Heaven

[Galatea]

I believe Heaven will be completely different in every way, shape and form from what we know now, and yet will not be. Eternal communion with God is not something we can easily grasp.

It is perhaps like a line on a page as opposed to a novel or a single dot as opposed to an oil painting. We will be ourselves, yet more ourselves than we ever could be.

I am not even sure if it would be material in a sense we understand or even spiritual. I would think arbitrary definitions like Material and Spiritual or Concrete and Ephemeral would by necessity break down. I doubt very much we can envision heaven with any clarity, like we would fail if we tried envisioning a new colour. This is why we borrow metaphors from our earthly existence to try and describe the indescribable.

It is basically a divine mystery, but one to fervently hope for.

I agree with you entirely, but especially about being ourselves but more ourselves than we ever could be. This is something that is greatly to be desired. II Corinthians 5:2 "For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from Heaven."

 

[Johnnz]

'Heaven' for us is living in a restored world beyond our imaginings. Thus much of what we experience now will be familiar , but also so amplified and expanded that we will be eternally amazed. The Bible ends with heaven (God's dwelling 'place') and earth (our dwelling place) being united.

John
NZ

 

[aiki]

I find it a...sad thing that the One who makes Heaven heavenly, who makes it the place Christians most desire to go has not once figured into the conversation of this thread. Talk of environment, deceased pets and loved ones, and metaphysics quite misses the mark regarding what a Christian ought really to desire in the afterlife. It is God, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe and our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, who ought to be the great desire of our heart now and in eternity. "Whom have I in heaven but you," King David wrote. (Ps. 73:25) Paul the apostle wrote "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain," (Phil. 1:21) He was "hard pressed" desiring to be with Christ but realizing the need to continue his labors among the saints of the Early Church. (Phil. 1:23) For King David and Paul the joyful prospect of heaven had nothing to do with golden streets, or glowing skin, or reunions with loved ones, but with God. He is incomparable, a singular but Triune Being whose power and presence will stagger and astound us. His infinite excellence will keep us delighted forever. It is He who makes Heaven heavenly. All else in heaven will shrink to nothing in the light of His awesome and glorious Person.

Revelation 4:11
11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."

Selah.

 

[by right paths]

I am weak

Did you know…

YOU CAN KNOW FOR SURE THAT YOU ARE GOING TO
H E A V E N

He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God”

1 John 5:12-13

Going to Heaven has nothing to do with how good you are, or what church or religion you belong to. The Bible tells us very clearly how we may know 100% for sure that we will go STRAIGHT to Heaven when we die. There are 4 simple truths that you must understand.

1. WE ALL HAVE SINNED
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. ” (Romans 3:10-12)

We are all sinners by nature and by choice. We all have broken God’s holy laws, and we stand guilty and condemned before Him. No one is perfect.

2. THERE IS A PUNISHMENT FOR OUR SIN.
“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23)

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Revelation 20:14)

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

Because God is holy, He must punish sin. The punishment that God requires for sin is death. There are two deaths mentioned in the Bible: physical death, and spiritual death. We must be punished for our sins by being separated from God forever in the lake of fire, and no good works or religion can save us. Every unsaved sinner is headed for Hell fire.

3. JESUS CHRIST TOOK OUR PUNISHMENT.
“But God commendeth [demonstrated] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” (Revelation 1:5)

The Lord Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, came to earth about two thousand years ago. He died on the cross for your sins, and rose again three days later. He took your punishment upon himself so you can go to heaven. No church can save you; neither can religion, good works, baptism, communion, nor confession. Jesus Christ alone saves you.

4. YOU CAN BE SAVED RIGHT NOW.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

You can be saved if you will: it is as simple as A-B-C

Admit your sin and guilt and repent. Turn from your sins and what you are trusting.

Believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God died on the cross for your sins, and rose from the grave.

Call and receive Christ as your personal Saviour by calling upon His name.

If you will simply receive God’s gift of eternal life by trusting the Lord Jesus to save you and calling upon His name, you can know for sure that you are going to heaven. Do you want Jesus to take you to heaven one day? Do you believe that He will save you if you will ask him? If you do, then bow your head and pray this simple sinners prayer of confession to God for salvation.

Dear Jesus, I know I am a guilty sinner, I believe your word and I deserve the punishment for my sins in hell. I trust you now as my personal Saviour, and call upon you alone to save me from hell and take me to heaven. Please give me your free gift of eternal life. Amen!


NOW THAT YOU ARE SAVED, YOU ARE SAVED FOREVER.
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:28-29)

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” (Titus 1:2)

When God gives you eternal life, He gives it to you forever; otherwise, He would not have called it eternal life! You are His child, and are sealed by His Holy Spirit until the day you die. (Eph. 1:13, 14)

There are several things that you should do to please God. The Bible says “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls”. (Matt. 10:32- Acts 2:41)

• Read the KJV Bible daily.
• Pray to God in Jesus name.
• Attend & join a Bible-believing church
  
• Share this message with someone else.

