everlasting punishment if you think about it. But just because I said it don't take it as truth, look into it.
 
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I cannot prove anything. There certainly is mystery to it.

I will ask you though: do you think God, who has promised eternal joy, would sentence you into eternal boredom? Does He not know your heart, or what joy is?

And if you answer: "perfection will become boring at some point", I'll say it isn't perfection if that happens. I will also say that we, in our current state, can't handle perfection. We are too imperfect to do it.

I believe - not know, but believe - that our hearts will lose all the useless baggage, blindness and cynicism that day. So whatever will be, it will be good, and for once we would finally see everything clearly.

You were asking for proof, probably even a skilled debater to handle this for you. I am sorry that I am not the person you seek, perhaps someone else may be. More often than not, things turn into debates, and debates into pedantic trivialities - and suddenly it's about how we can twist words or make arguments, not about God. I'm not saying you do this, though, so don't take it as an accusation. I do know that it's good to have faith and hope, and with faith there is always an element of uncertainty to it. Even if it's childish and naive. Christ rewarded that kind of faith a few times: "Let it be done just as you believed it would." He also told us to be like children.

From the Gospel according to John: "Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.". So ask Him. Give Him your worries and prayers. Go straight to Him.

God bless, said a prayer for you. I hope you get comforted in spirit.
 
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Jeshu

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At the risk of you not believing me - going to Heaven is so good that it is totally out of this world - there is nothing - absolutely nothing than can compare with the love and goodness that you meet there. So much better than having a sexual relationship that we people who like sex so much crawl away in shame at the basicness of it all, I know I did:sick::sick::sick:. As a matter of fact you can never be prepared to meet Him or His goodness, but once seen in His glory, never forgotten, for He is eternal and when we meet Him - we become eternal as well and we meet all who are in and with Him.

I will try and give you some indicators, but I know my words are just going to be a row of mumble bumble compared to how it really is. There are no words that can describe the goodness that is Him.

First of all the concept eternal. Can you remember how you thought and felt yesterday at 4.15 pm? Or when your first laughed because you thought something was funny when you were a baby? Or do you know what you are going to feel in say - 20 years from now, on such and such a date, at such and such a time? Now this is the first amazing thing of Heaven - when you enter there you become yourself not only in all your pasts selves but also the future - you live life in total sum of self - by which I mean you are there as a baby, child, teenager, adult and old person and eternal person all in one go - every second of your existence - apart of when you were in loveless untrue spirituality such is not invited and gnashes its teeth - (though you in Heaven wont worry about that whatsoever - as a matter of fact one of the main reasons you are so happy is because bad life is gone forever - do try rap your mind around that because it is a total spin out.

Not only that when you are in Heaven you become one with all in all - which in effect makes you all in all - everybody is there worshiping praising, glorying and celebrating Him full time - non stop. This is the very best part of being with Him!!! To be in His inner courts, to revere the Lamb who made it possible for you to be so unspeakable happy and free and in control of everything that in eternal gratitude you lay flat on the floor in utter ecstasy glorying in Him. (it is impossible to stand up as a matter of fact you think you are dying - n0ot that you mind that at the time in any way:).) He is unspeakable beautiful to behold - completely ablaze is His appearance - resistance or rebellion to His will is impossible to contemplate - all you live for is worshiping Him - there is nothing in all of eternity that you do rather. (Hard to believe when you are a sinner or don't believe isn't it? Yet very true and very real for eternity isn't just to come, He has always been, but lies keep us away from Him. (Isaiah 6:))

However is that all you do? Oh brothers and sisters it is impossible to explain properly, but we are everything and everywhere and can do anything we like - in billions of selves - just like God Himself in trinity of Being does - for wrong doesn't dwell in us when we are with Him - so it is impossible that we would want to do something to spoil the glorious Oneness that is Him. The best part of being with God is that constantly new creation wells out of us, just as it is with God - so it will be with us in Him, for He shares His whole Being with everyone the same as we share our being with everybody and yet we are still very much ourself - more so than we have ever been down here - for all the good that had died in us is now alive again and constantly rewarded for the good that we did in that spirituality before we were killed by sin in that self.

Try hanging out with The Spirit for awhile for example and hover over the waters for a bit - seeing the planet through the eyes of all creatures great and small - and yes all at the same time - and still completely individually - such is the reality of our glorious comforter and life giver.

