Thinking About Heaven

Springrain · Sep 26, 2007

What do you think heaven will be like?

I can only think that God is planning one surprise after another, and that heaven will be far more than we ever imagined, not less. And whatever it involves will center on the One who assured His friends with His words. “Let not your heart be troubled. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).

This will be a place of happiness and everlasting reward where treasures don’t rust, wear out, or get stolen.

I’m looking forward to long walks with good friends, shared meals without rushing, and endless laughter at no one’s expense.

I’m anticipating meaningful work with plenty of time for reading, photography, fishing, and community service.

If my hunch is right, competition between friends will be healthy in heaven. I’m wondering if there might even be hockey without fights, soccer without brawls, and basketball playoffs where losing well is valued as much as winning.

Oh yes, I really hope I get to sing in the choir.

Please post your own ideas about heaven.

gratefulgrace · Sep 26, 2007

I am looking forward to seeing my son totally healed of all effects of his disablility. All paralysis gone and full physical strength restored. Also I have two siblings I never met a brother who died at 6 weeks before I was born and a sister who was a miscarriage just before I came on the scene. I want to get to know them. My hubby has a baby brother too that died at birth.

bartony · Sep 26, 2007

Oh me, I'm sitting here in tears as I read this thread. My precious family gone on, are there. I won't have to go through what I am this week with my ringing ears made worse by dental work Monday. No more suffering! I was so depressed yesterday, I can't describe how horrible I felt as my ears screamed at me.

I was brought to tears as I read your post, Jan, about your precious son. We will know no pain or sickness there. What a glorious time awaits us all! I really lost it about your brother. That hit home.

Barb has a brother that was stillborn several years before she came along. I'm crying as I type. Robert Lee Tipton will be waiting with open arms to hug his sis, Barbara Ann when those gates open for us! I have a brother in law and dad and mother in law that I never met waiting there, along with all my family. I am just overcome with emotion right now.

This is one stirring thread, my favorite subject about heaven. I am overcome with emotion now. Crying, just crying as I type.

God be with you all,

Tony

gratefulgrace · Sep 26, 2007

Heaven will be a wonderful place but it is funny even as much as I know it will be so I do not wish to hasten the day of my departure. Best to leave it in the Lords hands.

We have always had the debate at our house about "pets in heaven" Any thoughts.
One thing I do know, THERE WILL BE NO DUST IN HEAVEN (or mosquitos at least none that bite)

sk8Joyful · Sep 27, 2007

For many years people asked
"Why are you so Happy Annie?" and
I responded "Be cause I'm already in Heaven"

davedajobauk · Sep 27, 2007

Yes Annie I too agree that 'concept'

"Thy Will Be Done... In Earth As It Is In Heaven"

Here the Physical World of The Body

Later, comes the World of the Soul
for which, Jesus will prepare us
and where, we shall have everlasting-life

This, will be like nothing we have thus far known
We, must go there IN-FAITH
but! we must likewise, AWAIT until, we are called

dave

angelwind · Sep 27, 2007

I just want to stand forever before that throne and worship God forever... Rev 5

gratefulgrace · Sep 27, 2007

I do believe that whenever and wherever God's Spirit rules in Love we do experience a tiny taste of heaven. Jan

amadeus2 · Sep 27, 2007

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." I Cor 2:9

And then too everything that is vague and dark will be clear and bright:

"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.I Cor 13:9-10, 12

gratefulgrace · Sep 28, 2007

I was going to quote that scripture too but in further reading I realized that this was refering not to heaven which we cannot fully know here on earth but something which we can definitely know and that is the saving grace of our Lord Jesus. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." I Cor 2:9

here is the second part of that section just FYI it is good stuff.

1Cr 2:10But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1Cr 2:11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1Cr 2:12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1Cr 2:13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Cr 2:14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
1Cr 2:15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1Cr 2:16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

davedajobauk · Sep 28, 2007

Hi Springy

Is this the passage you are seeking young lady ?

