Christian Living

HEAVEN, MANY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
02/02/16
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If you are like me, you probably have a million questions about heaven. And we all may be much like the old Parson's cliché, " Heaven, everybody wants to go there, but nobody wants to die" 

The Bible is very specific in detailing some heavenly facts, while  some others are simply undisclosed. We know, however,  the scripture tells us that the secret things belong to God (Deuteronomy 29:29). The scripture also tells us that we have only been given giving part of the story, in that we will know about it when we get there (1 Cor 13:9-12).

So, let's dive right in, and as always, go straight  to the source, God's Word ( 2 Timothy 3:16).

Where is heaven ? The Bible very definitely speaks of heaven’s existence. The apostle Paul  mentions  the "third heaven" in (2 Cor 12:1-4).  And the Greek word for heaven is “caught up”. (1 thess4:17). So, logically speaking, the universe must have three heavens, with the third heaven being the abode of the God, Jesus and all the saints.   

How big is heaven ? We don't know exactly. It seems that every day science  finds another star or planet. So then, how can we know the size of heaven, if  we are unable to chart the size of the physical universe. We do know that God is infinite and heaven nor earth, can contain Him, as  He has no beginning or end (Psalm 102:27).  What we know for sure is that  heaven is big enough for the  innumerable multitude of saints (Revelation 7:9), and certainly big enough for you and me (John 14:1-6).

How old will we be in heaven ? Will babies be babies. Will the elder be old ? The Bible does not give specifics here. Although, we know we will have a perfect glorified resurrected body (1 Cor 15:35-49).  So, I'll venture a guess. We will be the same age as Jesus, when he died and was caught up to heaven in His resurrected physical body, that being 33 (1 John 3:2).

What will we look like in heaven ?  Will we be thin ? Will be fat ? Will be gorgeous  or ugly. ? We are not actually told what we will look like. We do know , however,  all our sinful  body  alternations will be gone (Romans 5:12). I do feel, however, we will bear a resemblance to our current physical features, and that we will be know, as we are known (1 Cor 13:12). We will be similar to Jesus' resurrection body. We can be touched, and we will eat (Luke 24:37-43). And we will have no time, no space restrictions or physical restrictions (John 20:19).

Will we recognize our loved ones in heaven ? We will absolutely know them, beyond a shadow of a doubt. The best example of this is Jesus himself. For forty days, He appeared to many in  His resurrected body. The rich man recognized Lazarus (Luke 16:24).  And in (Matthew 22:30), Jesus said, "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. This  passage proves a  point. The angels of heaven surely know and recognize each other; some are even mentioned by name in the Bible. Yes, we will have vivid restored memories  of our loved ones.

What will we wear in heaven ? Jesus says the righteous will wear white clothes (Rev 3:4-5,18). The martyrs were mentioned, as having washed their robes, which made them white with the blood of Jesus (Rev. 7:14). The twenty-four  Elders were clothed in white (Revelation 4:4) Then we have a great multitude composed of many racial and geographic groups,  who will be redeemed during the tribulation period, clothed in white robes (Revelation 7:9-10). This is certainly good enough for me, a pure white robe.

Will we experience time in heaven ? Here on earth we are governed by time . God  create time when He created the world (Genesis 1:1) (Genesis 1:31).   This will all change in heaven, as  there are no calendars or clocks in heaven (2 Peter 3:8) (Psalm 90:4). Time, nor seasons, will  be a factor, as heaven will not need the sun or moon to give light. It will be governed by the light of God's eternal glory  (Revelation 21:23) (Revelation 22:5).

I have many loved ones, who have been in heaven for some time now. However, they are still enjoying  their first day (2 Peter 3:8).

What will we be doing in heaven ? One thing for sure, we will not be floating around flapping our wings. Simply put, among all  our other assigned tasks,  we will be learning (Romans 11:34). We will be discovering the hidden treasures of God (Colossians 2:3). God is bigger than forever (Isaiah 57:15)  and it will take an eternity to learn of Him (Ephesians 3:18-19). In other words, we will never stop learning (Matthew 25:34).

Will it be possible to sin in heaven ? Short answer, no!  Nowhere is sin mentioned in the Revelation chapters 21-22).  There is no more sin generated  death, nor sorrow, nor crying or pain Revelation 21:4). The sinful are not in heaven (Revelation 21:8),  and nothing impure will ever enter heaven (Revelation 21:27), or disrupt our "Praise and Worship".  

What about the here and now ?  The old Parson's favorite saying, " I've heard about the "sweet by and by", but what about the  "nasty now and now" ? Yes, what about now ? Mankind  is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), as is our Lord' (1 John 5:6-8). You see, man is a "trichotomy" (a three part being), having a spirit, soul and body (1 Thess 5:23). Nonetheless,  until called home, all believers are subject to mans secular demographics (John 17:14-15). 

Two types individual have inherited the  world, believers and unbelievers. Believers have been transformed from this world's evil system (Ephesians 6:12), where as the unbelievers are still conformed to the worlds sinful dictates (Romans 12:1-2).

 What about the future ? For the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that after death the believer's  soul and spirit is taken to heaven, because their sins are forgiven by having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16, 18, 36). And for the  believer, death means the soul and spirit is immediately in the presents of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8) (Philippians 1:23). Then, at the rapture, (1 Corinthians 15:50-54)  and (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17),  the believers physical body is resurrected and given a glorified body, and will be with Jesus forever more.

What about you, beloved ? Where will you be ? For those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Savior, death means immediate everlasting punishment. In  (Revelation 20:11-15) we see the finality of  the unbelieving dead, being resurrected, judged at the great white throne, and then being cast into the lake of fire forever.  You can, however, escape this terrible punishment. By faith, simply accept God's free grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). The penalty has already been paid (John 3:16-17). Just simply ask Him.

Please also read this nice article on riding the clouds of heaven.

www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=182304