Ive asked this question before, but nobody has really been able to answer...

[Harley.]

I have had a pretty tough last three years, for reasons I wont disclose here. Lets be real, we all have.

I liked to use heaven as a way to keep me going, knowing I have that sweet reward at the end of it all kept me strong. Until I actually started doing some research...

Throughout revelation we are mentioned as being positioned before the throne of God, in a temple, forever in worship. For all eternity. I love God so much, more then anything, and I cant wait to worship him properly, it will be glorious. However, I also love being creative and exploring and learning and creating things myself. I was made in God's image, as God is a creator, so am I. And to think that thats going to be stripped away...saddens me. I hate to admit it but what I see envisioned for heaven seems kind of...boring...

I love the diversity in life, I love being able to make my own choices, and being able to create things for God. Being able to really pour my heart into something (for me, I make music) and then showing it to God and being able to say "I made this for you with what you gave me". I mean imagine that, but in person? And yet we are just before the throne...forever...no culture? No different towns? No diversity? No autonomy? Just executing one activity forever? I just cant look forward to that...

Am I interpreting this wrong? I MUST be. This cant be what the God who made EVERYTHING is redeeming us for? Right?!

 

[Blade]

I am not following you "And yet we are just before the throne...forever...no culture? No different towns? No diversity? No autonomy? Just executing one activity forever? I just cant look forward to that..." Are you talking about heaven? What God gives He never takes away. If you like say reading here ooh wow your going to LOVE heaven! Say you like making writing music again you have no clue as to all you will be able to do there. Just keep going. This world is like a copy. Now this copy to compare with heaven is like a 1y old painted a copy of it. Yeah trees here grass rocks.. all in heaven yet in heaven they are alive. Everything God creates is life. This here is the fallen under a curse. Now take all that away and YEAH HELLO! No end to what we will do. Remember our Father is GOD. Here this world is still under a curse and there is only so much God can do. Its written Satan is the God of this world. Christ said when they took Him...if this was my kingdom my servants would not allow you to take me.

Oh then its written “Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed].”

See we can't even imagine what God has instore for us. Remember happiness, joy, laugher.. hello its HIM! So everything He gave you He will not ever take away. Yeah so this ride so to speak oh man gets better and better never ending. If this is what you were talking about sorry if I missed it

 

[d taylor]

I have had a pretty tough last three years, for reasons I wont disclose here. Lets be real, we all have.

I liked to use heaven as a way to keep me going, knowing I have that sweet reward at the end of it all kept me strong. Until I actually started doing some research...

Throughout revelation we are mentioned as being positioned before the throne of God, in a temple, forever in worship. For all eternity. I love God so much, more then anything, and I cant wait to worship him properly, it will be glorious. However, I also love being creative and exploring and learning and creating things myself. I was made in God's image, as God is a creator, so am I. And to think that thats going to be stripped away...saddens me. I hate to admit it but what I see envisioned for heaven seems kind of...boring...

I love the diversity in life, I love being able to make my own choices, and being able to create things for God. Being able to really pour my heart into something (for me, I make music) and then showing it to God and being able to say "I made this for you with what you gave me". I mean imagine that, but in person? And yet we are just before the throne...forever...no culture? No different towns? No diversity? No autonomy? Just executing one activity forever? I just cant look forward to that...

Am I interpreting this wrong? I MUST be. This cant be what the God who made EVERYTHING is redeeming us for? Right?!

Believers do not spend eternity in heaven, they will spend their eternal lives on the new earth.

 

[Lost Witness]

I have had a pretty tough last three years, for reasons I wont disclose here. Lets be real, we all have.

I liked to use heaven as a way to keep me going, knowing I have that sweet reward at the end of it all kept me strong. Until I actually started doing some research...

Throughout revelation we are mentioned as being positioned before the throne of God, in a temple, forever in worship. For all eternity. I love God so much, more then anything, and I cant wait to worship him properly, it will be glorious. However, I also love being creative and exploring and learning and creating things myself. I was made in God's image, as God is a creator, so am I. And to think that thats going to be stripped away...saddens me. I hate to admit it but what I see envisioned for heaven seems kind of...boring...

I love the diversity in life, I love being able to make my own choices, and being able to create things for God. Being able to really pour my heart into something (for me, I make music) and then showing it to God and being able to say "I made this for you with what you gave me". I mean imagine that, but in person? And yet we are just before the throne...forever...no culture? No different towns? No diversity? No autonomy? Just executing one activity forever? I just cant look forward to that...

Am I interpreting this wrong? I MUST be. This cant be what the God who made EVERYTHING is redeeming us for? Right?!

Yea 'heaven' is a Eternal learning experience,
We praise and Worship the LORD and he Teaches us because we're his Children.
Have You seen the Movie "Heaven is For Real?
Give Watching the interviews with Colton Burpo a Watch when your done.
Then Perhaps Look into Dean Braxton,
He was Dead for an hour and 45minutes and went to Heaven, very Enlightening.

