Heaven - your thoughts? Input?

[DerSchweik]

I am beginning a new study - on something I don't think I've ever truly studied before, at least in depth - Heaven! Go figure!

So I thought I'd post a new thread to get your input, your thoughts on heaven:

• How often do you think about heaven?
• What do you think it will be like?
• Is it "real" for you, or difficult to conceive of?
• What were you taught about heaven?

I am hoping the thread will be an encouragement for all who read and post, that we might all learn a bit from each other.

In Him!

 

[clairefish]

I think about heaven often because I have so many loved ones that I believe are there. One particular young friend of mine passed away recently, and I espescially think about him being in heaven. It's most likely a simple view of the paradise, but it's a comfort to me.
I have come to the conclusion that God gives us Heaven to think about so we don't worry where our friends are after they leave here.

 

[DerSchweik]

Thanks Claire!

It is a comfort to know our loved ones are in a "better place."

What makes me think of heaven the most is REST. I think of "God's rest" and I think of a place where there is no more stress whatsoever:

• No more sin or temptation to sin
• No more debates as to the truth of the gospel, the truth of God and His Son, Jesus, vindication of our beliefs and our faith in Christ
• No more tears or sorrow due to loss of loved ones
• No more tears or sorrow over health issues
• No more tears or sorrow over accidents or natural disasters
• Rest from striving in the struggles to survive

I think of heaven as a place of eternal REST from striving of any kind.

In Him!!

 

[ContentInHim]

I see your signature references "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. I read his fiction and "Heaven" during the first year after I was born-again. Wonderful books!

And I think about my family and husband in heaven lots and lots and lots.

 

[DerSchweik]

I see your signature references "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. I read his fiction and "Heaven" during the first year after I was born-again. Wonderful books!

And I think about my family and husband in heaven lots and lots and lots.

You know, I had never heard of him before our preacher did a lesson a few weeks back wherein he quoted that verse and I was completely taken aback at its simplicity and succinctity.

So my wife, who had heard about from some of her friends bought it and now I'm about a fifth of the way through it - and really enjoying it. It's a great study book on the topic, well-researched and very insightful.

That's what got me thinking about this thread, because I was one of those he talked about who rarely ever thought about heaven.

Now that I'm in my 50's and closer to "retirement" (yeah, right), I think I'm thinking about this stuff more and more - particularly "REST."

 

[MrSnow]

I voted "rarely". I don't think of heaven as a place. In fact, I couldn't care any less about any "place" that I go to. I believe that the aim is unity with the Godhead. After all, how could an incorporeal Being be "located" in a "place"? What does heaven as a "place" mean to someone like God? How is He "somewhere"? And if He is not "somewhere", then how could we be "somewhere" when we die? But what I DO believe is that we will be in a "place" after the resurrection, when we are in Eternity. I believe that the New Heavens and the New Earth are not a brand new creation out of nothing, but a renewing of the present creation, just as we are not brand new creations out of nothing, but renewed. I believe that what will characterize the New Heavens and New Earth is that God's presence will be everywhere. So anywhere in the universe would be in the direct presence of God. Our physical bodies (for we will still have physical bodies, but renewed) will be living in physical space, but we will be united to the presence of God, as is all of creation.

 

[clairefish]

Thanks Claire!

It is a comfort to know our loved ones are in a "better place."

What makes me think of heaven the most is REST. I think of "God's rest" and I think of a place where there is no more stress whatsoever:

• No more sin or temptation to sin
• No more debates as to the truth of the gospel, the truth of God and His Son, Jesus, vindication of our beliefs and our faith in Christ
• No more tears or sorrow due to loss of loved ones
• No more tears or sorrow over health issues
• No more tears or sorrow over accidents or natural disasters
• Rest from striving in the struggles to survive

I think of heaven as a place of eternal REST from striving of any kind.

In Him!!

