Could there be cars in the "new earth"?

[superlativecritic]

Once you have color TV, you can't stand to sit through 2 hours of the old B&W movies. This world and its antics that we are fond of should be forgotten before we get color TV; for what God has in store for us is way way beyond our imaginations. If we can't let these things go now, here on Earth, how will we be worthy of what's coming. It is in giving that we receive and no other way is it possible. Give to yourself by having faith in what is to come and giving it all away now.

The TV analogy is not a good one. There are plenty of so-called "obsolete" technology that are still enjoyed today.

In "Back to the Future 3", the Doc explains cars to some cowboys and they remark "does anyone walk any more", to which the Doc replies "yes - for fun".

The same could be said about bicycles, or mechanical watches, or unicycles or paintings.

Ever driven a vintage car? Why would anyone drive one of those slow, poor-handling, rattly things when modern cars are so much faster and better handling? The answer is because some people like anachronistic objects - especially if they represent old-world creativity and artistry.

The thing that strikes me about the new earth and new heaven is this whole "mansion" thing. People are genuinely enamored by the idea of a mansion. Why? Probably because they live in a modest home. They want on the new earth what they couldn't afford on the old earth. You suggest we forget about the old world and its antics, and here many Christians get all excited about having extravagant houses. Why can't they let go of the idea of fixed stationary gigantic luxury homes?

Who needs 15 bedrooms, 12 washrooms and an indoor swimming pool? I don't. I don't care for such things. I think a mansion is far more excessive and unnecessary than a car in the new earth. In fact a car in the new earth makes a lot of sense to me from a creative stand-point.

Think about it - as creative beings, would we not create things? I actually don't imagine we will fly around like angels but we will have new ability to create things - perfect things that are not harmful to others. Maybe we will invent spaceships to explore the universe. I see the new earth as an extension of Eden - where we are still human beings (and not flying super-men), but living in a world without sin or death.

There are many new discoveries that man has not found yet - such as how to harness hydrogen energy efficiently, or maybe harness the power of dark matter or fusion energy. Maybe in the new earth we will have discovered how to do this. I find this prospect far more exciting than flying around with wings. Flying around with wings just seems so lazy, boring and uncreative to me. I don't expect that our capacities for exploration, discovery and invention will suddenly disappear. We are made in God's image and God is creative. Why can't the new earth be a place where people invent things in a non-sinful manner? Where we become the creative humans we should have been - free of selfishness, covetousness and destructiveness.

I don't agree with some people's suggestion that in the new earth that fundamentally we become completely different beings - we become like angelic automatons with none of our previous personalities. No, that's wrong. I believe we become merely perfect versions of ourselves - sinless but still with our basic personalities. Therefore we will still have our basic creative instincts and desires to explore and create. Create what? Well we have the rest of eternity to find out and it will only be limited to our imagination.

 

[contango]

I'm rather looking forward to using a 12-2500mm f/1.4 lens that fits in my pocket and only weighs a few ounces. Optically perfect, of course

 

[NightHawkeye]

I don't expect that our capacities for exploration, discovery and invention will suddenly disappear. We are made in God's image and God is creative. Why can't the new earth be a place where people invent things in a non-sinful manner? Where we become the creative humans we should have been - free of selfishness, covetousness and destructiveness.

I like it ...

 

[the.Sheepdog]

where we are still human beings (and not flying super-men), but living in a world without sin or death.

ARE we still human after the change to perfect bodies? How do you know?

 

[Husky7]

Bear with me for a second.

I enjoy fast cars. I enjoy their appearance, their exhilaration and their looks. They are a celebration of man's creativity.

Man, being like God, enjoys being creative, so it stands to reason that man will still enjoy creating things in the "new earth".

At the same time, I don't imagine that *if* cars were to be made, that they would be made to be polluting. Somehow there would be some energy source that would allow them to run without pollution.

