Heaven Our Real Home

[Obadiah]

Although we have confidence in the Creator of Heaven, we're fuzzy on the details. We know all our hopes will be fulfilled in Heaven, but we don't know exactly how God is going to accomplish that. It's like having the travel brochure but no first—hand knowledge of the place we're going.

Among my main questions are:
What will Heaven be like?
What will we be like?
And what will it be like to live outside of time?

It's okay to ask such questions, as long as we understand that we won't have all the answers until we get there.


So, I wonder what your thoughts are about Heaven...

 

[Dizerner]

I think it will look very familiar. This creation is very fallen, but it was the Lord's taste and his design. When you see that picture perfect nature scenery from artists and media, it's like we are trying to take the curse off creation, and see nature's true beauty. And the animal kingdom was also God's original idea as well. How many times I've wanted to just scoop up some little critter. I feel very unspiritual and embarrassed, by my mother and I used to talk about playing mini-golf in heaven, lol. Well, she's gotten a head start on me and played a few rounds already.

But even if heaven is not a focus on games, the idea of fellowship, belonging, and the creative interest of our mind, were all things God created good. Some people may dream about flying like superman, exploring universes, building super-city structures, or exploring new galaxies, and even if this may reflect somewhat our immaturity and lack of development, underneath we desire simply to feel purpose, progress and belonging. The God who imagined imagination itself can certainly be counted on to never have a dull moment or idea, complete with new colors, sounds, sensations and ideas.

Time will certainly still be passing, but knowing there is never any end—it might feel weird in a moment, but so much will be going on to draw our interest away from any distracting thought, it will just be a continual feeling of being alive. And even then, the times in this life I have felt the presence of God tangibly, few though they be, it was a joy and contentment I could get from no other activity, and by doing nothing at all but just sensing God. Just feeling God's presence with nothing else going on, has been the greatest times of happiness in my life, short and futile as it may be.

And we must remember, God has told us of things even greater than we conceive—eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. So shake the presents under the tree as we might, there are some things that will just have to come as a surprise.

So let's make that continued effort to invite as many as we can along with us, and intercede for this lost and dying world.

 

[Duane]

I think it will look very familiar. This creation is very fallen, but it was the Lord's taste and his design. When you see that picture perfect nature scenery from artists and media, it's like we are trying to take the curse off creation, and see nature's true beauty. And the animal kingdom was also God's original idea as well. How many times I've wanted to just scoop up some little critter. I feel very unspiritual and embarrassed, by my mother and I used to talk about playing mini-golf in heaven, lol. Well, she's gotten a head start on me and played a few rounds already.

But even if heaven is not a focus on games, the idea of fellowship, belonging, and the creative interest of our mind, were all things God created good. Some people may dream about flying like superman, exploring universes, building super-city structures, or exploring new galaxies, and even if this may reflect somewhat our immaturity and lack of development, underneath we desire simply to feel purpose, progress and belonging. The God who imagined imagination itself can certainly be counted on to never have a dull moment or idea, complete with new colors, sounds, sensations and ideas.

Time will certainly still be passing, but knowing there is never any end—it might feel weird in a moment, but so much will be going on to draw our interest away from any distracting thought, it will just be a continual feeling of being alive. And even then, the times in this life I have felt the presence of God tangibly, few though they be, it was a joy and contentment I could get from no other activity, and by doing nothing at all but just sensing God. Just feeling God's presence with nothing else going on, has been the greatest times of happiness in my life, short and futile as it may be.

And we must remember, God has told us of things even greater than we conceive—eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. So shake the presents under the tree as we might, there are some things that will just have to come as a surprise.

So let's make that continued effort to invite as many as we can along with us, and intercede for this lost and dying world.

Man, that is the best thoughts I have ever heard about Heaven. Sometimes we make Heaven sound somewhat boring—sitting around playing harps and floating around on clouds—when in reality it will be incredible.

 

[civic]

Heaven will be out temporary home until the new heavens and new earth are created. Then we will be in that Holy City the New Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven to this earth.

In Revelation 21:1, John sees something spectacular: “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” This new earth and new heaven are sometimes referred to as the “eternal state.” As seen in Revelation chapters 21—22, the new earth will be the eternal dwelling place of believers in Jesus Christ. Scripture gives us a few details of the new heaven and new earth.

The current heaven and earth have long been subject to God’s curse because of mankind’s sin. All creation “has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth” (Romans 8:22) as it awaits the fulfillment of God’s plan and “the children of God to be revealed” (verse 19). Heaven and earth will pass away (Mark 13:31), and they will be replaced by the new heaven and the new earth. At that time, the Lord, seated on His throne, says, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5). In the new creation, sin will be totally eradicated, and “there shall be no more curse” (Revelation 22:3, NKJV).