That's how I feel for Dylan, my friend that passed recently. He was very young, only 23, and had cerebral palsy, but an undiagnosed tumor on the back of his brain is what caused his death.
But I think about Dylan no longer being in any kind of pain. I think he is kickin' it with his Creator and that gives me comfort. And Dylan would not have wanted anyone to mourn his passing. He would have wanted all of us to rejoice that he was finally in a place where he had no limitations. And, like I said, no pain.
So yes, REST is a good description.

 

[clairefish]

sorry...double post...eeks.

 

[LonesomeTexan]

I think about heaven all the time. I hope that heaven is a place where boundaries cease to exist. I hope in heaven, all the things we can only dream about while on earth can be done. I hope in heaven, there are truly no limits to what a pure heart desires. I hope in heaven, there are colors that are so beautiful that they don't exist in our world. I hope in heaven, God's presence and love is so strong that it brings tears of joy to the angels eyes. I hope in heaven, I can love the way God intends us to. I hope in heaven, I'll never know sorrow again. I hope in heaven, things are more perfect than I can describe with words. I hope in heaven, I can go back to the world and be someone's angel. I hope there is a spot for me in heaven. I don't deserve to be there. I hope God thinks otherwise.

 

[DerSchweik]

I voted "rarely". I don't think of heaven as a place. In fact, I couldn't care any less about any "place" that I go to. I believe that the aim is unity with the Godhead. After all, how could an incorporeal Being be "located" in a "place"? What does heaven as a "place" mean to someone like God? How is He "somewhere"? And if He is not "somewhere", then how could we be "somewhere" when we die? But what I DO believe is that we will be in a "place" after the resurrection, when we are in Eternity. I believe that the New Heavens and the New Earth are not a brand new creation out of nothing, but a renewing of the present creation, just as we are not brand new creations out of nothing, but renewed. I believe that what will characterize the New Heavens and New Earth is that God's presence will be everywhere. So anywhere in the universe would be in the direct presence of God. Our physical bodies (for we will still have physical bodies, but renewed) will be living in physical space, but we will be united to the presence of God, as is all of creation.

Thanks MrSnow - appreciate the input.

I understand what you're saying; it's hard to conceive of God in any one place at any given time. Still, I wonder what it was like in the garden of Eden as He was walking around there, or to see Him sitting upon a throne, Jesus standing at His side... I don't know!

I like to think that if we will be resident in new bodies and we will be with Him and with Jesus, that I will be able to appreciate Him and experience Him more "tangibly" (for lack of a better word) than we do now - you know what I mean?

I want to talk to Him, ask Him so many questions. My hope is I will be able to do that, concretely and directly.

Anyway, thanks again for the input. Much appreciated.

In Him,

 

[DerSchweik]

I think about heaven all the time. I hope that heaven is a place where boundaries cease to exist. I hope in heaven, all the things we can only dream about while on earth can be done. I hope in heaven, there are truly no limits to what a pure heart desires. I hope in heaven, there are colors that are so beautiful that they don't exist in our world. I hope in heaven, God's presence and love is so strong that it brings tears of joy to the angels eyes. I hope in heaven, I can love the way God intends us to. I hope in heaven, I'll never know sorrow again. I hope in heaven, things are more perfect than I can describe with words. I hope in heaven, I can go back to the world and be someone's angel. I hope there is a spot for me in heaven. I don't deserve to be there. I hope God thinks otherwise.

Dittos, my brother. God's grace is truly amazing; that "if while we were enemies, we were recondiled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."

Talk about merciful!! Amen! Thanks for your thoughts!

In Him,

 

[Hentenza]

Hi DS,

Here is a little tidbit of information. In Luke 23:43, Jesus declared, "Truly I say to you, Today you shall be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). The word Jesus used for paradise is paradeisos which means "a park, that is, (specifically) an Eden (place of future happiness, paradise)". Paradeisos is the a Greek word taken from the Hebrew word pardes which means "a park: - forest, orchard" (Strong's). Jesus said "Today you shall be with Me "en paradeisos" not "en nephele" which is Greek for in clouds. The point being that Jesus picked and used the word for a park. Not just any park but "the paradise of God" or park of God (Revelations 2:7) which for us will be a place of future happiness. Sounds like a great place, don't you think?