Or go and watch the spectacle that is hell - looking down all wrong and evil that has befallen humanity through out history - burning the loving Victorious truth of God - I tell you the truth you will rejoice when you see the smoke of all that rise up and you know for absolutely certain that never ever will this happen again. Sinful time will burn its misdeeds and so comfort all those who suffered at the hands of the wicked - it is an awesome solution to humanities unfaithfulness to its Creator and the misery it brought upon Him in Trinity and upon so many others who lived sinful time down here.

Honestly I could go on for hours for I have not even discussed all seven dimensions of Heaven's reality or the billions of universes prepared by Christ and us all to replace all this dead space around us - when humanity sees the constellations coming down upon them then they will know the time is near.:)

So no it is your dead inner reality blind and cut off from God's goodness which is analyzing all this and not somebody who has a loving faith in God and in His Word nor someone who is guided by God's loving truth.

One thing you have to keep into account considering Heaven is that everything is upside down there compared to here - so least is on top and first is at the back of the line and what rules on top now will be on the very bottom. For example I had to die to my selfishness before I could appreciate being last thats for sure, and missed out on going to Heaven the first few times big time, though Christ has made up with me now, or rather I made up with Him. I haven't fared so well in my dishonest, arrogant, greedy or lustful ones for example - I know I will never enter God's kingdom being like that, but it is hard to die to wrong - it is hard for a sinner to be saved - that is why going to Heaven is so great for then it isn't with you any more and we become really free again.

(To not think to highly of yourself is very wise thats for sure, which we mentally ill or depressed people usually have little problem doing, unless we are manic or have fallen for the lawless one(s).)

So no Heaven is not boring, indeed you will eat those words one great day my friend and stutter an I'm so very sorry I said anything to Jesus, while you die thinking like that and find newness of life as well in Him, for He has a place for us all. In all our different parts of self we will receive our dreams. So please strive to enter the narrow gate my friend it is well worth it.

Revelation 21:1-8
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” :clap::clap::clap:

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”:preach::preach::preach:


He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.:holy::holy::holy: But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”:clap::clap::clap:
 
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AntiVillain

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So no it is your dead inner reality blind and cut off from God's goodness which is analyzing all this and not somebody who has a loving faith in God and in His Word nor someone who is guided by God's loving truth.

I and countless others resent the notion that depression, pessimism, etc. = automatically disqualifying one from being a "proper" Christian.
 
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Jeshu

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I and countless others resent the notion that depression, pessimism, etc. = automatically disqualifying you from being a "proper" Christian.

That is not at all what I meant, rather that as you are now you will not stay, it is temporary and not everlasting.

Or can you not see that how you think now and feel now doesn't reveal God's goodness to you? But finding God in your suffering will, that is what happened to me. Not to disqualify you but rather to encourage you. I suffer from a depressive illness and know very well how it feels to be rock bottom, I would never disqualify you, rather you disqualify yourself thinking in terms of proper Christian or not proper Christian, everyone who calls on the name of The Lord will be saved it is written - that doesn't exclude but include, all I exclude was the bad life tormenting you and making you see things in a way that is not true, thats all.

Sorry if I offended you.
 
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4x4toy

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According to a good bit of Bible-interpretations I've seen, you only get eternal torment or seeming eternal boredom in the end.

And whenever I've inquired further into such concerns, I've mostly just gotten canned, same-old-same-old responses such as Matthew 22:30 (which, BTW, sounds like a complete rip-off for lifelong singles (barring disinterested ones, of course) and such) and/or 1 Corinthians 2:9 (which has only added to the troubling vagueness, IMO).

The idea of "soul sleep" is the only real appealing prospect at this rate, IMO (but sadly, I don't believe in that).

Can someone please help prove my worries and discouragement wrong?

I know this probably won't help you but I had 2 dreams in two days one each night .. The first I was in the presence of God on the floor , I never looked up but I've never been so satisfied in my life doesn't begin to describe it , I could feel the radiance of God going right through my whole being , I remember thinking I could stay right where I was for 10,000 years without even moving , no boredom , just a state of being you could only call Heaven .. I woke up and was ecstatic all day . It was like I needed that bit of knowledge before the next dream ..
The next night I was deceived and lead farther away from God until I was out of Gods presence in stages , the most horror and lost feeling I've never even imagined .. I woke up and my whole body was trembling from fear . I was motivated for months to get serious and back on track with God and I wouldn't want my worst enemy to exist in that condition ..
Every one even Atheists don't realize we are in God's presence to enough of a degree to not notice the potential lack ..
I've probably had 4 or 5 dreams and visions that have impacted my or others lives .. Well formed and structured with a message . Nothing like normal dreams that are just crazy and random leading from one unrelated thing to another ..
 
