LIVING ON PURPOSE - Our eternal existence is a reality

We spoke last week about the holy city of God coming down to sit on the earth often referred to as Zion or Mount Zion, Bride of Christ, Tabernacle of God, City of God, City of the Great King, Celestial City, City Foursquare, and Heavenly Jerusalem. After the millennium, many believe this will be the eternal home of believers called heaven. A realm beyond the imagination where God as The eternal Lord and King literally dwells and rules from His throne with His followers forever. Isaiah chapter 65 and second Peter chapter 3 talk about the new heavens and the new earth along with other passages concerning heaven like John chapter 14, Philippians 3, and Hebrews 11.

I realize that many people have their own thoughts about where heaven will be and what will be there, and I admit I’ve had my share of ideas. When I was a kid, I daydreamed of heaven as a place that is trillions of light years beyond the galaxies where we could fly anywhere in the cosmos with unimaginable supernatural abilities. I envisioned communication with telepathy and indescribable ideas related to the mysteries of another dimension. However, when we take a closer look, we notice that we are not traveling a long way to get to heaven, but according to many Bible scholars, heaven is actually coming here. Yes, it will be mesmerizing, but we also notice it will contain familiar things that are similar to what we have now.

We’ve seen pictures of people floating on clouds playing harps, and this eternal lounging sounds nice, but according to the Bible, worship, and singing are not all we will do. I might add that many do not really like to sing or worship now. Many scholars say the scriptures reveal we will have a chance to exercise our gifts and talents in a far greater way than we ever imagined. There will be much to do, and yes, work and responsibility will be a part of it. On earth, our labors are tiresome and frustrating, but in a sinless environment that is free from the curse, not only will we live with a joyful, loving, and patient attitude, but we will have endless strength and excitement. Our lives will be victorious since He is the glorious conquering Lamb of God, and because of His love, we will be anointed and blessed in everything we think and do. The light of His majesty will illuminate heaven as we will never be sick, depressed, disappointed, discouraged or even need to sleep.

A question I receive often is when we die (including all the people that have passed since Adam and Eve), do we go straight to heaven when we die or do we go somewhere to wait for the judgment? This is an excellent study for those who are interested in the subject. The verse in Second Corinthians 5:8 that says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, is commonly used when talking about the moment of our departure. I’ve heard this all my life in context to all saints being instantly with Jesus and it’s technically true. (Actually, I’ve never attended a funeral where the person who passed was not declared to be in the arms of Christ no matter if they were a Christian or not). However, some teachers are convinced that instead of entering God’s abode to see Him face to face, there is a temporary realm called Sheol, or the grave where all spirits wait until after the final resurrection and judgement.

Some say that all believers enjoy a peaceful awareness of God’s presence in what is called Paradise or Abraham’s bosom, and after the resurrection when we are given our new glorified bodies, we will spend eternity in the heaven Jesus promised to prepare. The other compartment of Sheol called Hades is for non-believers who are experiencing this dark and dreadful realm. The lost are awaiting the final judgment where they will be sentenced to spend an eternity in Gehenna or hell without the light, love, and presence of God. We notice when Jesus was on the cross, one man begged that He remember him, and Christ replied, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Do you believe Jesus went to Sheol and preached the good news of His love and forgiveness to those in Paradise and Hades? I would like to know what you think. Psalmz103@gmail.com

Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com