Now you may think this is silly, but I think Christians getting all excited about "mansions" is silly. I personally would get more excited about the possibilities of creating a "perfect car", rather than living in a "perfect house".

The car would be an expression of creativity and enjoyment. And it will be a perfect enjoyment that would not involve covetousness, idolatry or any other sin.

What do you guys think? A possibility or an impossibility?

Does it say so in scripture? If it doesn't, well then, chances are that they won't be here on the new Earth.

 

[Husky7]

ARE we still human after the change to perfect bodies? How do you know?

I would definetly ask myself this question if I didn't know, haha.

 

[Gnarwhal]

ARE we still human after the change to perfect bodies? How do you know?

Wright puts up a compelling argument for that in Surprised by Hope. I think we will be just as human as Jesus still was when he appeared to the disciples. He was human, but his body was... more. It was transformed from the one that hung on the cross. It still had his wounds (as Wright puts it, "symbols of his victory"), so his likeness wasn't changed, but the essence of his body was different.

As far as the O.P. goes... man I hope there's still cars here in the new creation! Honestly I still hope they function exactly the same as they do today (fossil fuels), since that's part of the basic experience of driving/riding in a car. Only, being that it will be a new creation, incorruptible, then the emissions wouldn't have any effects on the surrounding environment. I'd love to plow down a straightaway in a Bugatti Veyron and hit 220+mph

...Wishful thinking.

 

[superlativecritic]

Wright puts up a compelling argument for that in Surprised by Hope. I think we will be just as human as Jesus still was when he appeared to the disciples. He was human, but his body was... more. It was transformed from the one that hung on the cross. It still had his wounds (as Wright puts it, "symbols of his victory"), so his likeness wasn't changed, but the essence of his body was different.

I think that the new earth is like Eden, without the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil". Eden was perfect, and all of God's creation was "good". We are fundamentally the same as Adam, except we are more mortal and more sinful. So it stands to reason that since there was nothing wrong with Eden in the first place, that it's a good insight to what eternity will be like.

The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (TTKGE) was essential because God wants his creation to truly love Him, and true love comes from choice so unless there is a choice to do evil we cannot truly demonstrate true love. Therefore God realized that the TTKGE was the only way to test his creative work. His solution of course involved the redemptive work on the cross to save those who love God but are nevertheless too weak to be completely sinless.

Ever wondered what's the difference between the new earth and Eden? What's to stop us from sinning again like we did in Eden? Simple: the TTKGE is missing in the new earth.

In other words, I think we will still be human in the new earth, merely sinless and immortal. Therefore we will retain our creativity, inventiveness and curiosity. Scientists believe we only use some 10% of our brain capacity - I imagine the full 100% will be unlocked in the new earth. It's quite an exciting thought!

Here's another interesting thought I had: I imagine we will also play games. How would we resolve game disputes? For example if the ball landed on the line, will one person say it went out and another say it was in and result in an argument? Therefore how would we resolve arguments emotionally when we are without sin? Make no mistake: there will be arguments in heaven, because as we are all unique we all have unique personalities and perspectives.

 

[brinny]

Bear with me for a second.

I enjoy fast cars. I enjoy their appearance, their exhilaration and their looks. They are a celebration of man's creativity.

Man, being like God, enjoys being creative, so it stands to reason that man will still enjoy creating things in the "new earth".

At the same time, I don't imagine that *if* cars were to be made, that they would be made to be polluting. Somehow there would be some energy source that would allow them to run without pollution.

Now you may think this is silly, but I think Christians getting all excited about "mansions" is silly. I personally would get more excited about the possibilities of creating a "perfect car", rather than living in a "perfect house".

The car would be an expression of creativity and enjoyment. And it will be a perfect enjoyment that would not involve covetousness, idolatry or any other sin.

What do you guys think? A possibility or an impossibility?

why would they be needed?