Eternal Life in Heaven: 2 Sam. 12:23, Luke 23:43, John 14:1-6, 2 Cor. 5:1-2, 6-8, 1 Peter 1:4, Phil.3:21

Hell is a real place: Isiah 66:24, Matthew 25:41-46, Matthew 5:22, Mark 9:44-48, Luke 16:23, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 14: 10-11, Jude 13,

God bless you
by right paths

 

[7trees]

Heaven is the place Satan hates. It is the place of saints, God and perfect holiness. Sinners often dream of going to Heaven if their good deeds outweighed their bad- but in fact would hate being there.

Those who cannot love Christ in this world are hardly going to want to be among the perfectly holy in Heaven- and this will explode the dreams of many. Heaven however, more than a place, is God in the heart.

 

[toLiJC]

I feel rather chagrined about making a thread speculating about Hell, especially since it is not our final destination. It's a bit like wondering about a country you don't intend to visit. I'd rather talk about Heaven and some of the things we hope we'll get to do or see.

the biblical "heaven" is the world of good, while the "earth" is, or at least should be, the developed variety of the world of good, because it was created as such, and the will of the true God is still that the "earth" be used only for good purposes - in Him there is no "earth" without "heaven", neither "heaven" without "earth" beneath it

Blessings

 

[Femina]

Heaven is the place Satan hates. It is the place of saints, God and perfect holiness. Sinners often dream of going to Heaven if their good deeds outweighed their bad- but in fact would hate being there.

Those who cannot love Christ in this world are hardly going to want to be among the perfectly holy in Heaven- and this will explode the dreams of many. Heaven however, more than a place, is God in the heart.

How would you know what heaven is like? I am not disagreeing with you but--- Isn't heaven pure joy?

 

[7trees]

How would you know what heaven is like? I am not disagreeing with you but--- Isn't heaven pure joy?

I think Heaven is so much more than pure joy. I think a human mind cannot comprehend it. What is Love expressed as a place? That is Heaven. I am trying to abide in Christ in that deeper life. To have Heaven in the soul.

I always have peace and joy and always feel the Presence of God. I have not yet attained to perfect peace or joy but of course I aim at it. There is no one to talk to though as they are theorists that speak of their 'doctrines' like politicians speak politics. No one says, "God has rushed though my soul like a great tidal wave of love"; but they speculate...

Oh, yes to answer your question I have seen Heaven.

 

[2404]

I recall part of the Lord's Prayer, "on earth as it is in heaven." The here and now require more attention than some far away place, or some time in the future when things might be better. For a long time I waited for the future to save me. Things only got worse. Am not sure what happened since, but I think of achieving short term goals and that takes care of today. Can be grateful for the things I have received.

If I my mention it says 'in earth' not 'on earth'.
A reference to His children...
This earth (as it is) is not redeemable.

 

[Galatea]

I find it a...sad thing that the One who makes Heaven heavenly, who makes it the place Christians most desire to go has not once figured into the conversation of this thread. Talk of environment, deceased pets and loved ones, and metaphysics quite misses the mark regarding what a Christian ought really to desire in the afterlife. It is God, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe and our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, who ought to be the great desire of our heart now and in eternity. "Whom have I in heaven but you," King David wrote. (Ps. 73:25) Paul the apostle wrote "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain," (Phil. 1:21) He was "hard pressed" desiring to be with Christ but realizing the need to continue his labors among the saints of the Early Church. (Phil. 1:23) For King David and Paul the joyful prospect of heaven had nothing to do with golden streets, or glowing skin, or reunions with loved ones, but with God. He is incomparable, a singular but Triune Being whose power and presence will stagger and astound us. His infinite excellence will keep us delighted forever. It is He who makes Heaven heavenly. All else in heaven will shrink to nothing in the light of His awesome and glorious Person.

Revelation 4:11
11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."

Selah.

A few of us have talked about God, and Jesus. That's what makes it Heaven, Jesus. See my post #38.

 

[Sylvester]

I don’t think there’s anything wrong in starting a thread about hell. Discussion on that topic is good even though God isn’t gonna accept or reject us based on what we think the Bible teaches about hell. I have heard of at least three different views on what the hell is. And, I think, to a certain extent the way non-Christians view our God is influenced by the doctrine on hell. People’s opinion of an individual is influenced by the way he deals with different issues. Sin was/is a problem. God dealt with it by coming down to earth and allowing himself to be crucified. It showed his love. A person interested in Christianity can learn a facet of God from that. We all can. The issue of sin isn’t over, of course. It’ll be over when the world ends. And the Bible has said how God will deal with the unrepentant. The new Christian can learn another facet of God from what He does to the unrepentant. We all can. What exactly that other facet is depends on what we believe the Bible teaches about hell. Does God burn them forever? Does He burn them to ashes so they are no more? Does He burn them in hell, preaches gospel to them in hell, convinces them to repent and then takes them to heaven?


I know this thread isn’t about what hell is. I really hope I haven’t said anything that could make this thread go off topic. The point I wanna make is that it’s totally fine and probably even necessary to discuss hell.

Talking about heaven is awesome too!