Patterns of Ordained Ministry in the New Testament.
This is a summary and extract from talks I gave in 1993 and 1994. I hope many people will still find the contents useful.
When I speak of 'ordained' ministry, I'm thinking of ministry that was recognised, ministry for which people were set apart, and in particular ministry that involved leadership. There are of course, many different ministries mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, and many of these ministries are more appropriate in one location than another. But in Ephesians 3:5 and 4:11 Paul cites Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers as those who have a crucial leadership role in any and every growing church. But there were also in the New Testament, Elders, and I imagine that these would be the people of wisdom and experience in the church, and maybe those who would preside at the breaking of the bread - which is not claim that every priest today is a man of great wisdom or experience!
I want to make three important points.

Firstly, when Paul wrote to the Ephesians about these foundational ministries I am sure that it never occurred to him that he was speaking of ministries that were denied to women. In fact, I am sure that in every category he had women in mind as well as men.
In 1Corinthians 12:28 Paul writes: 'In the church, God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.' When Paul makes these lists, as he also does in Romans and Ephesians, it's quite clear that he imagines that either men or women could fulfil the ministries. He's writing to the whole church, and he envisages that all of these ministers, whether men or women would also serve the whole church, both men and women.
If there had been a particular problem with men being taught by women, of a particular problem with women being elders, why is this not made clear in these passages? Of course, you might say that precisely this point is made clear in the letters to Timothy, but my point is that the reference in Timothy is clearly specific, while the passages in Ephesians, Romans and Corinthians are all much more global in meaning and application. The point is then, while there may be specific situations in which women seem to be given the thumbs down, (- and for very specific local reasons), the general rule is precisely the opposite. The assumption is that they are included in every level and form of ministry.

The second point I want to make is that not only is the assumption there, but also the practice. For each of these important ministries we can find either possible or definite examples of women who fulfilled them in the New Testament.
Let's go through the list:
'First, Apostles...' Paul is, of course, not referring to the Twelve. He himself was not one of the Twelve, yet he was at pains to argue his apostleship. Paul is referring to the foundational ministry of the Apostle, and in Romans 16:7 Paul actually refers to a female apostle with the words 'Greet Andronicus and Junia... they are outstanding among the apostles.' The reference is not cast iron evidence because the name Junia could be a shortened form of the man's name Junianus. But if it was a man's name, then it has to be said that it's the only example of it in the whole of the New Testament world. Much more likely is the suggestion that Paul is actually referring to a woman apostle - Junia, and Junia was indeed, a common Roman female name.
Now that's important because if women could be regarded as outstanding apostles, on whose teaching a church is founded, then surely they could also be regarded as teachers and pastors, and today, as priests.
'Second, prophets...' Clearly Paul is not referring to the Prophets of the Old Testament and I've given reasons for that in the paper already mentioned. There had always been many female prophets among the people of God, and New Testament examples include Anna in Luke 2, and the four daughters of Philip in Acts 21. One of the interesting points about prophesy is that it is to weighed by the whole church, men and women, regardless of who spoke. Paul seems to assume here both that men will be judging the words of women prophets, and indeed that women will be sitting in judgement on the words of male prophets. Again - no gender distinction made.
'Third, teachers...' One of the great leaders of the early church was that of Apollos, and if anyone gets concerned that women should for some reason not be in a position to teach men, they would do well to remember that in Acts 18:26, we read of Priscilla and Aquilla taking Apollos into their home to teach him more adequately the Christian faith. Notice that as usual, Priscilla is mentioned before her husband. Maybe she was the stronger Christian, or the more articulate, or the more out-going. Maybe she was simply the better teacher. Notice that they are teaching Apollos - already a preacher of some standing, and a man well-versed in reliable doctrine. Notice that they are not leading a Basics course, but that they are actually completing what he is deficient in.
So much for teachers. What about evangelists?
Ephesians 4 v.11 is the place where evangelists are mentioned as being part of God's provision for leadership in the church, and Philippians 4 vv.2-3 is the place where the female evangelists are named: 'Euodia and Sytache.' Clearly they were of some standing in the church, which is why their dispute is pulling it apart. But Paul feels the pain especially, since he says they had 'contended at my side in the cause of the gospel.' The phrase is slightly vague, but most people read it to mean that he considered them fellow evangelists, and once again, therefore, we have examples of women counted in as among the foundational factors in church life and leadership
So what about elders?
We could surely find many examples of female elders in the Old Testament - Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, and the various 'wise women' of 1 & 2 Samuel. But in the New Testament, the obvious examples to look to would be Lydia and Chloe.
Lydia was the first named convert of the Philippian church, and we know from 1 Corinthians that such people might became leaders. She welcomed Timothy, Paul and Silas to stay in her house, and we know from 1Timothy 5:17 that hospitality was seen as a function of Christian elders. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, she already acted as an elder in the community - she was the head of her household and was accepted as such when we read that 'she and the members of her household were baptised.'(Acts 16:15)