The new heaven and new earth are also mentioned in Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; and 2 Peter 3:13. Peter says that the new heaven and new earth will be “where righteousness dwells.” Isaiah says that “the former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” Things will be completely new, and the old order of things, with the accompanying sorrow and tragedy, will be gone.

The new earth will be free from sin, evil, sickness, suffering, and death. It will be earth as God originally intended it to be, prior to the curse of sin. It will be Eden restored.

A major feature of the new earth will be the New Jerusalem. John calls it “the Holy City . . . coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). This glorious city, with its streets of gold and pearly gates, is situated on a new, glorious earth. The tree of life will be there (Revelation 22:2). This city represents the final state of redeemed mankind, forever in fellowship with God: “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. . . . His servants will serve him. They will see his face” (Revelation 21:3; 22:3–4).

In the new heaven and new earth, Scripture says, there are seven things notable for their absence—seven things that are “no more”:
• no more sea (Revelation 21:1)
• no more death (Revelation 21:4)
• no more mourning (Revelation 21:4)
• no more weeping (Revelation 21:4)
• no more pain (Revelation 21:4)
• no more curse (Revelation 22:3)
• no more night (Revelation 22:5)

The creation of the new heaven and new earth brings the promise that God “will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4). This event comes after the tribulation, after the Lord’s second coming, after the millennial kingdom, after the final rebellion, after the final judgment of Satan, and after the great white throne judgment. The brief description of the new heaven and new earth is the last glimpse into eternity that the Bible gives.got?

hope this helps !!!

 

[Duane]

Heaven will be out temporary home until the new heavens and new earth are created. Then we will be in that Holy City the New Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven to this earth.

In Revelation 21:1, John sees something spectacular: “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” This new earth and new heaven are sometimes referred to as the “eternal state.” As seen in Revelation chapters 21—22, the new earth will be the eternal dwelling place of believers in Jesus Christ. Scripture gives us a few details of the new heaven and new earth.

The current heaven and earth have long been subject to God’s curse because of mankind’s sin. All creation “has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth” (Romans 8:22) as it awaits the fulfillment of God’s plan and “the children of God to be revealed” (verse 19). Heaven and earth will pass away (Mark 13:31), and they will be replaced by the new heaven and the new earth. At that time, the Lord, seated on His throne, says, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5). In the new creation, sin will be totally eradicated, and “there shall be no more curse” (Revelation 22:3, NKJV).

The new heaven and new earth are also mentioned in Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; and 2 Peter 3:13. Peter says that the new heaven and new earth will be “where righteousness dwells.” Isaiah says that “the former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” Things will be completely new, and the old order of things, with the accompanying sorrow and tragedy, will be gone.

The new earth will be free from sin, evil, sickness, suffering, and death. It will be earth as God originally intended it to be, prior to the curse of sin. It will be Eden restored.

A major feature of the new earth will be the New Jerusalem. John calls it “the Holy City . . . coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). This glorious city, with its streets of gold and pearly gates, is situated on a new, glorious earth. The tree of life will be there (Revelation 22:2). This city represents the final state of redeemed mankind, forever in fellowship with God: “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. . . . His servants will serve him. They will see his face” (Revelation 21:3; 22:3–4).

In the new heaven and new earth, Scripture says, there are seven things notable for their absence—seven things that are “no more”:
• no more sea (Revelation 21:1)
• no more death (Revelation 21:4)
• no more mourning (Revelation 21:4)
• no more weeping (Revelation 21:4)
• no more pain (Revelation 21:4)
• no more curse (Revelation 22:3)
• no more night (Revelation 22:5)

The creation of the new heaven and new earth brings the promise that God “will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4). This event comes after the tribulation, after the Lord’s second coming, after the millennial kingdom, after the final rebellion, after the final judgment of Satan, and after the great white throne judgment. The brief description of the new heaven and new earth is the last glimpse into eternity that the Bible gives.got?

hope this helps !!!

• no more sea (Revelation 21:1)

Bummer I wanted to go surfing since it's been 50 years or so since I've caught any waves. When I surfed we only had long boards not like the boards today.

But they offered a smooth glide, effortless trim, and nose-riding style on everything from ankle slappers to head-high peelers.

