by jimwalton » Mon Jun 19, 2023 9:39 am
> what do you believe about heaven?
Heaven is being in God's direct presence. It's more accurately a state of being rather than a place.
> how do we get there?
It is the people who have the nature of Jesus in them who go to heaven, and the people who are still in their sin nature do not. We get the nature of Christ in us by a miracle that He does (2 Cor. 5.17) when we repent of our sins, and come to God. In the process we give our lives to God, pledging to love Him and obey Him.
> what is it like?
Heaven is a place of where we learn, explore, enjoy, and work. In Luke 19.11-27, Jesus tells a parable about "when the kingdom of God appears." Many people believe that he's talking about heaven and hell. In the story, people in "heaven" are rewarded with jobs and responsibility, much like we have here on Earth. Since the book of Revelation describes heaven as being on this Earth (Rev. 21.2), and it describes heaven as a city (Rev. 21.10), it makes sense to me that life in heaven will be filled with productive labor, meaningful activity, great relationships, and lots to do. It certainly won't be sitting around playing harps. Or worse yet, accordions. That would kill any of us.
Do you know the difference between a trampoline and an accordion? You have to take your shoes off to jump on a trampoline.
Watchman Nee wrote, "Heaven is not a place of inactivity, but we shall be called to a greater work." The reward for responsibility is more responsibility. To him who has, more will be given.
Isaiah 65 makes it sound like people will build houses (v. 21) and do work that is productive and fulfilling (23). Zechariah 14.16 makes mention of worship, as does much of Revelation. Matthew 25.14-30 also mentions "I will put you in charge of many things."
In a speculative vein, what if God starts creating again (since it is his nature), and there are more worlds to explore, and new worlds to explore, and every day something new is popping up (since God is infinite in his creative nature) to do, see, and enjoy? It's a fascinating prospect—a God of infinite creative ability letting loose again for our continual enthusiasm and inspiration.
>who is it for?
Heaven is for people who love God and want to enjoy His presence forever.
> what do you believe about heaven?
Heaven is being in God's direct presence. It's more accurately a state of being rather than a place.
> how do we get there?
It is the people who have the nature of Jesus in them who go to heaven, and the people who are still in their sin nature do not. We get the nature of Christ in us by a miracle that He does (2 Cor. 5.17) when we repent of our sins, and come to God. In the process we give our lives to God, pledging to love Him and obey Him.
> what is it like?
Heaven is a place of where we learn, explore, enjoy, and work. In Luke 19.11-27, Jesus tells a parable about "when the kingdom of God appears." Many people believe that he's talking about heaven and hell. In the story, people in "heaven" are rewarded with jobs and responsibility, much like we have here on Earth. Since the book of Revelation describes heaven as being on this Earth (Rev. 21.2), and it describes heaven as a city (Rev. 21.10), it makes sense to me that life in heaven will be filled with productive labor, meaningful activity, great relationships, and lots to do. It certainly won't be sitting around playing harps. Or worse yet, accordions. That would kill any of us. :)
Do you know the difference between a trampoline and an accordion? You have to take your shoes off to jump on a trampoline. :lol:
Watchman Nee wrote, "Heaven is not a place of inactivity, but we shall be called to a greater work." The reward for responsibility is more responsibility. To him who has, more will be given.
Isaiah 65 makes it sound like people will build houses (v. 21) and do work that is productive and fulfilling (23). Zechariah 14.16 makes mention of worship, as does much of Revelation. Matthew 25.14-30 also mentions "I will put you in charge of many things."
In a speculative vein, what if God starts creating again (since it is his nature), and there are more worlds to explore, and new worlds to explore, and every day something new is popping up (since God is infinite in his creative nature) to do, see, and enjoy? It's a fascinating prospect—a God of infinite creative ability letting loose again for our continual enthusiasm and inspiration.
>who is it for?
Heaven is for people who love God and want to enjoy His presence forever.