So here we have Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, and elders - all of them foundational and most senior offices in the church; all of them fulfilled by both women and men. You may have noticed that I have not got a reference to Bishops, which is probably because it only appears 4 or 5 times in the New Testament, whereas apostle features 79 times, prophet 144 times, and elder, 66 times.
But finally, I want to draw your attention to a fascinating factor that has, I believe an enormous bearing on our debate.
The developing pattern of New Testament Ministry.
We all know that ministerial patterns evolved throughout the Biblical period and at no time, perhaps more than during the New Testament. What was it that brought about this development?
Partly it was theological factors - the sheer impact of the exploding gospel and the ways in which in liberated men and women of all classes and ethnic backgrounds into ministry. But, just as in our own day in the context of women's ministry, the New Testament churches were also influenced by social and cultural factors.
The New Testament churches grew up in four basic cultures - the Greek culture, the Roman culture, the Macedonian culture, and the Jewish culture. When we look at Greek, and Jewish women of the time, we find that they had very different opportunities, but that on the whole they enjoyed a similar standing. With these two, the Roman women compared favourably in terms of standing, dignity and freedom, but the most liberated, perhaps, were the Macedonians.
How did God call people, given the various social settings of these churches? If we now look at the patterns of women's leadership ministry we find the greatest accent among the Macedonian churches. In other words, where the culture permitted it, the church encouraged women's ministry at every level of leadership.
Why was this? Was it simply that the churches were relating to their cultures - being all things to all men for the sake of the gospel? Was it because they had to compromise on this matter for the sake of higher things? Was the Macedonian situation exceptional in some way? I believe that this Macedonian culture opened up a door, not only for the gospel, but also for the greater shaft of the light of God's vision for his Kingdom. What we find happening in the New Testament, and the Old, is not a radical repudiation of either the old Jewish culture or the new secular culture, but a transformation of both in Christ.

dave

Julianna · Sep 28, 2007

Springrain said:
What do you think heaven will be like?

I think it will be like nothing we know now on earth. I can't even imagine being where God is, in a place without sin, a place of peace and no more tears. I can't imagine not struggling and striving and longing for God to help me in my weakness and unbelief. Contemplating being complete, being whole, no lack, no sadness makes me so hopeful. I look forward to singing! Joining in with all believers who ever lived, singing perfectly our praises to God. Sometimes I do get a glimpse of that on earth, usually in church, and it is overwhelming! Can you imagine the harmonies? Yes, I look forward to praising God in heaven. Because God is a creative God, I am sure He will have us doing something to reflect that. I don't know what it is, but I want to be part of it! Mostly, I just want to bask in the fulfillment of His love for us. Sometimes on earth it is just too dark and gritty, but heaven will be pure and full of His light. Thank you, Lord for preparing a place for us. I am looking forward to it!!!

pilgrimgal · Sep 29, 2007

The scriptures below speak to me about our eternal home:

[But I don't think my imagination can begin to stretch as to how awesome it will be...]

Rev.21 [1] Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
[2] And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband;
[3] and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them;
[4] he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away."

angelwind · Sep 29, 2007

pilgrimgal said:
The scriptures below speak to me about our eternal home:

[But I don't think my imagination can begin to stretch as to how awesome it will be...]

Rev.21 [1] Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
[2] And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband;
[3] and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them;
[4] he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away."

What a future...it always humbles me to think that GOD wants to LIVE with us!!!! Be in our company...and even now, by His Spirit He is doing that!!!

What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? Ps 8:4

pilgrimgal · Sep 30, 2007

Springrain said:
And isn't this a wonderful comfort!!!

amadeus2 · Sep 30, 2007

gratefulgrace said:
I was going to quote that scripture too but in further reading I realized that this was refering not to heaven which we cannot fully know here on earth but something which we can definitely know and that is the saving grace of our Lord Jesus. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." I Cor 2:9

here is the second part of that section just FYI it is good stuff.