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Press On

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I know this probably won't help you but I had 2 dreams in two days one each night .. The first I was in the presence of God on the floor , I never looked up but I've never been so satisfied in my life doesn't begin to describe it , I could feel the radiance of God going right through my whole being , I remember thinking I could stay right where I was for 10,000 years without even moving , no boredom , just a state of being you could only call Heaven .. I woke up and was ecstatic all day . It was like I needed that bit of knowledge before the next dream ..
The next night I was deceived and lead farther away from God until I was out of Gods presence in stages , the most horror and lost feeling I've never even imagined .. I woke up and my whole body was trembling from fear . I was motivated for months to get serious and back on track with God and I wouldn't want my worst enemy to exist in that condition ..
Every one even Atheists don't realize we are in God's presence to enough of a degree to not notice the potential lack ..
I've probably had 4 or 5 dreams and visions that have impacted my or others lives .. Well formed and structured with a message . Nothing like normal dreams that are just crazy and random leading from one unrelated thing to another ..
Very interesting. Thanks.
 
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Winken

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According to a good bit of Bible-interpretations I've seen, you only get eternal torment or seeming eternal boredom in the end.

And whenever I've inquired further into such concerns, I've mostly just gotten canned, same-old-same-old responses such as Matthew 22:30 (which, BTW, sounds like a complete rip-off for lifelong singles (barring disinterested ones, of course) and such) and/or 1 Corinthians 2:9 (which has only added to the troubling vagueness, IMO).

The idea of "soul sleep" is the only real appealing prospect at this rate, IMO (but sadly, I don't believe in that).

Can someone please help prove my worries and discouragement wrong?

In a depressed state one normally views "good" news as "bad." The brain --- mind, mental, emotions --- sends out signals that reinforce that perception. For some, "I am worthy," Spiritually speaking, becomes "I'm unworthy," even after they've been a Christian for many years. That leads to interpretation of Scripture that is not accurate. In fact, all of mind-mental-emotional interpretation misses the boat. Only the Holy Spirit accurately interprets and applies what God has written.

One of the applications that He will reveal is that one who reads the Bible must not isolate a scripture in the Hebrew Bible, blend it with one in the Christian Covenant, and expect one plus one to equal two. At the same time, one cannot use one scripture to contradict another. One prayerfully prays for the embrace of the Holy Spirit in examining and comprehending what the Christian Covenant provides, especially in the letters (epistles) written by the Apostle Paul, and in John's gospel.

For example: Romans 1. Romans 10:8-13. John 14:6. John 3:16-17. John 5:24.

"To God be the Glory, great things He has done,
So loved He the world, that He gave us His Son."

God does not save us to place us in a life of boredom. On the contrary, it is a joy-filled, harmonious gathering, one great picnic in a beautiful park, never ending.

.
 
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AntiVillain

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That is not at all what I meant, rather that as you are now you will not stay, it is temporary and not everlasting.

Or can you not see that how you think now and feel now doesn't reveal God's goodness to you? But finding God in your suffering will, that is what happened to me. Not to disqualify you but rather to encourage you. I suffer from a depressive illness and know very well how it feels to be rock bottom, I would never disqualify you, rather you disqualify yourself thinking in terms of proper Christian or not proper Christian, everyone who calls on the name of The Lord will be saved it is written - that doesn't exclude but include, all I exclude was the bad life tormenting you and making you see things in a way that is not true, thats all.

Sorry if I offended you.

Um, apology accepted, I guess?
 
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Noxot

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I had been listening to a lot of swedenborg stuff lately. he is a guy who had experienced heaven and told a lot of stuff about it. here is a youtube channel that has different shows about various topics from a swedenborgian perspective. it has been pretty nice, check it out if you feel like it.

https://www.youtube.com/user/offTheLeftEye/videos
 
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According to a good bit of Bible-interpretations I've seen, you only get eternal torment or seeming eternal boredom in the end.
I can empathise with your thoughts..
I actually had to laugh at the topic-title. (sorry..)
it's the ultimate statement of theological misery, but with a touch of self-mockery.