 

[Daniel9v9]

The short answer to that is that, we, in our sinful nature and lack of understanding, often reduce heaven to our idea of what paradise must look like. So, for example, if someone loves food, then surely heaven is a never-ending banquet. Or if another loves football, then surely he'll be able to play in heaven forever. This is to say that it can be difficult for us to see the appeal of spending eternity in a place where we can't exercise or be around the things we like. But this notion is not good, for fails to take into account the higher gifts of our Lord, namely, a reality without pain, sin, and death, and to be able to see God face to face and live forever. This is a reality we can't even conceive of, and whatever it is, it's far greater than a kind of heaven we commonly construe in our own minds.

Now, having said this, I think we can also learn some things from the creation account. And in the creation, we see that God made Adam and Eve perfect and incredibly sophisticated, and bestowed upon them freedom. And included in this, we can also see different vocations and the gift of creativity. So whatever heaven is, it will far exceed anything we can ever imagine — it will be far greater and more joyful than anything we can know in this age. Now we only have a glimpse of it through God's Word, but then we will see fully, and what a joy that will be!

 

[thesacredbeautiful]

"No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no human mind has conceived what God has planned for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

 

[Harley.]

The short answer to that is that, we, in our sinful nature and lack of understanding, often reduce heaven to our idea of what paradise must look like. So, for example, if someone loves food, then surely heaven is a never-ending banquet. Or if another loves football, then surely he'll be able to play in heaven forever. This is to say that it can be difficult for us to see the appeal of spending eternity in a place where we can't exercise or be around the things we like. But this notion is not good, for fails to take into account the higher gifts of our Lord, namely, a reality without pain, sin, and death, and to be able to see God face to face and live forever. This is a reality we can't even conceive of, and whatever it is, it's far greater than a kind of heaven we commonly construe in our own minds.

Now, having said this, I think we can also learn some things from the creation account. And in the creation, we see that God made Adam and Eve perfect and incredibly sophisticated, and bestowed upon them freedom. And included in this, we can also see different vocations and the gift of creativity. So whatever heaven is, it will far exceed anything we can ever imagine — it will be far greater and more joyful than anything we can know in this age. Now we only have a glimpse of it through God's Word, but then we will see fully, and what a joy that will be!

I mean I agree with you in some respects. For example, yes we wont have our sinful nature, but if I dont like the things I like right now, then thats not really me in heaven now is it? Its someone who looks like me (presumably), talks like me, but its not rlly me. Now we know via scripture that we WILL be ourselves in heaven. So would it not make sense that we would have the same passions and interests?

 

[Harley.]

"No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no human mind has conceived what God has planned for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

The rest of that verse describes how God has revealed these things to us through the spirit. That verse isnt really about heaven so much as it is about the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

 

[Harley.]

Believers do not spend eternity in heaven, they will spend their eternal lives on the new earth.

Thats what im talking about

 

[Daniel9v9]

I mean I agree with you in some respects. For example, yes we wont have our sinful nature, but if I dont like the things I like right now, then thats not really me in heaven now is it? Its someone who looks like me (presumably), talks like me, but its not rlly me. Now we know via scripture that we WILL be ourselves in heaven. So would it not make sense that we would have the same passions and interests?

Well, look at the resurrected Christ who is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. He was certainly still a friend and a Lord to His disciples. I think we can compare it to being a child and imagining what it's like to be an adult. Or as being incomplete and being complete. As John says: "We are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when [Jesus] appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is."

And whatever this reality is, it will be good.

 

[ozso]

Believers do not spend eternity in heaven, they will spend their eternal lives on the new earth.

Exactly. The Kingdom of God (heaven) comes down to rest upon the new earth and the gates are always open. So it's not a prison. Like the angels we'll be able to go to and fro upon the earth. Isaiah says we'll be able to mount up with wings as eagles, so apparently we'll be able to fly to wherever we want

 

[BobRyan]

Throughout revelation we are mentioned as being positioned before the throne of God, in a temple, forever in worship. For all eternity. I love God so much, more then anything, and I cant wait to worship him properly, it will be glorious. However, I also love being creative and exploring and learning and creating things myself. I was made in God's image, as God is a creator, so am I. And to think that thats going to be stripped away...saddens me.

you are misreading.

1. The 1440,000 are a special group and they follow the lamb "Wherever he goes" -- not just 'stuck in the temple" as you seem to suppose.
2. The saints "inherit the Earth" as we are told in Matt 5... so that is what Rev 21 calls "The New Earth".
3. Is 66:23 in the new heavens and new Earth "from Sabbath to Sabbath shall all mankind COME before Me to worship" which means they are not "stuck there" for all 7 days of the week -- but rather they come there once a week "to worship" for all eternity
4. Since God can go anywhere he likes in the entire Universe - and "God created the WORLDS" Heb 1 -- they along with other saints will have access to the entire universe.