1Cr 2:10But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1Cr 2:11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1Cr 2:12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1Cr 2:13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Cr 2:14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
1Cr 2:15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1Cr 2:16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Yes, there is much that we already know about God and the things of God. These are never to be discounted, but I believe there is much more yet to be known, both in this natural life and beyond it.

pilgrimgal · Oct 1, 2007

amadeus2 said:
Yes, there is much that we already know about God and the things of God. These are never to be discounted, but I believe there is much more yet to be known, both in this natural life and beyond it.

and....

I Cor. 2:9... But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him,"

Ariel · Oct 2, 2007

Spring, I love this thread!

I don't know if you or anyone else is interested, but here is a study I did on heaven. I hope you enjoy it!

Heaven

I. Is there a heaven?
A. Abraham's bosom, Luke 16:20-22 (Gal. 3:29)
B. Paradise, Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 12:4; Rev. 2:7
C. Many references, e.g., Heb. 12:22-24; Matt. 18:10
D. A new heaven and new earth, 2 Peter 3:10-13; Rev. 21:1-2, 9-14

II. How to get to heaven
A. Only one way: By asking Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior, John 14:6; Rom. 10:9-10, 13; 3:23; 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9; John 1:12
B. What does Jesus do?
1. He washes us, sanctifies us, and justifies us,
1 Cor. 6:11; Heb. 10:22
2. He writes our names in the Lamb's Book of Life,
Luke 10:20; Is. 4:3; Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5; 21:27

III. Is there a hell?
The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:7-8; 22:14-15
They are cast outside into the outer darkness, Rev. 22:15, Matt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30; 2 Peter 2:17; Jude 12-13
Into hell Matt.5:29-30; Mark 9:43-48; Ps. 9:17
By the wrath of God, Col. 3:5-6
To be burned, Matt. 13:30; Mal. 4:1; Ps. 11:6
In the lake of fire, Rev. 20:15; 21:8
Where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, Matt. 8:12; Matt. 13:40-42, 49-50; 24:50-51; 25:30; Luke 13:28
They are covered with worms which never die, Is. 66:24; 14:11
They are burned with fire that will never be quenched, Matt. 18:8; 3:12; Mark 9:43
Their torment is everlasting, Luke 16:24; Is. 66:24; Dan. 12:1-2; Rev. 14:10-11; Rev. 20:10

Important note! ALL of us are unrighteous. None of us can go to heaven, unless Jesus is our Savior, John 14:6

IV. Heaven's spiritual atmosphere
A. The Presence of God, Rev. 21:3; 21:22; Ezek. 34:22-24
B. All things new, Rev. 21:5
1. New creation, Rom. 8:21
2. New bodies, 1 Cor. 15:42-44, 51-55
3. We will be like Him, 1 Cor. 15:48-49; Rom. 8:28-29; Heb. 12:10; 1 John 3:2; 4:17; Ps. 17:15
C. No more death, sorrow, crying or pain, Rev. 7:17; 20:14; 21:4; Is. 25:8; 30:19; Hos. 13:14; 1 Cor. 15:54-55
D. Nothing can enter that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, Rev. 21:27
E. No more curse, Rev. 22:3 (compare Gen. 3:14-19; Rom. 8:20-22)
F. Peace and safety, Is. 11:9; 32:17-18; Ezek. 34:25-28; Hos. 2:18
G. Abundance, Is. 60:5; Ezek. 34:29; Hos. 2:21-22; Rev. 7:16

V. What heaven looks like--
A. Abraham's bosom
1. People there:
a. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets, Luke 13:28; Matt. 8:11
b. Ultimately, people from every tribe, tongue nation, Is. 2:2; 11:10; 55:5; 60:4-5; Ps. 22:27-28; Rev. 5:9; 7:9
2. Angels, Heb. 12:22-24; Matt. 18:10
3. The River of Life, Rev. 22:1; Ezek. 47:1-12
4. Flowers, vegetation
a. No longer subject to corruption, Rom. 8:21
b. Trees for the healing of the nations, Rev. 22:2, 14; Ezek. 47:7, 12; Gen. 2:9; 3:22
5. Animals
a. Horses, Rev. 19:14
b. Other animals, Is. 11:6-8; (this is not an exhaustive list); Hos. 2:18; also compare Gen. 2:8-9, 19-20