I'm an annihilist / conditionalist though, so i don't subscribe to the so called 'traditional' idea of eternal life in hell.
So then it would be 'boredom of bust'.
The 2nd death being terminal.
And whenever I've inquired further into such concerns, I've mostly just gotten canned, same-old-same-old responses such as Matthew 22:30 (which, BTW, sounds like a complete rip-off for lifelong singles (barring disinterested ones, of course) and such) and/or 1 Corinthians 2:9 (which has only added to the troubling vagueness, IMO).

The idea of "soul sleep" is the only real appealing prospect at this rate, IMO (but sadly, I don't believe in that).
That would be after physical death but before '2nd life', and then it is Judgement.
Can someone please help prove my worries and discouragement wrong?
I think it's just unimaginable, unfathomable.
There is obviously plenty of reason to be praising God all the time, but it sounds boring when you read that as it is written.

None the less, it will be like the most beautiful piece of nature, but without the 'natural' deaths, pains and sufferings.
I'm completely in the blind too about what there could be to actually DO, what the purpose is of our existence in God's Kingdom.
But the thing it seems to be about is LOVE though.
But we only vaguely / hardly know what that is to receive and to give, in mutuality.
Especially when you're depressed.
I know depression.
The wish of the depressed is to stop existing or to sleep.

Hang in there!
When the Promise looks boring to you, it doesn't mean it will be so!
 
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Jeshu

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I had been listening to a lot of swedenborg stuff lately. he is a guy who had experienced heaven and told a lot of stuff about it. here is a youtube channel that has different shows about various topics from a swedenborgian perspective. it has been pretty nice, check it out if you feel like it.

https://www.youtube.com/user/offTheLeftEye/videos


His views on spirituality is refreshing Noxot. The only issues I had with some of his thinking on bad spirituality was that some of it was based on what bad life told him, I know from experience that bad life never tell anything truthfully, so that seems a bit of a weak point, and that he doesn't seem to look at the fact that it is not only bad life that lives in people, what happened to all the good life that bad life killed in people along the way for example? Maybe I didn't watch enough but a lot of the stuff he says is very relevant to todays thinking however and far over due. His analysis of love was excellent though and lots of other stuff as well.

Thanks for posting
 
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Noxot

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I pity you don't relate to what I try to say. We suffer from a lot of the same symptoms and I have found that certain ways of looking at how things go inside our heart and mind when we suffer from bad symptoms can really show us the truth of the Gospel of love. I was hoping I could pass some of what I have learned on to you to help you in your fight but obviously this isn't go to work if you don't understand what I'm on about. I will have to think of clearer ways of communicating with you when you are struggling or have been aggrieved.

sometimes we just gotta give it a while to sink in. also we must try to remember that no one can force others to believe as they do because then it is not love and so we may share but even visions become compulsions to people, they must have more than a vision of God which is why God would subsequently allow a nightmare after the first dream to occur so that that person remains free and can freely choose what it is that they wish which seems very hard to do at times when you are suppressed by so many thorns poking you constantly. so all of life is in part a vision but we must freely become. but if a sheep is caught in a thorn bush then it might be found by its master quicker for his sheep are wont to be trapped in thorn bushes. otherwise the goats might climb all over us.

 
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Jeshu

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sometimes we just gotta give it a while to sink in. also we must try to remember that no one can force others to believe as they do because then it is not love and so we may share but even visions become compulsions to people, they must have more than a vision of God which is why God would subsequently allow a nightmare after the first dream to occur so that that person remains free and can freely choose what it is that they wish which seems very hard to do at times when you are suppressed by so many thorns poking you constantly. so all of life is in part a vision but we must freely become. but if a sheep is caught in a thorn bush then it might be found by its master quicker for his sheep are wont to be trapped in thorn bushes. otherwise the goats might climb all over us.


sorry Noxot I don't know how I wrote that to you but I meant to talk to someone else not you at all, and not on this thread either, strange. I agree with your reply though, we can't force our will on anyone, only share how we see or met the truth in our lives.

Sorry again

Peace
 
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Winken

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Lately, I've been getting noticeably less pessimistic about the whole subject for some reason, so... hooray for progress?

P.S.: Thanks for all the input, guys.

To God be the Glory........
 
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