Heb 1:1 "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;"

You look "down" when you should be "looking up"

Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

1 Cor 2:9 but just as it is written:
“Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,
And which have not entered the human heart,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him.”

from: The Controversy Ended (Near the end of the chapter)

"All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God's redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar,—worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe, and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God's handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation,—suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator's name is written, and in all are the riches of his power displayed.And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ.​

​

"As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of his character. As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption, and the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise.​

​

Another book you will enjoy -- (free online -- read it)

Heaven

m.egwwritings.org

 

[thesacredbeautiful]

I'd like to recommend a book: Knowing God by J.I. Packer.

"Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." John 17:3

 

[BobRyan]

I'd like to recommend a book: Knowing God by J.I. Packer.

"Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." John 17:3

Do you have quotes from it showing what he teaches about the New Earth and heaven?

 

[d taylor]

-​

What i will love about the new earth, the science deceptions will be over, never to return. But actually that will began in the millennium with reign of The Messiah

 

[All4Christ]

Just a reminder that Christian Advice is a place to share advice with the OP, reflecting Christ’s love, not a place to debate viewpoints or theology. Thank you!

 

[thesacredbeautiful]

Throughout revelation we are mentioned as being positioned before the throne of God, in a temple, forever in worship. For all eternity. I love God so much, more then anything, and I cant wait to worship him properly, it will be glorious. However, I also love being creative and exploring and learning and creating things myself. I was made in God's image, as God is a creator, so am I. And to think that thats going to be stripped away...saddens me. I hate to admit it but what I see envisioned for heaven seems kind of...boring...

I love the diversity in life, I love being able to make my own choices, and being able to create things for God. Being able to really pour my heart into something (for me, I make music) and then showing it to God and being able to say "I made this for you with what you gave me". I mean imagine that, but in person? And yet we are just before the throne...forever...no culture? No different towns? No diversity? No autonomy? Just executing one activity forever? I just cant look forward to that...

Am I interpreting this wrong? I MUST be. This cant be what the God who made EVERYTHING is redeeming us for? Right?!

Have you read All Things New by John Eldredge?

 

[friend of]

Paul mentioned seeing incredible unspeakable things in the third heaven when God caught him up in 2 Corinthians 12. Read that chapter

 

[Tionbai]

I don't think there is any reason to believe that we will no longer be creative. We are created in the image of God, and God is eternal. God is always a creator. I think revelation depicts the new world as a political government, so I imagine it is like the earth today in many ways. However, in this age, satan is the prince of this world, but in the coming Kingdom, YHWH will be King. So we will not have the same corruption and evil as we have today. But I imagine we will have a purpose, create, explore, learn, love, experience, and praise and worship Him.

I don't think we will be mindlessly praising and singing hymns as some traditions have depicted heaven; but even if we did do that, I think we would love it and not want to do anything else. Kind of like when you are in love with someone and consumed by your love and admiration for them. Imagine that feeling x1000. Seeing Him and experiencing Him is and will be the most amazing feeling we can ever experience, and it is like an all-consuming romance and intense passion that will never fade because He never seizes to be everything we desire. However, I don't think that is God's purpose for us, but rather that we are His image-bearers and imitate Him in the creation He has made.

 

[Darren Court]

I have had a pretty tough last three years, for reasons I wont disclose here. Lets be real, we all have.

I liked to use heaven as a way to keep me going, knowing I have that sweet reward at the end of it all kept me strong. Until I actually started doing some research...

Throughout revelation we are mentioned as being positioned before the throne of God, in a temple, forever in worship. For all eternity. I love God so much, more then anything, and I cant wait to worship him properly, it will be glorious. However, I also love being creative and exploring and learning and creating things myself. I was made in God's image, as God is a creator, so am I. And to think that thats going to be stripped away...saddens me. I hate to admit it but what I see envisioned for heaven seems kind of...boring...

I love the diversity in life, I love being able to make my own choices, and being able to create things for God. Being able to really pour my heart into something (for me, I make music) and then showing it to God and being able to say "I made this for you with what you gave me". I mean imagine that, but in person? And yet we are just before the throne...forever...no culture? No different towns? No diversity? No autonomy? Just executing one activity forever? I just cant look forward to that...

Am I interpreting this wrong? I MUST be. This cant be what the God who made EVERYTHING is redeeming us for? Right?!

I totally understand what you're saying, even if others don't! You're basically saying that heaven doesn't sound so great.

I think the problem here is that you're assuming many things most of which are untrue.

You're assuming that the bible has written how we will spend all our time in heaven... and it hasn't
You're assuming that the worship is all the bible says we'll be doing... and it isn't
You're assuming that you'll be bored else be unfulfilled... you won't.

The bible says we will have a new body and yet....
We will feast... “I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." – Matthew 26:29

We will know and understand everything (that we don't now) "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." – 1 Corinthians 13:12

We will serve (creatively perhaps) "No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him." – Revelation 22:3

..but above all it will be better than we can image ""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.'" – 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)