 

[mikesw]

I tend to figure we will be resurrected to the earth. The sense to remember is that God has much grander benefits in him that we could imagine. So we would not be bothered if it is not a permanent destination to be in the heavens. Part of the reason to expect our destination as being back to earth is of the fact that all was good in the initial creation. Another is that we remain as creation which also can imply an efficiency of keeping us in the created realm. We already know that the world was saved twice from destruction. The first was with the Noahic flood. The second was through Jesus, as found in John 3:17. He saved the kosmos, which is distinct from saying oikoumenē, which means inhabited earth (John seems to use kosmos exclusively though). Kosmos can refer to the whole world or the universe. It is said to replace the Hebrew phrase "heaven and earth" (which also can mean sky and land).

There are few passages that seem to refer to heaven as our destination. There also are few that speak of our destination as the earth -- such as Matt 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (or land)."

 

[mikesw]

• no more sea (Revelation 21:1)

Bummer I wanted to go surfing since it's been 50 years or so since I've caught any waves. When I surfed we only had long boards not like the boards today.

But they offered a smooth glide, effortless trim, and nose-riding style on everything from ankle slappers to head-high peelers.

The good news is that the mention of "sea" refers to gentile nations that cause disruption. There is no more outsider nation in that sense anymore.
It is interesting of the possibility of gaining more land back on earth. Who know? But God will bring forth blessing to us beyond our imagination.

 

[Wholeheart]

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way where I am going.”
John 14:1–4.

With Jesus as our Lord and Savior we will indeed live happily ever after!

By God’s grace, I know that what awaits me in His presence, for all eternity, is something so magnificent it takes my breath away just think about it...

Job tells us: “In my flesh I will see God; . . . I, and not another”

26 and after my skin has been thus destroyed,
then from my flesh I shall see God,

27 whom I shall see on my side,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
Job 19:26–27.

The prospect of seeing God eclipsed all of Job’s heartaches. Surely it can eclipse yours and mine. Our ship of happiness may not come in today—but it will certainly come in. Meanwhile, laying claim to Christ’s bought-and-paid-for happiness brings us joy today.

 

[Rowan]

Scripture reveals that the present heavens and earth will one day pass away. Why will God destroy the present earth and heavens? We find the answer in the Genesis account. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve sinned against God, and God subsequently placed a curse on the earth.

17 And to Adam He said, Because you have listened and given heed to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it, the ground is under a curse because of you; in sorrow and toil shall you eat [of the fruits] of it all the days of your life.
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth for you, and you shall eat the plants of the field.
Genesis 3:17-18

Before God’s eternal kingdom can happen, God must remove all trace of sin and darkness from this present creation. A world dominated by sin and darkness will give way to a world filled with holiness and light. This is what will happen when God creates new heavens and a new earth.

 

[Overjoyed]

Scripture reveals that the present heavens and earth will one day pass away. Why will God destroy the present earth and heavens? We find the answer in the Genesis account. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve sinned against God, and God subsequently placed a curse on the earth.

17 And to Adam He said, Because you have listened and given heed to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it, the ground is under a curse because of you; in sorrow and toil shall you eat [of the fruits] of it all the days of your life.
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth for you, and you shall eat the plants of the field.
Genesis 3:17-18

Before God’s eternal kingdom can happen, God must remove all trace of sin and darkness from this present creation. A world dominated by sin and darkness will give way to a world filled with holiness and light. This is what will happen when God creates new heavens and a new earth.

That's how I see it also

Once the physical universe is cleansed and God creates new heavens and a new earth, all traces of the original curse and Satan’s presence will be utterly and forever removed. There will be a massive environmental change. We will instantly transition from an environment of pain, suffering, darkness, and death to a new environment of God-focused blessedness.

We will all love each other and help each other. There will be no headlines like we see today. We will have trust and understanding.

And the big one... no more war.

No crime, no mental diseases, no hunger and no more sorrow.

I'm ready to start packing. But for now I'll abide in Christ.

So what do we do?

1. “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Every time you start to fill the longing in your soul with something on earth, put that thought in prison. Lock it up and don’t let it roam free in your mind where it can only wreak havoc.
2. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). You have been buried and raised with Christ. You have a future guaranteed for you. A glorious future that cannot be taken away.
3. Find Christian community. I’m not living in some rose-colored glasses world. I know you still have heartache, illness, pain, and sadness. These are all real sufferings in a broken world. But if you try to navigate this world without support, you will feel more and more alone. Find a group of believers that you can pray for, laugh with, grow with, confess to, and encourage.
4. Tell others about the hope that you have. For people who don’t believe in Jesus, it will only get worse. Take the time you have left in this world to offer hope in the middle of hopelessness. Maybe they will listen; maybe they won’t. But speak the truth and let the Holy Spirit work in their hearts.