 

[Gnarwhal]

I think that the new earth is like Eden, without the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil". Eden was perfect, and all of God's creation was "good". We are fundamentally the same as Adam, except we are more mortal and more sinful. So it stands to reason that since there was nothing wrong with Eden in the first place, that it's a good insight to what eternity will be like.

The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (TTKGE) was essential because God wants his creation to truly love Him, and true love comes from choice so unless there is a choice to do evil we cannot truly demonstrate true love. Therefore God realized that the TTKGE was the only way to test his creative work. His solution of course involved the redemptive work on the cross to save those who love God but are nevertheless too weak to be completely sinless.

Ever wondered what's the difference between the new earth and Eden? What's to stop us from sinning again like we did in Eden? Simple: the TTKGE is missing in the new earth.

In other words, I think we will still be human in the new earth, merely sinless and immortal. Therefore we will retain our creativity, inventiveness and curiosity. Scientists believe we only use some 10% of our brain capacity - I imagine the full 100% will be unlocked in the new earth. It's quite an exciting thought!

Here's another interesting thought I had: I imagine we will also play games. How would we resolve game disputes? For example if the ball landed on the line, will one person say it went out and another say it was in and result in an argument? Therefore how would we resolve arguments emotionally when we are without sin? Make no mistake: there will be arguments in heaven, because as we are all unique we all have unique personalities and perspectives.

That's a great post. Though, there's one point that I think I'm in disagreement with and that's the immortality. If I recall I think the concept of an immortal soul traces back to Platonic philosophy. God's the only one that ever has been, is and ever will be truly immortal. He's the one that was never "born", while we had a beginning. I don't mean to nit-pick over trivial choices in language. I think I understand what you mean.

I hope there's games, I'd love to play me some baseball with some of the pros that make it up there.

why would they be needed?

They wouldn't be needed, but there's more than a few people who simply love cars like some love food. Their artistic elements, their ingenuity are appreciated on different levels.

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

*snip*
Bear with me for a second.

I enjoy fast cars. I enjoy their appearance, their exhilaration and their looks. They are a celebration of man's creativity.

The car would be an expression of creativity and enjoyment. And it will be a perfect enjoyment that would not involve covetousness, idolatry or any other sin.

What do you guys think? A possibility or an impossibility?

I hope so....The Chevell SS would just be fine with me

 

[Super Kal]

i know the question is concerning cars, but there's an even bigger question that i havent seen anyone ask:

will we even care?

all of this is focused on the materialistic viewpoint here in this thread, but face an important fact... once we get into heaven and being in the presence of the Father and the Son, the very essence of purity, beauty, mercy, compassion, care and love... do you honestly think we're going to care if we have a car or not?


i know I wont care.
I know when I'm there, being beside Him, in His presence, in the presence of the one thing I could ever need, and i wont care about a car, or a mansion, or anything of that matter... i dont even believe we're going to have a mansion

 

[contango]

No reason why there shouldn't be a pool of cars so we can all enjoy them without worrying about MY car, MY keys, MY insurance policy etc. Those that want to enjoy the sound of the big V8 can enjoy it, those that don't don't have to.

 

[dad]

Bear with me for a second.

I enjoy fast cars. I enjoy their appearance, their exhilaration and their looks. They are a celebration of man's creativity.

Man, being like God, enjoys being creative, so it stands to reason that man will still enjoy creating things in the "new earth".

At the same time, I don't imagine that *if* cars were to be made, that they would be made to be polluting. Somehow there would be some energy source that would allow them to run without pollution.

Now you may think this is silly, but I think Christians getting all excited about "mansions" is silly. I personally would get more excited about the possibilities of creating a "perfect car", rather than living in a "perfect house".

The car would be an expression of creativity and enjoyment. And it will be a perfect enjoyment that would not involve covetousness, idolatry or any other sin.

What do you guys think? A possibility or an impossibility?