B. The Holy City
1. Adorned like a bride, Rev. 21:2
2. Its foundations, Rev. 21:14
3. Its form, Rev. 21:15-17
4. Its construction,
a. Gates, Rev. 21:12-13, 21, 25
b. Foundations, Rev. 21:14, 19-20
c. Walls, Rev. 21:12(a), 18
d. Streets, Rev. 21:21(b)
e. The city itself, Rev. 21:18(b)
5. God on His throne, Rev. 21:5, 22
6. Full of light, Rev. 21:11; 21:23
7. No night, Rev. 21:25; 22:5

VI. What do we do in heaven?
1. We will worship Him, Ps. 22:27-28; Rev. 7:9-17; 19:5-6
2. We will be His servants, Rev. 22:3
3. We will be taught by the Lord, Is. 2:3

VII. Judgment
Scripture which speaks of judgment:
Romans 2:5-11 "But in accordance with your hard and impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and righteous judgment of God, "who will render to each one according to his deeds": eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God."

Rom. 14:10,12 "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ....So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God."

2 Cor. 5:9-10 "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

See also John 5:24-29; Matt. 25:31-46; Ps. 62:12

A. Judgment of the unrighteous:
Ps. 96:13; Rev. 19:11; 20:12-15
Degrees of punishment--Luke 10:13-15; 12:42-48

B. Judgment of the righteous:
Matt. 25:31-40; Matt. 10:42

VIII. Rewards
A. He has reserved good things for us: 1 Peter 1:3-4; Col. 1:5

B. Degrees of reward--
These Scriptures speak of degrees of reward. In other words, not everyone will get the same reward:
Ps. 18:20-24 "The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands...."
Rev. 22:12 [Jesus speaking] "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."
Heb. 11:35 "...Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection."
Matt. 16:27 "For the Son of man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works."
1 Cor. 3:8 "Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor."

See also 1 Cor. 3:10-15; Eph. 6:5-8

B. Specific rewards:

1. The right to eat of the Tree of Life, Rev. 22:14
2. The right to be able to enter through the gates, Rev. 22:14; 2 Peter 1:10-11
3. Clothing
Rev. 3:5 "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments...."
Eph. 5:27 "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle ar any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."
Song of Sol. 4:7 "You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you."
Rev. 19:8 "And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints."
Rev. 19:14 "And the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses."
Is. 61:10 "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness."
Ps. 132:9 "Let your priests be clothed with righteousness...."
Job 29:14 "I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban."
4. Crowns, 1 Cor. 9:25
a. Crown of Righteousness, 2 Tim. 4:8
Condition: Given to all those who have loved His appearing
b. Crown of Life, James 1:12
Condition: Given to those who love Him, who have endured temptation and been approved
c. Crown of Glory, 1 Peter 5:4
Condition: Given to elders who have shepherded the flock well
5. Jewelry, Prov. 1:8-9; SS 1:9-11; Ezek. 16:9-14 (done both figuratively and literally for Israel at one time, but judgment took this away, Is. 3:16-25)
6. Houses and lands, Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:29-30; Luke 18:29-30; the principle: 2 Chron. 25:9
7. Authority, Matt. 24:45-47;25:14-23; Luke 12:42-44; Rev. 3:21; 21:7
8. Glory, Rom. 2:6-7; Col. 3:4; 1 Peter 1:3-7; 4:12-19; Rev. 21:24, 26; 1 Cor. 15:35-49, 58
9. They will shine, Dan. 12:3; Matt. 13:43
Condition: be wise; turn many to righteousness
10. The salvation of those who hear us, 1 Tim. 4:16
11. The sanctification and salvation of our families, 1 Cor. 7:14; Acts 16:31
12. He will say: "Well done My good and faithful servant," Heb.13:20-21; Matt. 25:23
13. We shall see His face, Rev. 22:4; Matt. 5:8; Ps. 17:15
14. We shall know Him, Hosea 2:19-20; Jer. 31:33-34
15. We shall be like Him, 1 John 3:2; 4:17; Ps. 17:15; Rom. 8:28-29

"He who overcomes shall inherit all things," Rev. 21:7

angelwind · Oct 2, 2007

Ariel said:
Spring, I love this thread!