 

[Femina]

I think Heaven is so much more than pure joy. I think a human mind cannot comprehend it. What is Love expressed as a place? That is Heaven. I am trying to abide in Christ in that deeper life. To have Heaven in the soul.

I always have peace and joy and always feel the Presence of God. I have not yet attained to perfect peace or joy but of course I aim at it. There is no one to talk to though as they are theorists that speak of their 'doctrines' like politicians speak politics. No one says, "God has rushed though my soul like a great tidal wave of love"; but they speculate...

Oh, yes to answer your question I have seen Heaven.

This is interesting. Can you say God rushed through your soul like a great tidal wave of love? I am amazed that you say you have seen heaven. Was this in a dream? Are you saying you saw heaven for real? I am very cautious about such claims. Once an long time ago I felt peace that was perfect but it left me and never again have I felt that perfect peace. How do we have such peace. I am very thankful to the Virgin Mary whose spirit comforts us.

 

[Hishandmaiden]

Heaven is a place to spend with Jesus for eternity.
That is what delights me most.
To spend time with Jesus eternally.

 

[Neostarwcc]

I find it a...sad thing that the One who makes Heaven heavenly, who makes it the place Christians most desire to go has not once figured into the conversation of this thread. Talk of environment, deceased pets and loved ones, and metaphysics quite misses the mark regarding what a Christian ought really to desire in the afterlife. It is God, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe and our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, who ought to be the great desire of our heart now and in eternity. "Whom have I in heaven but you," King David wrote. (Ps. 73:25) Paul the apostle wrote "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain," (Phil. 1:21) He was "hard pressed" desiring to be with Christ but realizing the need to continue his labors among the saints of the Early Church. (Phil. 1:23) For King David and Paul the joyful prospect of heaven had nothing to do with golden streets, or glowing skin, or reunions with loved ones, but with God. He is incomparable, a singular but Triune Being whose power and presence will stagger and astound us. His infinite excellence will keep us delighted forever. It is He who makes Heaven heavenly. All else in heaven will shrink to nothing in the light of His awesome and glorious Person.

Revelation 4:11
11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."

Selah.

I have to say I agree. That's what I'm looking the most forward to in Heaven. Spending time with God and being able to see the God that I so desperately want to see. Also, looking forward to being able to thank Jesus in person for the sacrifice that he made on the cross for us all. It's going to be incredible. As for what the New Earth will be like, I don't know. I can't imagine what it would be like but, it would be absolutely incredible I'm sure.

 

[7trees]

I am very cautious about such claims.

I am so cautious against such things it is one reason God chose to reveal them to me. I am the man who would not believe it if Mary the Virgin appeared to me... Or anything of the like.

God does however put such power, holiness and truth in genuine revelation that it transforms the soul for good. This is something the plastic saints and religion worshipers don't get. God is real. Everything is real. Yes I do have God's love and peace in a powerful way.

They have their beliefs, hopes and dreams and I have God like a pillar of fire burning in my soul and my mind- so my spiritual eyes have been opened.

Peace.

 

[CrystalDragon]

Heaven is the place Satan hates. It is the place of saints, God and perfect holiness. Sinners often dream of going to Heaven if their good deeds outweighed their bad- but in fact would hate being there.

Those who cannot love Christ in this world are hardly going to want to be among the perfectly holy in Heaven- and this will explode the dreams of many. Heaven however, more than a place, is God in the heart.

But Satan talked to God in Heaven in Job, so I'm not sure Satan hates it, necessarily. Or at least doesn't hate it to the point of never going there.

People who hate God may not desire going there, but I doubt they (or anyone) want to burn in hell either.

 

[LoveDivine]

I think what makes heaven so wonderful is that we get to be in the presence of God and fellowship with him for all eternity. We can experience deep fellowship with Christ through prayer in this life, but we do not fully understand the mysteries of Christ while we are on earth. As the OP already stated, it will be wonderful to be in that sinless and just state and be at perfect peace and fellowship with those around us.

 

[7trees]

But Satan talked to God in Heaven in Job, so I'm not sure Satan hates it, necessarily. Or at least doesn't hate it to the point of never going there.

People who hate God may not desire going there, but I doubt they (or anyone) want to burn in hell either.

Yet, if they love sin the are willing to suffer to have it.

 

[thesunisout]

I feel rather chagrined about making a thread speculating about Hell, especially since it is not our final destination. It's a bit like wondering about a country you don't intend to visit. I'd rather talk about Heaven and some of the things we hope we'll get to do or see.

Revelation 21:3-5

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me,
“Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

 

[Femina]

I am so cautious against such things it is one reason God chose to reveal them to me. I am the man who would not believe it if Mary the Virgin appeared to me... Or anything of the like.

God does however put such power, holiness and truth in genuine revelation that it transforms the soul for good. This is something the plastic saints and religion worshipers don't get. God is real. Everything is real. Yes I do have God's love and peace in a powerful way.

They have their beliefs, hopes and dreams and I have God like a pillar of fire burning in my soul and my mind- so my spiritual eyes have been opened.

Peace.

If this is true that you have seen heaven could you please tell me what it looks like?