Well, if you want to drive your fast car in space, or some place where it will not kill stuff, maybe. Not on earth, I would think. Nothing will kill or destroy. So a car is a fast and dangerous thing, kills animals and bugs and people....maybe drive real slow here?

 

[Almighty's humble servant]

Bear with me for a second.

I enjoy fast cars. I enjoy their appearance, their exhilaration and their looks. They are a celebration of man's creativity.

Man, being like God, enjoys being creative, so it stands to reason that man will still enjoy creating things in the "new earth".

At the same time, I don't imagine that *if* cars were to be made, that they would be made to be polluting. Somehow there would be some energy source that would allow them to run without pollution.

Now you may think this is silly, but I think Christians getting all excited about "mansions" is silly. I personally would get more excited about the possibilities of creating a "perfect car", rather than living in a "perfect house".

The car would be an expression of creativity and enjoyment. And it will be a perfect enjoyment that would not involve covetousness, idolatry or any other sin.

What do you guys think? A possibility or an impossibility?

God has given us all we need through this earth, which is His garden.

In the coming millenial Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the old order will have passed away, and travel will be essentially by thought. The breath of life will be embedded in our spirit, and we will have no need for oxygen, so we could go hundred of miles deep into the sea, and never need to breathe. We could go into the coldest reaches of the planet with nothing but our white robes, and would not feel the sting of the freeze.

All of this earth will again be at our disposal. Lacking nothing but with knowledge of each of it's pleasurable fruits.

Perhaps the Lord will allow a man to envision himself in a 58 Vette while he zooms across a desert plain, but it would be invisible to the rest of mankind.

I do not think it will be impossible, since He has made all things possible. It may just be ask, and you shall receive. But who would want such things. We have so many places to discover. Jungles in asia, afrika, aussie, and south america. Island reefs to explore in the middle of the pacific. Underwater caves, that no eyes but His have seen. Species He has created that are yet undiscovered.

I will be way to busy, wading rivers, walking through forests, climbing mountains, and searching the depths of the seas, to ever think about my old Cutlass 442 or my Nissan 300 Z twin turbo. Both nice cars IMO, but useless to me since I could out jog the fast funny car in a quartermile, and outfly the fastest supersonic jet across the planet.


Praise and exalt Him above all forever!

 

[gracechick]

As for what we will have or will experience in Heaven just the anticipation is awesome in itself I could live in a hut or sleep on the beach by the ocean for eternity as long as I live in that perfect world with Jesus I couldn't care less.

And all the questions I have now as someone once said "once I'm there I probably won't care anymore". There is simply no way to know what the Lord has prepared for each and every one of us for as He told me recently "I made you and I know what I want you to be..."

I have seen what I believe to be a tiny part of Heaven briefly and it is gorgeous. In a dream I read this woman said she saw mortals needing care in a clean neat hospital facility and it looked like the time period of the 50's. Who knows maybe all or only a fraction of the earth and human history as we know it will be there for us to experience.

Contemplating this all I can say for me is the bottom line Even so Lord Jesus come

 

[NightHawkeye]

God has given us all we need through this earth, which is His garden.

In the coming millenial Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the old order will have passed away, and travel will be essentially by thought. The breath of life will be embedded in our spirit, and we will have no need for oxygen, so we could go hundred of miles deep into the sea, and never need to breathe. We could go into the coldest reaches of the planet with nothing but our white robes, and would not feel the sting of the freeze.

All of this earth will again be at our disposal. Lacking nothing but with knowledge of each of it's pleasurable fruits.

Perhaps this idyllic existence will be true for the elect of the first resurrection, but Revelation 20 indicates that the rest of the dead aren't resurrected until the end of the millennium.

Revelation 20 also describes war at the end of the millennium while stating that those involved in the first resurrection will be unaffected by the second death. War would have no meaning for those from the first resurrection. Hence, regular people must constitute the majority of the population in the millennial kingdom. At least that's my take ...

Revelation 20:
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.