I don't know if you or anyone else is interested, but here is a study I did on heaven. I hope you enjoy it!

Heaven

I. Is there a heaven?
A. Abraham's bosom, Luke 16:20-22 (Gal. 3:29)
B. Paradise, Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 12:4; Rev. 2:7
C. Many references, e.g., Heb. 12:22-24; Matt. 18:10
D. A new heaven and new earth, 2 Peter 3:10-13; Rev. 21:1-2, 9-14

II. How to get to heaven
A. Only one way: By asking Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior, John 14:6; Rom. 10:9-10, 13; 3:23; 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9; John 1:12
B. What does Jesus do?
1. He washes us, sanctifies us, and justifies us,
1 Cor. 6:11; Heb. 10:22
2. He writes our names in the Lamb's Book of Life,
Luke 10:20; Is. 4:3; Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5; 21:27

III. Is there a hell?
The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:7-8; 22:14-15
They are cast outside into the outer darkness, Rev. 22:15, Matt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30; 2 Peter 2:17; Jude 12-13
Into hell Matt.5:29-30; Mark 9:43-48; Ps. 9:17
By the wrath of God, Col. 3:5-6
To be burned, Matt. 13:30; Mal. 4:1; Ps. 11:6
In the lake of fire, Rev. 20:15; 21:8
Where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, Matt. 8:12; Matt. 13:40-42, 49-50; 24:50-51; 25:30; Luke 13:28
They are covered with worms which never die, Is. 66:24; 14:11
They are burned with fire that will never be quenched, Matt. 18:8; 3:12; Mark 9:43
Their torment is everlasting, Luke 16:24; Is. 66:24; Dan. 12:1-2; Rev. 14:10-11; Rev. 20:10

Important note! ALL of us are unrighteous. None of us can go to heaven, unless Jesus is our Savior, John 14:6

IV. Heaven's spiritual atmosphere
A. The Presence of God, Rev. 21:3; 21:22; Ezek. 34:22-24
B. All things new, Rev. 21:5
1. New creation, Rom. 8:21
2. New bodies, 1 Cor. 15:42-44, 51-55
3. We will be like Him, 1 Cor. 15:48-49; Rom. 8:28-29; Heb. 12:10; 1 John 3:2; 4:17; Ps. 17:15
C. No more death, sorrow, crying or pain, Rev. 7:17; 20:14; 21:4; Is. 25:8; 30:19; Hos. 13:14; 1 Cor. 15:54-55
D. Nothing can enter that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, Rev. 21:27
E. No more curse, Rev. 22:3 (compare Gen. 3:14-19; Rom. 8:20-22)
F. Peace and safety, Is. 11:9; 32:17-18; Ezek. 34:25-28; Hos. 2:18
G. Abundance, Is. 60:5; Ezek. 34:29; Hos. 2:21-22; Rev. 7:16

V. What heaven looks like--
A. Abraham's bosom
1. People there:
a. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets, Luke 13:28; Matt. 8:11
b. Ultimately, people from every tribe, tongue nation, Is. 2:2; 11:10; 55:5; 60:4-5; Ps. 22:27-28; Rev. 5:9; 7:9
2. Angels, Heb. 12:22-24; Matt. 18:10
3. The River of Life, Rev. 22:1; Ezek. 47:1-12
4. Flowers, vegetation
a. No longer subject to corruption, Rom. 8:21
b. Trees for the healing of the nations, Rev. 22:2, 14; Ezek. 47:7, 12; Gen. 2:9; 3:22
5. Animals
a. Horses, Rev. 19:14
b. Other animals, Is. 11:6-8; (this is not an exhaustive list); Hos. 2:18; also compare Gen. 2:8-9, 19-20

B. The Holy City
1. Adorned like a bride, Rev. 21:2
2. Its foundations, Rev. 21:14
3. Its form, Rev. 21:15-17
4. Its construction,
a. Gates, Rev. 21:12-13, 21, 25
b. Foundations, Rev. 21:14, 19-20
c. Walls, Rev. 21:12(a), 18
d. Streets, Rev. 21:21(b)
e. The city itself, Rev. 21:18(b)
5. God on His throne, Rev. 21:5, 22
6. Full of light, Rev. 21:11; 21:23
7. No night, Rev. 21:25; 22:5

VI. What do we do in heaven?
1. We will worship Him, Ps. 22:27-28; Rev. 7:9-17; 19:5-6
2. We will be His servants, Rev. 22:3
3. We will be taught by the Lord, Is. 2:3

VII. Judgment
Scripture which speaks of judgment:
Romans 2:5-11 "But in accordance with your hard and impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and righteous judgment of God, "who will render to each one according to his deeds": eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God."