God Bless.

 

[DerSchweik]

Hi DS,

Here is a little tidbit of information. In Luke 23:43, Jesus declared, "Truly I say to you, Today you shall be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). The word Jesus used for paradise is paradeisos which means "a park, that is, (specifically) an Eden (place of future happiness, paradise)". Paradeisos is the a Greek word taken from the Hebrew word pardes which means "a park: - forest, orchard" (Strong's). Jesus said "Today you shall be with Me "en paradeisos" not "en nephele" which is Greek for in clouds. The point being that Jesus picked and used the word for a park. Not just any park but "the paradise of God" or park of God (Revelations 2:7) which for us will be a place of future happiness. Sounds like a great place, don't you think?

God Bless.

AMEN! That's a GREAT thought - to walk through God's park and be able to eat of the Tree of Life.

My first "image" of God was as a little boy and I imagined myself walking beside Him in a park full of trees with leaves colored in all autumn's hues, Him holding my hand as we walked - I felt totally secure, safe, and content. I've prayed for such a similar experience ever since - but believe He embedded that hope in me since childhood.

My best friend and I backpacked over the weekend in the lush alpine forests at altitude in Rocky Mtn Natl Park. With 12,000 foot peaks surrounding us, a lake before us, a trail through moss covered trees and lush green undergrowth - we could do nothing but praise Him for His creation and thank Him for blessing us so - we both spoke of such a place in Heaven, for if this was a grand as we thought it was, we could only imagine the grandeur of that place.

Amen brother! Thanks!!

 

[DerSchweik]

Hi DS,

Here is a little tidbit of information. In Luke 23:43, Jesus declared, "Truly I say to you, Today you shall be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). The word Jesus used for paradise is paradeisos which means "a park, that is, (specifically) an Eden (place of future happiness, paradise)". Paradeisos is the a Greek word taken from the Hebrew word pardes which means "a park: - forest, orchard" (Strong's). Jesus said "Today you shall be with Me "en paradeisos" not "en nephele" which is Greek for in clouds. The point being that Jesus picked and used the word for a park. Not just any park but "the paradise of God" or park of God (Revelations 2:7) which for us will be a place of future happiness. Sounds like a great place, don't you think?

God Bless.

... and reps to you and your beautiful young-uns!

God bless you as well.

 

[mystery4]

Its interesting. When I was little I used to think of heaven from time to time, usually when we were learning about it. Then for a good period of time I really didn't think much on it at all. But just recently I've begun thinking more and more about it. I think it may have been started when I was asked to preach on heaven last year.

It was utterly amazing, I had often believed that when we get to heaven there will be no more crying or mourning. But what I discovered was that that wasn't actually going to take place until the new heavens and earth are created and the old have gone (Rev 21). I had never realised that before.

But now, I keep thinking of the verses in Hebrews (11: 10, 13-16, 26, 35) where it says how all these people didn't consider earth there home but were looking forward to their home and reward. I don't know why but all of a sudden all I've begun desiring is that I will have the chance to meet Jesus, to be where he is. And I would love to be able to hug him. One of my friends and I were kinda wondering how long the line would be for everyone to have the chance to hug God when we first get there or is there some way he would be able to hug everyone at once?

And I absolutely love John 17:3-4 because I think it describes the essence of heaven. That we will know God and Jesus Christ. I can barely contain my joy at the thought, no more sin, no pain, and oh the stories we'd get to hear from all those people. It would be absolutely amazing. And we would get to see God's creation as it was before sin. Imagine what its like now that its going to be far better.

And what of that banquet Jesus said would be in heaven. What flavours would there be? and the best part is, its all good for you and no allergies! But oh, how I long to be with Jesus, without all this pain and suffering we have here now. To be able to have a place to call home, our real home and the love and joy we would have. And think of all the exploring we'd get to do too. It would take us all of eternity and we'd still not get to see it all.

Lord Jesus, please come quickly so we can go home with you.