Rom. 14:10,12 "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ....So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God."

2 Cor. 5:9-10 "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

See also John 5:24-29; Matt. 25:31-46; Ps. 62:12

A. Judgment of the unrighteous:
Ps. 96:13; Rev. 19:11; 20:12-15
Degrees of punishment--Luke 10:13-15; 12:42-48

B. Judgment of the righteous:
Matt. 25:31-40; Matt. 10:42

VIII. Rewards
A. He has reserved good things for us: 1 Peter 1:3-4; Col. 1:5

B. Degrees of reward--
These Scriptures speak of degrees of reward. In other words, not everyone will get the same reward:
Ps. 18:20-24 "The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands...."
Rev. 22:12 [Jesus speaking] "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."
Heb. 11:35 "...Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection."
Matt. 16:27 "For the Son of man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works."
1 Cor. 3:8 "Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor."

See also 1 Cor. 3:10-15; Eph. 6:5-8

B. Specific rewards:

1. The right to eat of the Tree of Life, Rev. 22:14
2. The right to be able to enter through the gates, Rev. 22:14; 2 Peter 1:10-11
3. Clothing
Rev. 3:5 "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments...."
Eph. 5:27 "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle ar any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."
Song of Sol. 4:7 "You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you."
Rev. 19:8 "And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints."
Rev. 19:14 "And the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses."
Is. 61:10 "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness."
Ps. 132:9 "Let your priests be clothed with righteousness...."
Job 29:14 "I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban."
4. Crowns, 1 Cor. 9:25
a. Crown of Righteousness, 2 Tim. 4:8
Condition: Given to all those who have loved His appearing
b. Crown of Life, James 1:12
Condition: Given to those who love Him, who have endured temptation and been approved
c. Crown of Glory, 1 Peter 5:4
Condition: Given to elders who have shepherded the flock well
5. Jewelry, Prov. 1:8-9; SS 1:9-11; Ezek. 16:9-14 (done both figuratively and literally for Israel at one time, but judgment took this away, Is. 3:16-25)
6. Houses and lands, Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:29-30; Luke 18:29-30; the principle: 2 Chron. 25:9
7. Authority, Matt. 24:45-47;25:14-23; Luke 12:42-44; Rev. 3:21; 21:7
8. Glory, Rom. 2:6-7; Col. 3:4; 1 Peter 1:3-7; 4:12-19; Rev. 21:24, 26; 1 Cor. 15:35-49, 58
9. They will shine, Dan. 12:3; Matt. 13:43
Condition: be wise; turn many to righteousness
10. The salvation of those who hear us, 1 Tim. 4:16
11. The sanctification and salvation of our families, 1 Cor. 7:14; Acts 16:31
12. He will say: "Well done My good and faithful servant," Heb.13:20-21; Matt. 25:23
13. We shall see His face, Rev. 22:4; Matt. 5:8; Ps. 17:15
14. We shall know Him, Hosea 2:19-20; Jer. 31:33-34
15. We shall be like Him, 1 John 3:2; 4:17; Ps. 17:15; Rom. 8:28-29

"He who overcomes shall inherit all things," Rev. 21:7

This is an excellent study, thank you Ariel.

Ariel · Oct 2, 2007

Angel and Spring,
You are so welcome!

Please feel free to let me know if there are any typos or other errors. It wouldn't be the first time!

I really love the study of heaven. It always makes me feel motivated to love our beloved Jesus more, and to do more for Him. He is so gracious to us, to share what He was given.

Thinking About Heaven

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dum spiro spero

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Jeremiah 29:11 It's good!

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Jeremiah 29:11 It's good!

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