 

[DerSchweik]

Its interesting. When I was little I used to think of heaven from time to time, usually when we were learning about it. Then for a good period of time I really didn't think much on it at all. But just recently I've begun thinking more and more about it. I think it may have been started when I was asked to preach on heaven last year.

It was utterly amazing, I had often believed that when we get to heaven there will be no more crying or mourning. But what I discovered was that that wasn't actually going to take place until the new heavens and earth are created and the old have gone (Rev 21). I had never realised that before.

But now, I keep thinking of the verses in Hebrews (11: 10, 13-16, 26, 35) where it says how all these people didn't consider earth there home but were looking forward to their home and reward. I don't know why but all of a sudden all I've begun desiring is that I will have the chance to meet Jesus, to be where he is. And I would love to be able to hug him. One of my friends and I were kinda wondering how long the line would be for everyone to have the chance to hug God when we first get there or is there some way he would be able to hug everyone at once?

And I absolutely love John 17:3-4 because I think it describes the essence of heaven. That we will know God and Jesus Christ. I can barely contain my joy at the thought, no more sin, no pain, and oh the stories we'd get to hear from all those people. It would be absolutely amazing. And we would get to see God's creation as it was before sin. Imagine what its like now that its going to be far better.

And what of that banquet Jesus said would be in heaven. What flavours would there be? and the best part is, its all good for you and no allergies! But oh, how I long to be with Jesus, without all this pain and suffering we have here now. To be able to have a place to call home, our real home and the love and joy we would have. And think of all the exploring we'd get to do too. It would take us all of eternity and we'd still not get to see it all.

Lord Jesus, please come quickly so we can go home with you.

Amen! What an encouraging post!

I know, re the "new heaven and earth." I think about everyone in the "present heaven" awaiting Jesus' return, awaiting vindication of all those who were martyred for the faith, of their Christ-like worry and concern for those of us still on the earth and the joy they express everytime someone gives their life to Him.

And then to think of the day after the final judgement, when it will finally be over! No more sin, no more worries, no more tears and sorrow; no more accusations of the devil, no more temptation - rather, to sit down at the banquet (I'll have steak, thank you) with no more worries about "is this good for me?" or "should I eat this?"

But yes, as you say, to be able to be with Him, in person, to query Him, to worship Him in person! To thank Him for what He did for us in joy inexpressible - I think though there will be pain there - the pain of cheeks strained with persistent smiles, and laughter!

To be able to walk with Him in His paradise, as Adam and Eve did in the garden, but this time permanently, knowing there is no more threat of sin, but only joy over His presence, holding His hand, conversing with Him!

Amen - so much more to write and think of when we get there!

 

[Hentenza]

... and reps to you and your beautiful young-uns!

God bless you as well.

Thanks DS!!! They are actually my grand-young-uns!!! Love them to death but, when they are bad, mama takes care of it!! HeHe!!

 

[DerSchweik]

Thanks DS!!! They are actually my grand-young-uns!!! Love them to death but, when they are bad, mama takes care of it!! HeHe!!

Understood! Ha! We all have our "gifts" huh?

 

[ContentInHim]

You know, I had never heard of him before our preacher did a lesson a few weeks back wherein he quoted that verse and I was completely taken aback at its simplicity and succinctity.

So my wife, who had heard about from some of her friends bought it and now I'm about a fifth of the way through it - and really enjoying it. It's a great study book on the topic, well-researched and very insightful.

That's what got me thinking about this thread, because I was one of those he talked about who rarely ever thought about heaven.

Now that I'm in my 50's and closer to "retirement" (yeah, right), I think I'm thinking about this stuff more and more - particularly "REST."

I just had to let you know that I found Randy Alcorn's new fiction book this past week. I'll let you know how it is!

 

[DerSchweik]

I just had to let you know that I found Randy Alcorn's new fiction book this past week. I'll let you know how it is!

Thanks! I am really enjoying this one - so much to feed on in it; learning a lot.

Thanks for the post!

God bless...